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.
• 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 .
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.
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
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. .,.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by Increasing your speed.
A WARNING
Accidents and severe injuries can occur if the maximum permitted draw bar weight is ex-ceeded.
• Never exceed the specified values.
A WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switch-ed off manually when a trailer Is to be towed with towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Other-wise faults can occur In the brake system, possibly resulting In accidents and serious Injuries.
Technical requirements
,...-.('n First read and observe the introductory 1--J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-ing bracket it will already have the necessary tech-nical modifications and meet the statutory require-ments for towing a trailer.
Only use a towing bracket which is approved for the gross weight of the trailer you want to tow as a retrofit solution. The towing bracket must be suit-able for the vehicle and trailer and be securely bol-ted to the vehicle's chassis. Only a towing bracket with a removable ball coupling should be used. Al-ways check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer. Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing brack-et on the vehicle.
Towing brackets fitted to the rear bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly. Do not
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always switch off the start/stop system manually If a trailer is attached to a towing bracket that was not retrofitted by Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles.
m Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a L!J trailer is being hitched or unhitched 43. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
m In new vehicles, do not tow a trailer during L!J the first 1,000 km 394.
m Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-L!J mends removing the ball coupling before driving without a trailer. The level of damage sus-tained during a rear-end collision could be greater for vehicles with a fitted ball coupling than for those without.
m By law, the ball coupling must be removed if L!J a trailer is not being towed if it obscures the number plate.
m In some models, the towing bracket is re-L!J qui red for towing vehicles. For this reason, the towing bracket ball coupling should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling system must contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations. The trailer's brake system must never be connected to the ve-hicle brake system.
Emergency breakaway cable
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer 144.
Trailer rear lights
The rear lights on the trailer must meet legal re-quirements 144.
Transporting items 1141
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the elec-trical system of your vehicle. If you are uncertain whether the trailer has been connected correctly, please contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors, additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations. Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer
Electrical consumers Maximum output
All brake lights 84 watts
Turn signal per side 42 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 42 watts
Rear fog light 42 watts
Never exceed the specified values.
A wARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or is in cor-rectly fitted, the trailer can become detached from the vehicle and cause serious Injury.
Fitting the removable ball coupling
Fig. 113 Overview of removable ball head.
r-f1t First read and observe the introductory L-J,::,JJ information and safety warnings & on page 139.
1421 Before the journey
• The vehicle electronics may be damaged If the trailer uses too much electricity.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide power to the trailer.
m Towing a trailer places additional demands L!J on the vehicle. Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles recommends additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
m In certain countries, an additional fire extin-L!J guisher must be carried if the gross weight of the trailer exceeds 2,500 kg. <1
an.ons
The removable ball coupling is located in the vehi-cle tools 416. ..,.
m If the vehicle battery charge level is low, the W electrical connection to the trailer will be in-terrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-W.! information and safety warnings & on page 139.
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull &. The drawbar load is the weight that the towing bracket exerts on the ball coupling vertically from above.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The cor-rect values for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official vehi-cle 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.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded trail-er.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed even-ly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
Towing a trailer
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-W.! information and safety warnings & on page 139.
146 Before the Journey
m When the engine is running, electrical con-w sumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage via the electrical connection (pin 9 and pin 10 of the trailer socket).
• Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre pressure 367.
A WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.
• Never exceed the specified values .
• Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight ratings. Never exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the vehicle.
A wARNING
Loads that may slide can severely Impair sta-bility and driving safety, which can cause ac-cidents and severe injuries.
• Always load trailers correctly .
• Always secure loads using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehi-cle enough for the dipped beam to blind other road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the
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
Folding table in the side panel
l
1---c:J--'
t,J
171·0160
Fig. 122 In the rear side panel: folding table cover
f"'"""'(""'n First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 155.
A folding table may be located in the side panel opposite the sliding door.
The folding table is stowed when it is in its retainer behind the side trim panel and the cover is secure-ly engaged.
Assembling the folding table
• Lift the cover out by the handle 122 in the direction of the arrow.
• Use the handle to pull the folding table up and out and pull the table down until it stops in the hori-zontal position.
• To extend the folding table, fold the top section of the table back in the direction of the arrow 123.
Central table
Fig. 124 Control elements at the central table
156 I Before the journey
Fig. 123 Fully assembled folding table
Stowing the folding table
• Fold back the table extension, if in use.
• Use the handle to pull up the folding table and guide the table down into its retainer in the side panel.
• Press the cover in the opposite direction to the arrow 122 until it engages securely.
CD
• The opened folding table can carry a maxi-mum of 20 kg. If this weight is exceeded, theta-ble top, bracket and side trim panel could be damaged.
• Always guide the folding table down by hand and never let it drop to the horizontal po-sition. The folding table could otherwise be damaged.