Get Storing objects -> Trailer mode Guide for Seat Arona 4 Door First Generation (2017-2026)

StTorariinlegrombojedcets

WARNING

an eect on the useful life, fuel consumption

and vehicle performance and in some cases

can reduce the service intervals.

Loading the roof carrier system

●

Never exceed the maximum authorised

The load can only be secured if the crossbars

and the roof carrier system are properly instal-

load on the roof and on the axles or the ve-

Driving with a trailer requires more force from

the vehicle, and thus more concentration from

the driver.

hicle's maximum authorised weight.

led ›››

.

●

Never exceed the load capacity of the

cross bars and the roof carrier system, even

if the maximum authorised roof load has not

been reached.

Maximum authorised cargo on the roof

In winter, winter tyres should be ﬁtted on both

the vehicle and the trailer.

The maximum permissible roof load is 75 kg.

This ﬁgure comes from the combined weight

of the roof carrier, the cross bars and the load

●

Secure heavy items as far forward as

Maximum vertical load technically permit-

ted on the coupling device

possible and distribute the vehicle load uni-

itself on the roof ›››

.

formly.

The maximum vertical load technically permit-

ted from the trailer draw bar on the towing

bracket's tow ball is 55 kg.

Always check the weight of the roof carrier

system, the cross bars and the weight of the

load to be transported and weigh them if nec-

essary. Never exceed the maximum authorised

roof load.

WARNING

If the load is loose or not secured, it could

fall from the roof carrier system or cause ac-

cidents and injuries.

Vehicles with the Start-Stop system

If the vehicle has a factory-ﬁtted towing

bracket or one that is retroﬁtted by SEAT, the

Start-Stop system operates as normal. No spe-

cial characteristics need to be taken into ac-

count.

If you are using cross bars and a roof carrier

with a lower weight rating, you will not be able

to carry the maximum authorised roof load. In

this case, do not exceed the maximum weight

limit for the roof carrier which is listed in the

ﬁtting instructions.

●

Always use belts or retaining straps that

are suitable and in a good condition.

Trailer mode

If the system does not recognise the trailer or

the trailer bracket has not been retroﬁtted by

SEAT, the Start-Stop system must be discon-

nected by pressing the corresponding button

in the lower part of the centre console before

driving with the trailer, and it should remain o

Introduction

Distributing a load

Take into account country-speciﬁc regulations

about driving with a trailer and the use of a

towing bracket.

Distribute loads uniformly and secure them cor-

rectly ›››

.

for the rest of the journey ›››

.

The vehicle has been developed primarily for

carrying people, although it can also be used

to tow a trailer if ﬁtted with the corresponding

technical equipment. This additional load has

Check attachments

Once the cross bars and roof carrier system

have been installed, check the bolted connec-

tions and attachments after a short journey and

subsequently with a certain frequency.

231

Storing objects

WARNING

Vehicles with driving proﬁle selection

WARNING

If you are going to be towing a trailer, the use of

the Eco driving proﬁle is not recommended. You

are advised to select another of the available

driving proﬁles before beginning to drive with a

trailer.

Undue use of the towing bracket may cause

injury and accidents.

Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy

or large objects can aꢀect driving properties

and even cause an accident.

●

Only use the towing bracket if it is in a per-

●

fect state of repair and is properly secured.

Always secure the load properly using

belts or straps that are suitable and in good

●

Never modify or repair the towing bracket

condition.

in any way.

Trailer weight/drawbar load

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

●

In order to reduce the danger of injury in

Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If

you do not load the trailer up to the maximum

permitted trailer weight, you can then climb

correspondingly steeper slopes.

times to suit visibility, weather, road and

the event of rear-end collisions and to avoid

injury to pedestrians and cyclists when park-

ing the vehicle, cover or remove the tow hook

when you are not using a trailer.

trac conditions.

●

Trailers with a high centre of gravity are

more likely to overturn than those with a low

one.

