Get Driving -> Trailer mode Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2021-2026)

Driving

Start-Stop system operates as normal. No

special characteristics need to be taken into

account.

drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing

bracket, but do not exceed the specified lim-

it.

Towing bracket device

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

WARNING

Introduction

Never use the trailer to transport people,

since it would put their life in danger and is

also prohibited.

Take into account country-specific regula-

tions about driving with a trailer and the use

of a towing bracket.

off for the rest of the journey

›››

WARNING

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

an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption

and vehicle performance and in some cases

can reduce the service intervals.

Undue use of the towing bracket may

cause injury and accidents.

Vehicles with driving profile selection

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

of the Eco driving profile is not recommen-

ded. You are advised to select another of the

available driving profiles before beginning to

drive with a trailer.

●

Only use the towing bracket if it is in a

perfect state of repair and is properly se-

cured.

●

Never modify or repair the towing bracket

in any way.

Driving with a trailer requires more force from

the vehicle, and thus more concentration

from the driver.

●

In order to reduce the danger of injury in

Trailer weight/drawbar load

the event of rear-end collisions and to

avoid injury to pedestrians and cyclists

when parking the vehicle, cover or remove

the tow hook when you are not using a trail-

er.

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.

In winter, winter tyres should be fitted on both

the vehicle and the trailer.

●

Never fit a towing bracket “with weight

Maximum vertical load technically permit-

ted on the coupling device

The maximum trailer weights listed are only

applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above

sea level. Since higher altitude decreases en-

gine performance and the ability to climb

slopes, the tow load decreases proportional-

ly. The weight of the vehicle and trailer com-

bination must be reduced by 10% for every

1000 m of altitude. When possible, operate

the trailer with the maximum authorised

distribution” or “load compensation”. The

vehicle has not been designed for this type

of towing bracket. The towing bracket

could fail and the trailer could be released

from the vehicle.

The maximum technical permitted vertical

load of the trailer's towing bracket on the

hook of the tow-bar is 80 kg.

Vehicles with the Start-Stop system

If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing

bracket or one that is retrofitted by SEAT, the

294

Towing bracket device

Technical requirements

WARNING

system must be disconnected manually

whenever driving with a trailer. Otherwise

the brake system could be damaged and

could consequently cause a serious acci-

dent or injury.

Driving with a trailer and transporting

heavy or large objects can affect driving

properties and even cause an accident.

Vehicles that are factory-mounted with a

towing device meet all the technical and le-

gal requirements for driving with a trailer

●

Always secure the load properly using

belts or straps that are suitable and in

good condition.

page 300.

›››

●

Always disconnect the Start-Stop system

manually when using a towing bracket that

has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop.

If the vehicle is retrofitted with a towing

bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for

the maximum 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. Always check and take into ac-

count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-

structions.

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

times to suit visibility, weather, road and

traffic conditions.

Note

●

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-

ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm

page 99. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could

●

Trailers with a high centre of gravity are

more likely to overturn than those with a

low one.

›››

cause the alarm to go off.

●

Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.

Take great care when overtaking.

●

Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's

first 1000 km page 236.

›››

Reduce speed immediately if you notice

that the trailer is swaying, however slightly.

●

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.

Towing bracket fitted on the bumper

●

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 cir-

cumstances). This also applies in countries

where driving at higher speeds is permit-

ted. Take into account the speed limit for

vehicles with trailers in the corresponding

country, as it could be less than the speed

limit for vehicles without a trailer.

Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to

the area where the bumper is mounted. The

towing bracket should not impair the bum-

per'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.

●

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 retrofit-

ted with a towing bracket, always keep the

tow hook in the vehicle when you remove it.

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

Engine cooling system

Driving with a trailer increases the load on the

engine and cooling system. The cooling sys-

tem should have sufficient coolant and be

prepared for the additional effort involved in

driving with a trailer.

WARNING

If the towing bracket has been retrofitted

by a non-SEAT workshop, the Start-Stop

295

Driving

Trailer brakes

detached from the vehicle and cause seri-

ous injury.

Meaning

If the trailer has its own brake system, please

take the relevant legal requirements into ac-

count. Never connect the trailer's brake sys-

tem to the vehicle's brake system.

