Transporting items
Driving notes
ClJl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stowing items of luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Stowing cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Buckle straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Ratchet straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Driving with an open tailgate or open wing doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Driving a loaded vehicle .... 130
Always secure the load transported in the luggage compartment or load compartment, on the roof car-rier, on the load surface or trailer. Always use suita-ble securing straps with the fastening rings to se-cure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's max-imum payload. Both the payload and the distribu-tion of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance &.
Using securing straps
• Follow the instructions for the securing straps.
• Observe specifications for maximum load rat-ing.
• The securing straps must be long enough for the item you wish to secure.
Damaged securing straps
Never use the securing straps if:
• Damage to the warp and weft of the webbing (cuts or fraying) accounts for more than 10% of the webbing.
• The seams are damaged.
• The webbing is deformed by friction or heat.
• The securing straps are cracked, especially if cracked across the strap, or if the straps have notches.
• The securing straps have splits or corrosion damage.
• There is damage to the tightening device and connection elements.
Additional information and warnings:
• Tailgate 49
• Wing doors 52
• Lights 106
• Luggage compartment 130
• Roof carrier 137
• Towing a trailer 139
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Vehicle weight and axle weight rating 450
A WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeu-vre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the airbag when activa-ted and then flung through the vehicle interi-or. To reduce the risk of accidents, please ob-serve the following guidelines:
• Always stow all objects in the vehicle se· curely.
• Always use suitable straps to prevent ob-jects entering the deployment zones of the curtain alrbag, the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
• Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior In such a way that they can never en-ter the alrbag deployment zones while the ve-hicle is In motion.
• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is In motion.
• The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF 'Ji; must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
• Stowed objects must never cause passen-gers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
• If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.
A WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi-cle driving characteristics and increases the braking distance. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause se-rious injury. .,..
Transporting items 125
Additional information and warnings:
• Airbag system =:.page 87
• Lights =:.page 106
• Transporting =:.page 125
• Towing a trailer=> page 139
• Luggage net, California =>page 192
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
A WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or is not being supervised, always lock the doors and tail-gate to reduce the risk of severe or fatal inju-ries.
• Never leave children unattended, especial-ly when the tailgate is open. Children could make their way into the luggage compart-ment, close the tailgate and be unable to get out. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
• Never let children play in or around the ve-hicle.
• Do not travel with people in the luggage compartment.
A WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured Incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeu-vre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the alrbag when activa-ted and then flung through the vehicle interi-or. To reduce the risk of accidents, please ob-serve the following guidelines:
• Always stow all objects In the vehicle se· curely. Always stow luggage and heavy ob-jects in the luggage compartment.
• Always use suitable straps to prevent lug-gage from being thrown through the vehicle Interior and entering the deployment zones of
A WARNING (Continued)
the curtain alrbag, the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is In motion.
• Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp ob· jects loose in any of the vehicle's open stow-age areas, on the luggage compartment cov-er or on the dash panel.
• Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags Inside the vehicle and stow them securely.
A WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi-cle's handling and increases the braking dis-tance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
• The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
• Always secure heavy objects In the lug-gage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
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Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m Always ensure that the venlilalion openings L!J between the rear window and the stowage area are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
• Lights 106
• Transporting 125
• Driving with respect for the environment 278
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A wARNING
When transporting heavy or bulky objects in the roof carrier, the vehicle's handling will change due to a shift in the centre of gravity and an increased susceptibility to cross-winds.
• Always secure loads properly using suita-ble and undamaged securing straps.
• Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle aerodynamics, centre of gravity and overall handling.
Attaching the mounts and roof carrier
r-Y'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.JJ information and safety warnings &. on page 137.
Your vehicle has special roof rails on the right and left for fitting the mounts. Therefore, standard roof carriers cannot be used. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using only mounts and roof carriers that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The mounts are the basis of a complete roof carrier system. Special fixtures must then be added to transport luggage, bicycles, skis, surfboards or boats safely on the roof. All components of this system are available at a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership.
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly according to instructions and should be kept with the vehicle wallet.
138 I Before the journey
A WARNING (Continued)
• Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
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• Always remove the roof carrier before driv-ing through an automatic car wash.
• The height of the vehicle is changed by the installation of a carrier system and the load se-cured to it. Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g. for un-derpasses and garage doors.
• The roof carrier system and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the sliding/tilting roof and tallgate. The roof aerial must also remain unaffected.
• When opening the tallgate, take care not to let it hit the roof load.
Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase W air resistance and thus increase fuel con-sumption.
Incorrectly attaching the mounts and roof carrier, and using them Inappropriately, can cause the whole system to fail off the roof. This can cause accidents and injuries.
• Always observe the manufacturer's in-structions.
• Only use mounts and roof carriers when they are undamaged and fitted correctly.
• Fit mounts and roof carriers correctly.
• Check the bolts and anchorage points be-fore starting your journey and adjust as nec-essary after driving a short distance. During a long trip, check ail bolts and fasteners at each stop.
• Special fixtures for items such as bicy-cles, skis, surfboards, etc. should always be properly Installed.
• Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the mounts and roof carrier.
W Read and observe the instructions provided L!J for the fitted roof carrier system and carry them in the vehicle at all times.
In low temperatures, fit winter tyres to both the ve-hicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The drawbar load is the weight that the towing bracket exerts on the ball coupling vertically from above. The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling of the tow-ing bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
The figures for the draw bar weights that are given on the type plate of the towing bracket are for cer-tification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be lower than these fig-ures, are given in the vehicle registration docu-ments. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data &.
In the interest of road safety, Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles recommends that you always trans-port the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a re-sult.
Vehicles with starUstop system
• If a factory-fitted towing bracket or a towing bracket retro-fitted by Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles is used, the Start/Stop system remains ac-tive when towing a trailer 283.
• If towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are used, the StarUStop system must be switched off manually using the button in the dash panel before you start towing a trailer and must remain switched off as long as a trailer is being towed &.
Tachograph
For vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating, in-cluding trailer exceeds 3,500 kg, and those used commercially to transport goods, use of a tacho-graph is required by law. This is irrespective of whether the vehicle or the trailer or both are used for commercial transportation of goods.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views 5
• Lights 106
• Tachograph 172
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Driving with respect for the environment 278
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
140 Before the journey
• Maximum permitted trailer weights =>page 450
• Maximum permitted gross combination weight rating =>page 450
A WARNING
it is dangerous to transport people In a trailer and it may also be illegal.
A WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause Injury and accidents.
• Only use the towing bracket if it Is fitted properly and Is not damaged.
• Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.
• To reduce the risk of Injury In rear-end col· lis ions, and to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle Is parked, always remove the ball coupling when a trailer Is not being used.
• Never Install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The vehicle Is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can fall, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehl· cl e.
A WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky Items can change the way the vehicle's handling. This can lead to accidents.
• Always secure loads properly using suita-ble and undamaged securing straps.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of gravity.
• Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
• Take special care when overtaking.
• Reduce your speed Immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snak-Ing.
• Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 m ph) when towing a trailer or 100 km/h (62 mph) In exceptional cases. This also applies to coun-tries where higher speeds are permitted. AI· ways obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers. .,.
Key to diagram Fig. 114:
Pin Meaning
8 Reversing light
9 Permanent live
10 Charging cable plus
11 Earth pin 10, charging cable
12 Not assigned
13 Earth pin 9, permanent live
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connec-tion between the towing vehicle and the trailer. When the engine is running, electrical consumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage (charging ca-ble) via the electrical connection (pin 10 of the trail-er socket). If required, the charging cable charges the caravan's battery.
When a trailer is electrically detected, electrical consumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage (permanent live) via the electrical connection (pin 9). Permanent live supplies a trailer's interior lighting for example. Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with voltage on-ly when the engine is running (pin 1 0).
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11 and 13).
If the trailer has a 7 -pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 (charging cable) is then without function.
Emergency breakaway cable
Always fasten the trailer's emergency breakaway cable properly to the towing vehicle. Leave enough slack in the emergency breakaway cable so that the vehicle can still drive around corners. However the emergency breakaway cable should not drag along the ground while you are driving.
Trailer rear lights
Ensure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the maxi-mum power consumption for the trailer 142.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
• When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
• When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
• When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be trig-gered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a trailer is being hitched or unhitched. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
Trailer with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm sys-tem.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not trig-gered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
A WARNING
Any electrical cables that are not connected properly could cause a power surge to the trailer. This could cause faults tn the entire vehicle electronics system and also lead to accidents and serious Injuries.
• All work on the electric system should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical sys-tem directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other sources of electrici-ty.
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If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there is damage to the tyres. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehi-cle and trailer.
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Maximum power consumption of the trailer should not be exceeded. Otherwise, the vehicle electrical system could be damaged.
m If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer elec-L.:!.J trical systems or in the anti-theft alarm, have the systems checked by a qualified workshop.
m If the engine is not running and electrical L.:!.J equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer socket, the vehicle battery will discharge. .,.
