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
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
• The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
• ESC is active. The indicator lamp in the in-strument cluster is not lit up.
• The trailer is electrically connected to the tow-ing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
• The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
• The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
• Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
A WARNING
De not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
1481 Before the JOUrney
A WARNING (Continued)
• Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
• Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
A wARNING
The trailer stabillsation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
• Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation func-tion and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
• A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehi-cle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation system.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
• Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically In extreme driving situations If the trailer socket Is being used without a trail-er (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 115 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
r-1"'11 First read and observe the Introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 139.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Electronic compo-
nents also have to be retro-fitted and, for example, the cooling system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. For this and other work, specialist knowledge and tools are re-quired.
=>Fig. 115 shows the dimensions and attachment points which must be observed if you have a tow-ing bracket retro-fitted. Always observe the mini-mum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling to the surface of the road. This also ap-plies when the vehicle Is fully laden, including max-imum drawbar load.
The attachment points ® are underneath the vehi-cle.
The trailer stabilisation system can be activated if a towing bracket is retrofitted, provided compatible electronic components are fitted. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
A WARNING
Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause faults In the entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical sys-tem directly to the electrical connections of the tall lights or to other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may be used to connect the trailer.
• A towing bracket should be retrofitted to the vehicle by a qualified workshop.
A WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket Is unsuit-able or Incorrectly fitted. This can cause seri-ous accidents and fatal injuries.
r::l Only use towing brackets which have been W approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles for your vehicle type.
Practical equipment
Stowage area
o::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stowage compartments on the dash panel . . 151 Stowage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Other stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Only use stowage compartments to stow light or smaller objects.
A factory-fitted AUX-IN socket or the USB sock-may be located in the storage compartment on the front passenger side =>Booklet Radio, provi-sion for mobile telephone, infotainment system, navigation system.
Additional information and warnings:
• Seat functions, front => page 69
• Seat functions, rear =>page 72
• Stowage =>page 150
• Drink holder => page 153
• Central table =>page 155
• Seat functions, rear. Business =>page 182
• Seat functions, rear, California =>page 193
• Cleaning and caring for the interior =>page 388
A WARNING
Loose objects may be flung through the vehi-cle Interior In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre. This can cause serious injury and can also lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
• Do not stow any pets or any hard, heavy or sharp objects In the vehicle's open stow-age areas, on the dash panel, on the shelf be-hind the rear seats, or in items of clothing and bags in the vehicle Interior.
• Store any objects in open stowage com-partments in such a way that they do not project over the edges of the stowage com-partment.
• Always keep stowage compartments with a lid closed while the vehicle is in motion.
150 I Before the journey
A WARNING
External devices in the vehicle that are not properly secured can be flung though the in-terior and cause Injuries, if there is a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or in the event of an accident.
• You should never position or attach an ex-ternal device on a door, on the windscreen or above or near to the areas marked "AIRBAG" on the steering wheel, the dash panel and the seat backrests, or between these areas and the vehicle occupants. External devices can cause serious Injury in an accident, especial-ly when the alrbags deploy.
A WARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder ped-al operation. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
• Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
• The foot mats must always be properly se-cured in the footwell.
• No additional foot mats or other floor cov-erings should be placed over the fitted foot mat.
• Ensure that no objects can enter the driv-er footwell while the vehicle Is in motion.
• If there are any objects in the footwell, re-move them when the vehicle is parked.
A WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to serious burns and other Injuries.
• Before adjusting the seats always make sure that there Is no lighter on or near the moveable parts of the seat.
• Before closing stowage areas or compart-ments always ensure that there Is no lighter in the way. 11>
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never stow lighters in stowage areas or compartments or on other surfaces In the ve-hicle. Cigarette lighters may self-Ignite on high-temperature surfaces, especially in sum-mer.
CD
• Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element In the rear win-dow and cause damage.
• Objects stored In the vehicle that are made from transparent materials, such as glasses, magnifying glasses or transparent suction cups on the windows, can concentrate the sun's rays and thus cause damage to the vehi-cle.
r:F1 Always ensure that the ventilation openings W between the rear window and the stowage area are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle.
r('n First read and observe the introductory L-Jc.lJ information and safety warnings.& on page 150.
There is a stowage compartment in the centre con-sole, which. depending on the vehicle equipment level, may have a cover flap.
To open, press the button on the cover flap. The stowage compartment opens automatically.
To close, press the cover down until it engages. Do not press the button while doing this.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, there may be open stowage compartments under the vents on the dash panel.
Fig. 116 Stowage compartment on the front pas-senger side.
r('n First read and observe the introductory L-Jc.lJ Information and safety warnings.& on page 150.
Opening and closing the stowage compartment
If necessary, unlock the stowage compartment. The stowage compartment is locked when the key slot is vertical.
Fig. 117 Stowage compartment on the front pas-senger side.
• To open, pull the opening lever =:.Fig. 116, and fold down the lid.
• To close. push the lid upwards.