Left turn signal

Rear fog light

CAUTION

●

If the rear lights of the trailer are not cor-

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

Right turn signal

Rear light, right

Brake lights

rectly connected, the vehicle's electronic

system may be damaged.

Tow cable

Always use a cable between the vehicle and

●

If the trailer absorbs excessive electric

the trailer page 296.

›››

current, the vehicle's electronic system

may be damaged.

Trailer tail lights

●

Rear light, left

Never connect the trailer's electric sys-

tem directly to the electrical connections

of the tail lights or any other power sour-

ces. Only use the connections intended for

providing electric current to the trailer.

The trailer's rear lights should comply with

Reverse lights

the statutory safety regulations page 296.

›››

Permanent live

Live charge cable

Earth for pin 10

Unassigned

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

workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT

dealership for this.

Hitching and connecting a trailer

Earth for pin 9

Exterior mirrors

Power socket for trailer

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 coun-

try in question. The exterior mirrors should be

adjusted before you start driving and must

provide a sufficient field of vision at the rear.

The vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power

socket for the connection between the trailer

and the vehicle. With the engine running,

electrical devices on the trailer receive power

from the electrical connection (pin 9 and pin

10 of the trailer power socket).

Fig. 206 Schematic representation: assign-

ment of the pins of the trailer's electrical sock-

et.

If the system detects that a trailer has been

connected, the consumers on the trailer will

receive electricity through this connection

(pins 9 and 10). Pin 9 has a permanent live.

WARNING

If the towing bracket is wrongly fitted or is

not the right one, the trailer could become

296

Towing bracket device

●

This powers, 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).

If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an

vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-

dents and serious injuries.

anti-theft alarm and towing bracket.

●

If the trailer is electrically connected to the

●

Ensure that any repairs that need to be

towing vehicle through the trailer power sock-

et.

carried out on the electrical system are

carried out by a specialised workshop.

To avoid overloading the electrical system,

you cannot connect the ground wires of pin

3 , pin 11 or pin 13 to each other.

●

If the electrical systems of the vehicle and

Never connect the trailer's electric sys-

tem directly to the electrical connections

of the tail lights or any other power sour-

ces.

trailer are in perfect condition and have no

faults or damage.

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.

●

If the vehicle is locked with the key and the

anti-theft alarm is activated.

WARNING

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-

gered if the electrical connection with the

trailer is cut off.

Contact between the pins of the trailer

power socket can cause short circuits,

overloading of the electrical system or fail-

ure of the lighting system, and consequent-

ly can cause accidents and serious injuries.

Tow cable

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.

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always

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

sensor could cause the alarm to go off.

●

Never connect the pins of the trailer pow-

er socket to each other.

Trailers with LED tail lights

●

Make sure any work on bent pins is car-

ried out by a specialised workshop.

Trailer tail lights

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

comply with the relevant safety regulations. If

you connect the trailer to the factory-moun-

ted system, when you turn on the rear fog

lamp, the fog lamp of the towing vehicle will

turn off to turn on the trailer fog lamp.

CAUTION

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does

not go off when the electrical connection

with the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with

light-emitting diodes.

Do not leave the trailer connected to the

vehicle 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.

WARNING

Include in the anti-theft alarm

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

The trailer is included in the anti-theft system

if the following conditions are met:

297

Driving

●

the vehicle documentation takes precedence

at all times.

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy

Note

objects are as near to the axle as possible or

above it.

●

In case of anomalies in the electrical sys-

To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-

mends making the most of the maximum ver-

tical load technically permissible on the

tems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as in

the anti-theft alarm system, have them in-

spected by a specialised workshop.

●

Secure the trailer load properly.

Tyre pressure

coupling device page 294. An insufficient

›››

●

If the trailer accessories consume energy

vertical load has a negative influence on the

behaviour of both the vehicle and trailer.

through the power socket to the trailer and

the engine is turned off, the battery will dis-

charge.

Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-

cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-

ommendations.

The vertical load increases the weight on the

rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-

pacity.

●

If the 12-volt vehicle battery is running

When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres of the

towing vehicle with the maximum allowable

low, the electrical connection with the trail-

er will be automatically cut off.

pressure page 347.