The maximum trailer weights listed are only ap-

plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea

level. Since higher altitude decreases engine

performance and the ability to climb slopes, the

tow load decreases proportionally. The weight

of the vehicle and trailer combination must be

reduced by 10% for every 1000 m of altitude.

When possible, operate the trailer with the max-

imum authorised drawbar load on the ball

joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed

the speciﬁed limit.

●

According to EU regulation 2021_535 it is

●

not permitted to install a towing device that

completely or partially covers the rear num-

ber plate.

Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.

Take great care when overtaking.

Reduce speed immediately if you notice

●

Never ﬁt a towing bracket “with weight dis-

that the trailer is swaying, however slightly.

tribution” or “load compensation”. The vehi-

cle has not been designed for this type of

towing bracket. The towing bracket could fail

and the trailer could be released from the

vehicle.

●

Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)

when towing a trailer (or at more than

100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional circum-

stances). This also applies in countries where

driving at higher speeds is permitted. Take

into account the speed limit for vehicles with

trailers in the corresponding country, as it

could be less than the speed limit for vehi-

cles without a trailer.

WARNING

Never use the trailer to transport people,

since it would put their life in danger and is

also prohibited.

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

232

StTorariinlegrombojedcets

Engine cooling system

WARNING

Note

Driving with a trailer increases the load on the

engine and cooling system. The cooling system

should have sucient coolant and be prepared

for the additional eort involved in driving with

a trailer.

If the towing bracket has been retroﬁtted by

a non-SEAT workshop, the Start-Stop system

must be disconnected manually whenever

driving with a trailer. Otherwise the brake

system could be damaged and could conse-

quently cause a serious accident or injury.

●

If a removable and retractable tow hook is

ﬁtted, it should not be mounted when not in

use. In the event of a rear-end collision, the

damage to the vehicle could be greater if the

tow hook is ﬁtted.

Trailer brakes

●

Always disconnect the Start-Stop system

Technical requirements

manually when using a towing bracket that

If the trailer has its own brake system, please

take the relevant legal requirements into ac-

count. Never connect the trailer's brake system

to the vehicle's brake system.

has not been ﬁtted by a SEAT workshop.

Vehicles that are factory-equipped with a tow-

ing bracket fulﬁl all the technical and legal re-

quirements for driving with a trailer.

Note

If the vehicle is retroﬁtted with a tow bracket,

only a bracket that is authorised for the max-

imum authorised load of the trailer that is to

be towed may be ﬁtted. The towing bracket

must be suitable for the vehicle and the trailer

and must be properly secured to the vehicle's

chassis. Only use a towing bracket that has

been authorised by SEAT for this vehicle. Al-

ways check and take into account the towing

bracket manufacturer's instructions.

●

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer,

Tow cable

always deactivate the anti-theft alarm

››› page 72. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could

cause the alarm to go oꢀ.

Always use a cable between the vehicle and

the trailer ››› page 234.

●

Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's

Trailer tail lights

ﬁrst 1000 km ››› page 110.

The trailer's rear lights should comply with the

statutory safety regulations ››› page 234.

●

Some retroﬁtted towing brackets cover the

rear towing eye. In these cases, the towing

eye should not be used for tow-starting or

for towing other vehicles. For this reason, if

the vehicle has been retroﬁtted with a towing

bracket, always keep the tow hook in the ve-

hicle when you remove it.

Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly

to the vehicle's electric system. If you are not

sure that the trailer's electrical connection is

correct, have it checked by a specialised work-

shop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealer-

ship for this.

Towing bracket ﬁtted on the bumper

Never ﬁt a towing bracket to the bumper or to

the area where the bumper is mounted. The

towing bracket should not impair the bumper's

function. Do not make modiﬁcations or repairs

to the exhaust system or the brake system.

Make regular checks to ensure that the towing

bracket is secure.

