2018 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER towing

A WARNING (Continued)
• Always keep the wing doors closed while the vehicle is moving so that no poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle Interior.
• Close and lock the wing doors and all ve-hicle doors when the vehicle is not in use. Make sure there Is no-one left In the vehicle.
• Never leave children playing unattended In or around the vehicle, especially when the wing doors are open. Children could climb In-to the luggage compartment and shut the wing doors, thereby trapping themselves In-side. Temperatures Inside a locked vehicle may reach extremes of heat or cold, accord-Ing to season. This can cause serious Inju-ries and Illness or fatalities, especially to small children.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle when the doors are locked. This may mean that these people lock themselves In the vehicle. They could become trapped In the vehicle In an emergency and may not be able to get them-
Warning lamp
A WARNING (Continued)
selves to safety. People locked In the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
A WARNING
A wing door which Is being held open by the door arrester may close In strong winds or if the vehicle is on a slope. This could lead to Injuries.
• Always keep a good grip on the handle when opening and closing the wing doors.
CD
Before opening the wing doors, please check that there Is enough space to open and close the wing doors, e.g. when towing a trailer or when In a garage. [QJ First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 52.
Lit up Possible cause
The wing doors are open or not property C) closed.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
A warning lamp oC;j appears in the instrument clus· ter display if the wing doors are open or not prop-erly closed.
Symbols may be displayed in the instrument dus-ter instead of warning lamps, depending on the ve-hicle's equipment level. These symbols are also visible when the ignition is switched off. The dis· play will go out approximately 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.
Opening the wing doors
r'l""n First read and observe the introductory L-Jc.LI information and safety warnings & on page 52.
Solution
not drive on I Open and then close the wing doors.
A WARNING
Wing doors which are not closed properly could open suddenly while the vehicle Is In motion. This could lead to severe Injuries.
• Stop as soon as possible and close the wing doors.
• After closing the wing doors, always
Lc.:..h.:..e.:..c.:..k_t.:..h_a_t _it_is_.!.,p_ro_:p_e_r..!.ly.:..s_e_c_u_r_ed_. ____ __j The left-hand wing door must always be opened
Opening and closing

@ Main beam headlights switched on &. The indicator lamp m in the instrument cluster lights up.
Pull the lever briefly in the direction of the ar-row @to switch off the main beam headlights.
@ Operate headlight flasher. The headlight flash-er comes on for as long as the lever is pulled. The indicator lamp ID lights up.
Lane change flash
To operate the lane change flash, push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal flashes three times.
This lane change flash function can be deactivated at a qualified workshop.
A WARNING
Incorrect use of turn signals, a failure to use turn signals, or forgetting to switch off a turn signal can confuse other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious Injuries.
Switching lights on and off
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always activate the turn signal In good time when changing lanes and performing overtaking or turning manoeuvres.
• Always switch off the turn signal once the lane change or overtaking or turning ma-noeuvre has been completed.
A WARNING
Incorrect use of the main beam headlights can lead to accidents and serious Injuries as the main beam headlights can distract and dazzle other road users.
m The turn signal will only work when the igni-m lion is switched on. The hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off 411.
m If one turn signal fails on the vehicle or on the m trailer, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
m The main beam headlights can only be m switched on if the dipped beam headlights are already on. Fig. 86 Next to the steering wheel: examples of the various light switches.
l"'""'rT1 First read and observe the Introductory L--J,::.,U information and safety warnings & on page 106.
Observe any country-specific regulations when us-ing vehicle lighting.
1081 Before the; journey
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket 139, the vehicle's rear fog lights are switched off automatically if a trailer with rear fog lights is electrically connected to the vehicle. .,.

Fig. 87 Next to the steering wheel: control for in-strument and switch lighting as well as headlight range control
,....-('n First read and observe the Introductory l-Jo:-1.1 information and safety warnings & on page 106.
CD Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on. the bright-ness of the instruments and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the control =>Fig. 87 Q).
0 Headlight range control
Depending on what level it is set to. the headlight range control ® adjusts the position of the light cones in the headlights according to the load that the vehicle is carrying. This gives the driver the best visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be dazzled => &.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dip-ped beam headlights are switched on.
To adjust, turn the control® to:
Setting Vehicle load level3l
Front seats occupied and light lug-gage in the vehicle.
Several seats occupied and light lug-gage in the vehicle.
All seats occupied and luggage com-2 partment fully loaded. Towing a trailer with a low drawbar load.
Front seats occupied and luggage 3 compartment fully loaded. Towing a trailer with maximum drawbar load.
•l If you have different loads, you can select a position be-;:j tween the settings. :::;; a: "'
Dynamic headlight range control
There is no control ® for headlight range if the ve-hicle has dynamic headlight control. The headlight range is automatically ad a pled to suit the vehicle load level as soon as the headlights are switched on=>&.
,A WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious Injuries.
• The light cone should always be adjusted to the load level of the vehicle to ensure that other road users are not dazzled.
,A WARNING
Failure or malfunction in the dynamic head-light range control can cause the headlights to dazzle or distract other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
• Go to a qualified workshop to have the headlight range control checked immediately.
Lights and vision 113