›››

Gross combination weight of the towing

vehicle and trailer

WARNING

Trailer loading

The gross combination weight is the actual

weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual

weight of the loaded trailer.

If the maximum permissible axle weight, the

maximum load technically permissible on

the coupling point, the maximum author-

ised vehicle weight or the gross combina-

tion weight of the towing vehicle and trailer

are exceeded, accidents and serious inju-

ries may occur.

Technically permissible maximum trailer

weight and vertical load on the coupling

device

In some countries trailers are classified into

distinct categories. SEAT recommends ob-

taining information from a specialised work-

shop regarding which type of trailer is most

suitable for your vehicle.

The technically permissible maximum trailer

weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow

. The vertical load on the coupling is ex-

●

›››

Never exceed the values indicated!

erted vertically from above on the hook of the

towing bracket.

●

The actual weight on the front and rear

axles must never exceed the maximum per-

missible axle weight. The weight on the

front and rear axles must never exceed the

maximum permissible weight.

Trailer loading

The information on the maximum trailer

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 max-

imum vertical load technically permissible on

the coupling point, and it must be evenly dis-

tributed between the back and front of the

trailer:

weight and vertical load on the coupling de-

vice contained in the type plate of the towing

bracket are experimental values only. The

correct figures for your specific model, which

may be lower than these figures, are given in

the vehicle documentation. The information in

WARNING

A shift in weight could jeopardize the stabil-

ity and security of the towing vehicle and

298

Towing bracket device

trailer, change the centre of gravity and the

properties of the vehicle.

trailer, which could lead to accidents and

serious injuries.

WARNING

If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may

lead to loss of control of the vehicle and

serious injury.

●

If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer

●

Always load the trailer correctly.

is loaded, then the load distribution is incor-

rect. Under these conditions, drive slowly and

with extra caution.

Always secure the load properly using

belts or straps that are suitable and in

good condition.

●

Driving with a trailer and transporting

heavy or large objects will change the ve-

hicle handling and braking distances.

Hill starts with a trailer

●

Always drive cautiously and carefully.

Depending on the slope of the hill and the

combination weight of the towing vehicle and

trailer, the vehicle might start rolling back-

wards slightly when you first start up.

Brake earlier than usual.

Driving with a trailer

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

Adjusting the headlights

times to suit visibility, weather, road and

traffic conditions. Slow down, especially

when driving down hills or slopes.

The front part of the vehicle may be raised

when the trailer is connected and the light

may dazzle the rest of the traffic.

For hill-starting with a trailer, do the following:

●

Accelerate with particular care and cau-

●

Press and hold the brake pedal.

tion. Avoid sudden braking and manoeu-

vres.

Press the  button once to disconnect the

Specific features of driving with a trailer

electronic parking brake page 272.

●

›››

Take great care when overtaking. Reduce

●

If your trailer has an overrun brake, brake

speed immediately if you notice that the

trailer is swaying, however slightly.

●

If the vehicle is equipped with a manual

gently at first and then rapidly. This will pre-

vent the jerking that can be caused by the

locking of trailer wheels.

gearbox, push the clutch pedal all the way

down.

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

●

Engage first gear or set the gear selector

switch to the D/S position.

●

Due to the gross combination weight of the

●

Take into account the speed limit for vehi-

towing vehicle and trailer, the braking dis-

tance increases.

cles with a trailer, as it could be lower than

for vehicles without a trailer.

●

Pull out the  button and hold it in that po-

sition to immobilise the towing vehicle and

trailer with the electronic parking brake.

●

When going down a slope, go into a lower

gear (if using a manual gearbox or the tip-

tronic automatic gearbox mode) to take ad-

vantage of the braking power provided by the

engine. Otherwise, the braking system could

overheat and even fail.

●

Release the brake pedal.

Stabilisation of the towing vehicle

and trailer combination

Start driving slowly. To do this, in the case of

a manual gearbox, slowly release the clutch

pedal.

The stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer

combination is an additional function of the

electronic stability control (ESC).

●

The trailer weight, as well as the gross com-

bination weight of the towing vehicle and

●

Do not release the  button until the en-

gine has sufficient power to start driving.

299

Driving -> Trailer mode for Your Seat Leon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2021-2026)

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