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If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, the trailer must be
unhitched from the vehicle. The vehicle could move up and down if the load changes or if there is
damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on the towing
bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle
checked by a qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull ⇒ .
The drawbar load is the load that is exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing
bracket.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 80 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The handling of the vehicle combination will be impaired if the drawbar load is too
low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum payload of the
vehicle as a result.
Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the
loaded trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
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possible.
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 ⇒ Tyre pressure .
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.
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the
vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and
severe injuries.
secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Driving with a trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to dazzle other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control are adjusted automatically.
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
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
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prior to downhill gradients (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the
automatic gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
When driving with this combination, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
Depending on the steepness of the uphill gradient and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle, a
vehicle towing a trailer could roll back a short distance when moving off on a hill.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake .
ly.
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG® dual
clutch gearbox .
button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic
parking brake.
ake pedal.
button only when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
and increase the braking distance.
pt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the
slightest sign of snaking.
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trailers than for vehicles
without trailers.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to snake and can
countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is an extension of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
If trailer snaking is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
snaking motion of the trailer using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
-fitted or a compatible towing bracket has been retrofitted.
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
mph).
have a mechanical overrun system.
WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.
conditions.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
stabilised accordingly in all cases.
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-knife on slippery roads with little grip even if the towing vehicle is equipped
with trailer stabilisation.
er
socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 157 Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. The cooling
system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Dimensions
The dimensions ⇒ Fig. 157 must be observed in all cases when retrofitting a towing bracket. Always
observe the minimum distance given from the middle of the ball head Ⓓ to the surface of the road.
This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
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Mounting points
879 mm
at least 65 mm
350 – 420 mm
334 mm
554 mm
1,017 mm
1,051 mm
WARNING
Electrical cables that are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly can cause faults in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
clusters or to other unsuitable power sources. Use only suitable connectors for connection of the
trailer.
WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is unsuitable or
incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Use only towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
Fuel and emission control
Safety notes on handling fuel
WARNING
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
⇒ Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and
off , the ignition, your mobile phone and other radio equipment before refuelling.
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boxes can damage the electrical system.
Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 173 In the dash panel: fuse assignment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical consumers relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse type, the amp rating
and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Depending on the market and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions may
differ to those given in the table. If necessary, ask your Volkswagen dealership for the exact fuse
assignment.
Fuse location ⇒ Fig. 173
F410 amps, MINI®, anti-theft alarm.F710 amps, MINI®, air conditioning system control panel or
heating and fresh air system, rear window heating relay.F810 amps, MINI®, light switch (dipped
beam), rain/light sensor, electronic parking brake.F107.5 amps, MINI®, display, Infotainment control
panel.F1140 amps, ATO®, left exterior lighting.F1220 amps, ATO®, Infotainment
components.F1440 amps, ATO®, blower regulator.F167.5 amps, MINI®, telephone.F2215 amps,
ATO®, trailer charging cable.F2330 amps, JCASE®, electric glass roof.F2440 amps, ATO®, right
exterior lighting.F2630 amps, ATO®, seat heating.F2730 amps, ATO®, interior lighting.F2825 amps,
ATO®, left trailer control unit.F3825 amps, ATO®, right trailer control unit.F401)20 amps, ATO®,
cigarette lighter, sockets.F4240 amps, ATO®, central locking.F4415 amps, ATO®, trailer control
unit.F4715 amps, ATO®, rear window wiper.F5125 amps, ATO®, rear seat heating.F5330 amps, ATO®,
rear window heating.
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For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be tow-started. Attempt to start the engine by jump
starting ⇒ Jump starting .
Vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Tow-starting is generally not recommended. If the engine does not start, first attempt to start the
engine by jump starting ⇒ Jump starting . Please note that the maximum tow-starting distance for
petrol engines is 50 m.
-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided ⇒ Fitting the rear towing
eye or ⇒ Fitting the front towing eye .
warning lights.
utral to prevent
driving into the towing vehicle.
NOTICE
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Preparations
h the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided ⇒ Fitting the rear towing
eye or ⇒ Fitting the front towing eye or to the towing bracket ⇒ Trailer towing .
-rope is not twisted. Otherwise a towing eye may become unscrewed
during towing.
regulations to the contrary.
Pulling vehicle (front)
tow-rope must be taut before you drive off properly.