Get Trailer towing Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

Trailer towing 187

Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

Trailer towing

Instructions to follow

Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-

ment.

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have

the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements

for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see

⇒ page 189.

Connectors

Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection

between the trailer and the vehicle.

If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is

available in any SEAT dealer.

Trailer weight / draw bar loading

Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to

the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly

steeper slopes.

The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to

1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and

therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced

air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The

weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for

every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the

actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.

When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar

weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified

limit.

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

correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures

for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒ Section

“Technical data”.

Distributing the load

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as

possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them

moving.

Tyre pressure

Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker

on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in

accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.

Exterior mirrors

Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the

standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors

fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension

brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.

WARNING

Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.

Note

• Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-

mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the

vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.

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Trailer towing188

• Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your

country.

Ball coupling of towing bracket*

Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may

be found in the tool box.

The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the

ball coupling of the towing bracket.

WARNING

The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage

compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing

injury.

Note

• By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed

and it obscures the number plate.

Driving tips

Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.

Weight distribution

The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very

unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow

for the unbalanced weight distribution.

Speed

The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For

this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in

an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially

when driving downhill.

You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest

sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.

Always brake in due course. 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. Select a low gear in due course before

going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to

slow down the vehicle.

Reheating

At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear

and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the

coolant ⇒ page 53.

Electronic Stabilisation Program*

The ESP* system makes it easier to stabilise the trailer in case it skids or

swings.

leon_ingles Seite 188 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Trailer towing 189

Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

Fitting a towing bracket*

It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.

Fig. 134 Attachment

points for towing bracket

leon_ingles Seite 189 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Trailer towing190

If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be

completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.

The attachment points for the towing bracket are on the lower part of the

vehicle.

The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should

never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and

including the maximum resting weight.

Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:

65 mm (minimum)

350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)

357 mm

569 mm

875 mm

1,040 mm

Fitting a towing bracket

• Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,

before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre

to check whether your cooling system needs modification.

• Submit to the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-

rate warning lamp).

• Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and

reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a

torque wrench, and an electrical socket must be connected to the vehicle's

electrical system. The above-mentioned require specialized knowledge and

tools.

• Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment

points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.

WARNING

Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.

• If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of

accident.

• For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the

manufacturer of the towing bracket.

Caution

• If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to

the vehicle's electrical system.

Note

For the sports model (FR, Cupra...), fitting of a trailer bracket is not recom-

mended due to the design of the bumpers.

WARNING (continued)

leon_ingles Seite 190 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Trailer towing for Your Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

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