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

A WARNING (Continued)
• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
• The load should be distributed as evenly and low as possible In the vehicle.
• Always secure heavy objects in the lug-gage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
A WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly If large or heavy objects are being transported.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Accelerate carefully and gently .
• Avoid sudden braking and driving ma-noeuvres.
• Brake earlier than in normal driving.
A WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip In the event of a braking manoeuvre or ac-cident. This could cause objects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fa-tal injuries.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Attach securing straps securely to the fas-tening rings.
• Never load the securing straps in excess of the load rating.
A wARNING
Securing straps, if used incorrectly, may get detached in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident. This could cause ob-jects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Stowing items of luggage
1'"'1'11 First read and observe the introductory L-.lr::.U information and safety warnings & on page 125. .,..
1261 Before the journey
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never fix securing straps between the fas-tening rings In the side panel and the fasten-ing rings in the vehicle floor.
• Never fix securing straps between oppo-site side walls.
• Observe the Information on the side trim panels.
A WARNING
Incorrect use of fastening rings can cause se-vere or fatal accidents.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Attach securing straps securely to the fas-tening rings.
• loose objects in the vehicle can suddenly slide and change the way the vehicle han-dles.
• Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
• Small and light objects should also be se-cured.
• Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
• Rotating single seats must always be turned In the direction of travel If a load is se-cured behind this seat using fastening rings.
• Never use elastic straps or nets to tie down loads.
• Distribute the load on the fastening rings evenly.
• Ensure that the load retains its form and position once it has been secured. Use stable packaging and anti-slip floor surfacing for your load.
m Suitable fastening belts and luggage stowage L!.J systems are available from a qualified work-shop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends using a Voikswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.

Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
• Distribute items in the vehicle, on the roof and on the trailer as evenly as possible.
• Place heavy objects as far forward in the lug-gage compartment as possible. Position the rear seat backrests securely in the upright position.
• Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps 130.
• Adjust the headlight range 106.
• Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehi-cle load. Adhere to the tyre pressure plate 367.
• In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary 318.
Stowing cargo
r-111 First read and observe the introductory L-l=:.LI information and safety warnings & on page 125.
Stow the load securely in the vehicle or on the load surface
• Before loading the vehicle, place a sturdy mat or similar cover flush with the vehicle floor. Where necessary, do not cover protruding parts of the ve-hicle floor.
• If necessary, remove the seats to increase the load area.
• The vehicle floor must be free of oil and dust, dry and fully clean in order to help prevent the load from sliding.
• Observe gross axle weight ratings and the gross vehicle weight rating.
• Distribute items in the vehicle, on the load sur-face, on the roof and on the trailer as evenly as possible.
• Stow heavy objects directly on the floor and above or in front of the rear axle and engage the rear seat backrests securely in an upright position.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m • Observe any information concerning the l!J loading of a trailer 139 .
• Observe any information concerning the load-ing of a roof carrier 137. • Avoid overloading small areas of the vehicle floor.
• Protect the seat rails or seat anchor points from damage.
• Secure luggage with suitable securing straps on the fastening rings 130.
• Adjust the headlight range 106.
• Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehi-cle load. Adhere to the tyre pressure plate 367.
• In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary 318.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m • Observe any information concerning the l!J loading of a trailer =>page 139 .
• Observe any information concerning the load-ing of a roof carrier =>page 137 . Transporting items 127

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.
CD
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. Transporting items 131

Loading the roof carrier
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-l.:.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 137.
Loads can only be attached securely when the roof carrier system is fitted correctly &.
Maximum permissible roof load
The maximum permissible roof load for vehicles with a normal roof is 150 kg and for vehicles with a pop-up roof it is 50 kg. The roof load limit refers to the combined weight of the roof carrier and the load carried on the roof &.
Each mount can bear a maximum load of 50 kg if the weight of the load is evenly distributed over the entire length of the mount.
Ensure that you know the weight of the roof rack and the items to be transported on the roof, and weigh them if necessary. Never exceed the maxi-mum permissible roof load.
However, you will not be able to carry the maxi-mum roof load if you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating. In this instance, do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof carrier. This weight limit is listed in the fitting instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly
Checking the fittings
After the mounts and roof carrier have been at-tached, check the bolted connections and fasten-ings once you have travelled a short distance and then at regular intervals.
Towing a trailer
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . 141 Fitting the removable ball coupling 142
Removing the ball coupling . . . . . . . . . 144
Hitching and connecting the trailer . . . 144 Loading the trailer . . . . . . . . . .. . . 146 Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Trailer stabilisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Retrofitting a towing bracket............... 149
A WARNING
Accidents and vehicle damage can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is excee-ded.
• Never exceed the quoted roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehi-cle.
• Do not exceed the weight rating of the roof carrier, even if the maximum roof load has not been reached.
• Secure heavy objects as far forwards as possible and distribute the load evenly.
A WARNING
Loose and Incorrectly secured loads can fall off the roof carrier and cause accidents and injuries.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Secure loads properly.
Take care not to let the tailgate strike the roof load when open. Risk of damage to the vehicle. Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a towing bracket.
The additional load will affect the durability, fuel consumption and performance of the vehicle and, in certain circumstances, could shorten the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased concen-tration on the part of the driver.
Transporting items 139