Exterior mirrors

If you cannot see the area behind the trailer

with the exterior mirrors of the towing vehicle,

additional mirrors will have to be installed in

accordance with the regulations of the country

233

Storing objects

in question. The exterior mirrors should be ad-

justed before you start driving and must provide

a sucient ﬁeld of vision at the rear.

●

8

Meaning

Never connect the trailer's electric system

directly to the electrical connections of the

tail lights or any other power sources. Only

use the connections intended for providing

electric current to the trailer.

Reverse lights

Permanent live

Live charge cable

Earth for pin 10

Unassigned

9

Trailer maximum electricity consumption

10

11

Never exceed the values indicated!

Hitching and connecting a trailer

Brake lights (total)

84 Watts

42 Watts

50 Watts

42 Watts

12

13

Turn signal (on each side)

Side lights (on each side)

Reverse lights (in total)

Rear fog light

Earth for pin 9

Power socket for trailer

The vehicle is ﬁtted with a 13-pole power socket

for the connection between the trailer and the

vehicle. With the engine running, electrical devi-

ces on the trailer receive power from the elec-

trical connection (pin 9 and pin 10 of the trailer

power socket).

WARNING

If the towing bracket is wrongly ﬁtted or is

not the right one, the trailer could become

detached from the vehicle and cause serious

injury.

Fig. 151 Diagram: assignment of the pins of the

trailer's electrical socket.

If the system detects that a trailer has been

connected, the consumers on the trailer will re-

ceive electricity through this connection (pins 9

and 10). Pin 9 has a permanent live. This pow-

ers, for example, the trailer's interior lighting.

Electrical devices such as a fridge in a caravan

only receive electrical power if the engine is

running (through pin 10).

1

Meaning

NOTICE

Left turn signal

Rear fog light

●

If the rear lights of the trailer are not

correctly connected, the vehicle's electronic

2

system may be damaged.

3

Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Right turn signal

Rear light, right

Brake lights

●

If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-

To avoid overloading the electrical system, you

cannot connect the ground wires of pin 3, pin 11

or pin 13.

4

rent, the vehicle's electronic system may be

damaged.

5

6

7

If the trailer has a 7-contact connector, you

will need to use an adapter cable. In this case

the function corresponding to pin 10 will not be

available.

Rear light, left

234

StTorariinlegrombojedcets

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-

gered if the electrical connection with the

trailer is cut o.

Tow cable

WARNING

The tow rope must always be securely ﬁxed to

the towing vehicle and loose enough so that the

vehicle can handle turns smoothly. However,

make sure that the cable does not rub on the

ground while driving.

If the cables are improperly or incorrectly

connected, it may lead to an excessive

amount of current supplied to the trailer,

which can cause abnormalities in the entire

vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-

dents and serious injuries.

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always

turn o the anti-theft alarm. Otherwise, the tilt

sensor could cause the alarm to go o.

Trailers with LED tail lights

Trailer tail lights

●

Ensure that any repairs that need to be

carried out on the electrical system are car-

For technical reasons, trailers ﬁtted with LED

rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-

theft alarm system.

Always check the trailer's rear lights to ensure

they are working correctly and that they com-

ply with the relevant safety regulations. Make

sure that the maximum permissible power that

can be absorbed by the trailer is not exceeded

››› page 233.

ried out by a specialised workshop.

●

Never connect the trailer's electric system

directly to the electrical connections of the

tail lights or any other power sources.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does not

go o when the electrical connection with the

trailer is cut if it has rear lights with light-emit-

ting diodes.

WARNING

Include in the anti-theft alarm

Contact between the pins of the trailer

power socket can cause short circuits, over-

loading of the electrical system or failure of

the lighting system, and consequently can

cause accidents and serious injuries.

If the Eco driving proﬁle was selected when

hitching the trailer, this will automatically switch

to theNormal proﬁle. If the system cannot de-

tect the attached trailer or if the towing bracket

has been retroﬁtted by an auto repair shop

other than SEAT, you must manually select the

Normal proﬁle before you start driving with a

trailer attached. To reconnect the Eco proﬁle

once the trailer has been unhitched, switch the

ignition o and back on once.