Transporting Items 145
Things to note when driving with a trailer
• If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will pre-vent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
• The combination weight causes the braking dis-tance to increase.
• Select a low gear before driving down a slope. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.
• The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trail-er load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
• The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Tachograph
In most European countries, a tachograph has to be installed in the vehicle and used if the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle and trailer is over 3,500 kg.
• Observe the legal requirements governing the use of tachographs.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope, de-pending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal.
• Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
• Select first gear or D =:o page 260, Changing gears.
Trailer stabilisation
r-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
The trailer stabilisation function can de-
tect if an attached trailer is starting to
lurch from side to side and can provide
countersteer.
• Unlock hand brake and carefully release while holding down lock button. At the same time, gently depress the accelerator and, in a manual vehicle, release the clutch pedal, until you feel the vehicle moving forwards. If necessary, read the notes on the Hill Hold Assist function =:o page 282, Pull-away assist systems.
• Only let go of the handbrake lever when the en-gine has sufficient power to move off.
• Pull away slowly.
A WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of ve-hicle control and serious personal injury.
• Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the braking distance.
• Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
• Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking ma-noeuvres.
• Take special care when overtaking. Re-duce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
• Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.
If, however, the effects of this snaking on the vehi-cle are detected via the ESC control unit, the vehi-cle is braked automatically by the ESC in order to stabilise the trailer. In this case the ABS indicator lamp flashes .,.
Transporting items 1147
• Vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating, in-cluding trailer exceeds 3,500 kg, if the vehicle is used commercially to transport goods. This is irre-spective of whether the vehicle or the trailer or both are used for commercial transportation of goods.
• Vehicles which are built and fitted for the pur-pose of carrying more than 9 persons, including the driver.
Checking the tachograph
The tachograph must be checked by the manufac-turer or an authorised workshop if any of the fol-lowing occurs, either in isolation or as a combina-tion:
Digital voice enhancement
ClJJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Using the digital voice enhancement . . . . . . . . 173
The digital voice enhancement (DVE) enables all vehicle occupants to hear each other clearly, even at high speeds. The driver can communicate with the occupants in the passenger compartment with out having to turn around or speak loudly.
The voice signals from the driver are recorded via a microphone in the headliner. Then, the signals are amplified and mixed with the radio or media
Using the digital voice enhancement
Fig. 135 In the display of the radio or radio/navi-gation system: function button for calling up the digital voice enhancement.
• If the tachograph is repaired.
• If you are not able to correct a problem your-self.
• If you have changed a wheel.
• At least every 2 years.
Additional information and warnings:
• Booklet Radio, provision for mobile tele-phone, infotainment system, navigation system
Fig. 136 Slide control for switching on and off or
Practical equipment 1173
Checklist (Continued)
-Insurance documents
-Camping and travel guides
./ Inform yourself about the peculiarities of any foreign country you plan to visit, such as driving speed limits and required papers .
./ Check the cooking gas supply and change the bottle if necessary.
Actions to take during thunderstorms
ro First read and observe the introductory information given on page 252.
Checklist
Take the following actions before an impending storm:
./ Close the pop-up roof .
./ Retract the awning completely.
Winter conditions
r-f"'n First read and observe the introductory information given on page 252.
When parked at a camping site
• Engage a gear and place chocks against the wheels to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
• Release the handbrake so that it does not freeze.
• Do not lay power cables on the ground as they could freeze to the ground.
• Keep the ground under the vehicle free of ob-structions so that the exhaust from the supplemen-tary heating system can escape.
Ventilation
High humidity levels in the vehicle can be reduced by using a commercially available fan.
Cleaning cupboards, cooker and sink
r-f"'n First read and observe the Introductory L-la.U Information given on page 252.
Cleaning the cupboards
Clean the surfaces of the kitchen unit and cup-boards with commercially available non-abrasive cleaning agents =>
./ Drain the waste water tank.
./ Check the vehicle toolkit.
./ Take a mains cable and cable reel on board so you can use the 230-volt electrical feed.
./ Disconnect the 230-volt electrical feed.
./ Wait out the storm while remaining inside the vehicle.
Additional information:
• Read and observe the information under the in-dex keyword "Winter conditions".
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In very cold weather the fresh and waste water systems should be emptied to prevent them from becoming damaged If the vehicle Is not to be kept heated continuously or Is only to be