Vehicle wallet compartment
The stowage compartment on the front passenger side is intended for the vehicle wallet.
The vehicle wallet should always be kept in this compartment. .,.
Practical equipment 1151
Cooling the stowage compartment
There is a vent in the rear panel 117 Q). If the air conditioning is switched on, cooled air can be directed into the compartment. Turn the vents to open and close them.
A WARNING
If the stowage compartment on the front pas-senger side is left open, this can Increase the risk of serious injury In the event of an acci-dent or during sudden braking or driving ma-noeuvres.
Other stowage compartments
Fig. 118 In the roof: coat hooks
r-T'n First read and observe the Introductory 1...-J,:.lJ information and safety warnings&. on page 150.
Other stowage areas:
• In the front door trims
• In the side trim panels in the living area.
• In the central table
• Magazine pocket on the dash panel on the front passenger side
• Coat hooks on the rear roof grab handles and those that can be folded out in the headliner 118
Torches
Small torch
A small torch may be located in the 12-volt socket in the dash panel depending on the equipment.
To charge, hold the small torch at the knurled wheel of the lens and insert it in the 12-V socket.
To switch on and off, turn the thumb wheel on the lens.
1521 Before the journey
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always keep the stowage compartment closed while the vehicle Is In motion.
CD
In some vehicle models, the stowage compart-ment on the front passenger side contains apertures. Small objects could fall through the apertures and become trapped behind the trim. This could cause unusual noises and damage to the vehicle. Do not store small Items In the stowage compartment.
• Bag hooks on the centre console in the front passenger footwell
• Waste bin in the stowage compartment in one of the front doors
• Coin tray in the drink holder in the front centre console 153
• Luggage nets on the wing doors
• Glasses compartent in the front roof console
A WARNING
Hanging up items of clothing can restrict the driver's field of vision and cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Always hang items of clothing In such a way that they do not restrict the driver's field of vision.
• The clothes hook In the vehicle should on-ly be used for transporting light Items of clothing. Never leave any heavy, hard or
When travelling, always leave the torch in the 12-volt socket &.. ..,.
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·
Torch behind front passenger seat
Fig. 119 On seat box behind front passenger seat: torch in holder
There is, depending on the scope of equipment in the vehicle, a torch in the vehicle.
The torch is secured in a holder on the seat box behind the front passenger seat 119. The torch illuminates the floor area near the sliding door. The holder is also a charge unit for the torch.
Drink holders
CQJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Bottle holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Additional information and warnings:
• Stowage 150
• Cleaning and caring for the interior 388
• Central table 155
0: • Fuses =>page 429
"'
A WARNING (Continued)
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:
• When travelling, always leave the torch in the 12-volt socket.
Switch position on the holder@:
CD Torch is on and is charging.
@) Torch is off and is charging.
• Remove the torch from the holder by lightly pressing it on one side.
• To switch on and off, use the button on the torch underneath the light surface G).
Func-Using the torch once removed tion
Switch-Press the button. Torch functions with ing on high brightness level.
Adjust-Press button again. Torch functions with ing lower brightness level. bright-ness
Switch-Press the button until the torch is switch-ing off ed off.
A WARNING
Incorrect use of the drink holders can cause Injury.
• Do not place any hot drinks in a drink holder. Hot drinks in a drink holder could be spilled and cause scalding In any sudden braking manoeuvre or accident. .,.
Practical equipment 153
Opening the drink holder in the centre console
• Press onto drink holder "'Fig. 120 G). The drink holder will then open automatically.
• Push the holder® slightly to the side and place the bottle or can into the drink holder.
Opening and closing the drink holder in the rear side trim panel
• Press button "'Fig. 121 G). The drink holder will then open automatically.
Bottle holders
1"'111 First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.ll information and safety warnings & on page 153.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the bot-tle holders may be found at the following locations:
• In the front door trims
• In the lower section of the centre console
• In the side trim panels in the living area.
• In the central table
Opening and closing the bottle holder in the centre console
• To open, pull the handle of the bottle holder. The bottle holder will then open automatically.
• To close, push the bottle holder until it clicks in-to place.
Tables
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Folding table in the side panel . . . . . . • . . . . . . 156 Central table . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Additional information and warnings:
• Stowage "'page 150
• Drink holder 153
Opening the drink holder in the central table
• Press lhe symbol i on the cover of the drink holder and pull the drink holder out fully.
Closing the drink holder
• Remove the bottle or can.
• Push the drink holder in until it engages secure-
Bottle holder in the central table
The bottle holder in the central table can be ac-cessed after the table module has been raised.
m The bottle holder in the centre console must W be removed to gain access to the fuses in Multivan with left-hand drive 429.
A WARNING
Improper use of the tables could cause seri-ous injury.
• Never use the tables while the vehicle is in motion.
• All tables must be securely stowed while the vehicle is In motion.
• Never sit or stand on the tables.
CD
Never place hot objects, such as pots or pans, on the tables. Such objects could damage these surfaces.
Practical equipment 155