The trailer is included in the anti-theft system if

the following conditions are met:

●

If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an

anti-theft alarm.

●

Never connect the pins of the trailer power

●

If the vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow

socket to each other.

bracket.

●

Make sure any work on bent pins is carried

●

If the trailer is electrically connected to the

out by a specialised workshop.

towing vehicle through the trailer power socket.

●

If the electrical systems of the vehicle and

trailer are in perfect condition and have no

faults or damage.

●

If the vehicle is locked with the key and the

anti-theft alarm is activated.

235

Storing objects

Trailer loading

Gross combination weight of the towing ve-

hicle and trailer

NOTICE

Do not leave the trailer connected to the ve-

hicle when parked; place it on its support

wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or

falls due, for example, to a variation of the

load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will

be placed on the towing bracket and the

trailer, and both the vehicle and the trailer

can be damaged.

Technically permissible maximum trailer

weight and vertical load on the coupling de-

vice

The gross combination weight is the actual

weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual

weight of the loaded trailer.

The technically permissible maximum trailer

weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow

››› . The vertical load on the coupling is ex-

erted vertically from above on the hook of the

towing bracket.

In some countries trailers are classiﬁed into

distinct categories. SEAT recommends obtain-

ing information from a specialised workshop re-

garding which type of trailer is most suitable for

your vehicle.

Note

The information on the maximum trailer weight

and vertical load on the coupling device con-

tained in the type plate of the towing bracket

are experimental values only. The correct ﬁg-

ures for your speciﬁc model, which may be

lower than these ﬁgures, are given in the vehicle

documentation. The information in the vehicle

documentation takes precedence at all times.

Trailer loading

●

In case of anomalies in the electrical sys-

tems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as in the

anti-theft alarm system, have them inspec-

ted by a specialised workshop.

The weight of the towing vehicle and trailer

must be balanced. In order to do this, the load

must be as close as possible to the maximum

vertical load technically permissible on the

coupling point, and it must be evenly distributed

between the back and front of the trailer:

●

If the trailer accessories consume energy

through the power socket to the trailer and

the engine is turned oꢀ, the battery will dis-

charge.

To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-

mends making the most of the maximum ver-

tical load technically permissible on the cou-

pling device ››› page 231. An insucient ver-

tical load has a negative inﬂuence on the be-

haviour of both the vehicle and trailer.

●

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy

●

If the vehicle battery is running low, the

objects are as near to the axle as possible or

above it.

electrical connection with the trailer will be

automatically cut.

●

Secure the trailer load properly.

Tyre pressure

The vertical load increases the weight on the

rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-

pacity.

Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-

cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-

ommendations.

When towing a trailer, inﬂate the tyres of the

towing vehicle with the maximum allowable

pressure ››› page 286.

236

StTorariinlegrombojedcets

Driving with a trailer

Hill starts with a trailer

WARNING

Depending on the slope of the hill and the

combination weight of the towing vehicle and

trailer, the vehicle might start rolling backwards

slightly when you ﬁrst start up.

If the maximum permissible axle weight, the

maximum load technically permissible on the

coupling point, the maximum authorised ve-

hicle weight or the gross combination weight

of the towing vehicle and trailer are excee-

ded, accidents and serious injuries may oc-

cur.

Adjusting the headlights

The front part of the vehicle may be raised

when the trailer is connected and the light may

dazzle the rest of the trac.

For hill starts with a trailer hitched:

Adapt the height of the headlights using the

headlight range adjuster ››› page 91.¹⁾

●

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Manual gearbox: Depress the clutch pedal

●

Never exceed the indicated values.

fully and engage 1st gear.

Speciﬁc features of driving with a trailer

The actual weight on the front and rear

Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to

the D/S position.

axles must never exceed the maximum per-

missible axle weight. The weight on the front

and rear axles must never exceed the maxi-

mum permissible weight.

●

If your trailer has an overrun brake, brake

gently at ﬁrst and then rapidly. This will prevent

the jerking that can be caused by the locking of

trailer wheels.

●

Apply the parking brake.

Release the brake pedal.

Move o slowly.

●

Due to the gross combination weight of the

WARNING

towing vehicle and trailer, the braking distance

increases.

Manual transmission: release the clutch pedal

slowly.

A shift in weight could jeopardize the stability

and security of the towing vehicle and trailer,

which could lead to accidents and serious

injuries.

●

When going down a slope, engage a lower

●

Do not release the hand brake until the en-

gear (with a manual gearbox, or use the auto-

matic gearbox's tiptronic mode) to use engine

braking. Otherwise, the brake system could

overheat and even fail.

gine is providing sucient power to move o.

●

Always load the trailer correctly.

WARNING

Always secure the load properly using

If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may lead

to loss of control of the vehicle and serious

injury.

belts or straps that are suitable and in good

condition.

●

The trailer weight, as well as the gross combi-

nation weight of the towing vehicle and trailer,

change the centre of gravity and the properties

of the vehicle.

●

Driving with a trailer and transporting

heavy or large objects will change the vehi-

●

If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer

cle handling and braking distances.

is loaded, then the load distribution is incorrect.

Under these conditions, drive slowly and with

extra caution.

●

Always drive cautiously and carefully.

Brake earlier than usual.

1)

This does not apply for vehicles with Full LED xenon headlights.

237

Storing objects

●

The ESC and TCS are active. The control

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

WARNING

lamp or is not lit up on the instrument clus-

ter.

times to suit visibility, weather, road and

trac conditions. Slow down, especially

when driving down hills or slopes.

The electric stability control for the vehicle

and trailer may not correctly detect all driv-

ing conditions.

●

The trailer is connected to the towing vehicle

through the trailer power socket.

●

Accelerate with particular care and cau-

●

When the ESC is switched oꢀ, the stabili-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.

●

The vehicle is travelling at over 60 km/h (ap-

sation of the towing vehicle and trailer is also

prox. 37 mph).

●

Take great care when overtaking. Reduce

switched oꢀ.

speed immediately if you notice that the

trailer is swaying, however slightly.

●

The maximum vertical load technically per-

●

The stability system does not always de-

missible is not being exceeded on the coupling

device.

tect light trailers, so it may not stabilise

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

these correctly.

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

●

The trailer has a rigid draw bar.

●

When driving on surfaces with poor grip,

●

Take into account the speed limit for vehi-

the trailer can even interfere with the stabil-

If the trailer has brakes, it must be equipped

cles with a trailer, as it could be lower than

for vehicles without a trailer.

ity system.

with a mechanical overrun brake.

●

Trailers with a high centre of gravity can tip

over without having previously weaved.

WARNING

●

If a trailer is not attached, but a connector

Stabilisation of the towing vehicle

and trailer combination

The enhanced safety provided by the elec-

tric stability control of the vehicle and trailer

should not lead you to take any risks that

could compromise your safety.

is plugged into the power socket (e.g. instal-

lation of a bicycle rack with lights), repea-

ted automatic braking may occur in extreme

driving conditions.

The stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer com-

bination is an additional function of the elec-

tronic stability control (ESC).

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

times to suit visibility, weather, road and

If the system detects that the trailer is weaving,

it intervenes to reduce the swaying of the trailer.

trac conditions.

●

Accelerate with caution when the road is

slippery.

Vehicle and trailer combination stabilisation

requirements

●

When adjusting any settings, stop acceler-

ating.

●

The vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow-

ing bracket or has been retro-ﬁtted with a com-

patible towing bracket.

238

StTorariinlegrombojedcets

The recommended maximum load capacity of

the rear carrier system installed on the trailer

hitch may be dierent from the maximum verti-

cal load on the speciﬁc vehicle coupling.

Maximum load overhang of the rear carrier

system

Installing a rear carrier system or a

bicycle rack on the trailer hitch

However, it is not permitted to exceed the max-

imum permitted vertical load on the tow hitch

(which depends on the model).

The load capacity is reduced due to the lever

eect that occurs the further the carrier system

is from the ball head.

Place heavy objects as close as possible to the

trailer hitch ››› Fig. 152.

Maximum load capacity depending on the

vehicle

Fig. 152 Recommended weight distribution on

the rear support system.

Fig. 153 Schematic representation of the

maximum load overhang of a bicycle rack for two

or three bicycles.

To ﬁnd out the recommended load capacity for

your vehicle, check the maximum vertical load

on its coupling ››› page 319. Please refer to

the following table for the load capacity.

Examples of rear carrier systems are bicycle

racks or multi-purpose boxes that are installed

on the trailer hitch.

A

B

With up to 55 kg load capacity: 500 mm

(approx. 19.7 in)

In accordance with the UN-R-55 guideline,

SEAT recommends not carrying more bicycles

than recommended on the rear rack system.

Only use rear carrier systems that have been

speciﬁed by the respective manufacturer for

the vehicle model, model year and version of

With 75 kg load capacity: 700 mm (approx.

27.6 in)

Maximum vertical

Maximum

the vehicle in question ›››

.

The maximum overhang shall not exceed

500 mm from the centre of the ball head to

the to the centre of the rail of the last support

load on the vehi-

cle's speciﬁc cou-

pling

Number of

bicycles

SEAT recommends the use of genuine SEAT

spare parts and accessories, which can be pur-

chased from the brand’s dealers. Install the rear

carrier system according to the manufacturer’s

installation instructions.

load ca-

pacity

A

››› Fig. 153

for two-bicycle racks. In the case

50 kg

55 kg

50 kg

55 kg

75 kg

2

3

of three-bicycle racks, the overhang must not

B

exceed 700 mm ››› Fig. 153

.

The load capacity results from the weight of the

rear carrier system and the weight of the load

carried on it.

From 75 kg

239

Storing objects

C

D

E

350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)

Retroﬁtting a towing bracket

WARNING

1025 mm

322 mm

448 mm

854 mm

The incorrect use of a rear carrier system in-

stalled on the tow hook can cause accidents

and injury.

F

●

Make sure that the carrier system is suita-

G

ble for your vehicle.

SEAT recommends that towing brackets be ret-

roﬁtted at a specialised workshop. For exam-

ple, it may very well be necessary to adjust

the cooling system or mount thermal protection

plates. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-

ership for this.

●

Read and observe the installation instruc-

tions of the rear carrier system manufacturer.

●

Never attach a rear carrier system below

the ball head of the trailer hitch. The system

could slip due to the shape of the hitch.

If a towing bracket is retroﬁtted, the distance

speciﬁcations should always be kept in mind.

Note

The distance between the centre of the ball

Before setting oꢀ, SEAT recommends remov-

ing, to the extent possible, all accessories

from the load attached to the carrier system.

Examples of these accessories are baskets

and panniers, child seats or batteries. This

improves the aerodynamics and centre of

gravity of the rear carrier system.

C

head and the road ››› Fig. 154

must never

be less than that indicated. This also applies

when the vehicle is fully loaded, including the

technically permissible maximum vertical load

on the coupling device.

WARNING

If the cables are improperly or incorrectly

connected, this may lead to malfunctions in

the entire vehicle electronic system, as well

as to accidents and serious injuries.

Fig. 154 Limits and attachment points for

retroﬁtting a towing bracket.

●

Never connect the trailer's electric sys-

tem to the electrical connections of the tail

lights or any other unsuitable power sources.

Only use suitable connectors to connect the

trailer.

Distance measurements:

A

Attachment points (lower part of the vehi-

cle)

●

The towing bracket should be retroﬁtted

B

65 mm (minimum)

only at a specialised workshop.

240

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