Get Roof rack -> Introduction Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

NOTICE

Fitting an unsuitable ball mount can cause vehicle damage and invalidation of the operating license.

Use the ball mount supplied by the factory or a ball mount approved for your vehicle model and its model year.

Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Your vehicle was not designed to tow trailers requiring larger ball heads than those speciﬁed. Never use ball mounts with a diameter that exceeds

50.8 mm (2 inches).

Never use an adapter in order to use a larger ball mount.

If necessary, you may use an adapter to enable you to mount a bicycle carrier or similar. Always observe the weight speciﬁcations when doing so. These

should never cover your tail lights.

Retroﬁtting a trailer hitch

Volkswagen recommends having a trailer hitch retroﬁtted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. For example,

modiﬁcations to the cooling system or installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Mount the trailer hitch in accordance with the instructions supplied.

A retroﬁtted, non-removable trailer hitch must not cover the label or the lighting system on the rear of the vehicle. Note the country-speciﬁc regulations for using a b

mount ⇒

WARNING

Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electrical system as well as accidents and serious injuries.

Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources. Only use suitable

connectors to connect the trailer.

If retroﬁtting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

A trailer hitch that is installed incorrectly or that is not suitable for the vehicle can lead to the trailer separating from the vehicle that is towing it. This can cause

accidents and fatal injuries.

Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer. Volkswagen

recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Roof rack

Introduction

Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.

Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.

If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.

Do not use or retroﬁt a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.

WARNING

When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof rack, your vehicle's driving characteristics could change because of the different center of gravity or

increased wind resistance.

Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, ﬁxation belts or tensioning straps.

Large, heavy, long, or ﬂat objects can have a negative effect on the vehicle’s aerodynamics, center of gravity, and handling.

276

Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and trafﬁc conditions.

WARNING

If a roof rack that is not approved for the vehicle is installed or a roof rack is installed on a vehicle that is not designed for using a roof rack, accidents and

serious injuries can occur.

Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.

Never install a roof rack on a vehicle that is not approved for using a roof rack.

If a roof rack is not approved but is installed anyway, the rack could come loose while driving and fall off the roof.

NOTICE

Installing any type of roof rack on a vehicle where this is not approved can cause serious vehicle damage.

Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the fuel consumption. This reduces the potential range of the vehicle. This

applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and skis.

Mounting a roof rack

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely.

Only use roof racks that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer.

Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Mounting a roof rack on the roof rail

Mount the roof rack in accordance with the instructions supplied.

After the roof rack has been mounted, the rack base can now be secured to it

⇒

Remove the roof rack in the following scenarios

If the roof rack is no longer needed.

Before driving through an automatic car wash

If the height of the vehicle exceeds the maximum height limit, for example in a garage

NOTICE

The height of the vehicle changes when a roof rack is installed and when there is cargo secured on it. Compare the height of the vehicle with height

clearances, for example for underpasses and garage doors.

Parts on the roof of your particular vehicle (depending on the vehicle equipment), e.g. the roof antenna, and the trunk lid's range of movement must not

be impaired by the roof rack and the luggage.

WARNING

Securing the roof rack and base incorrectly or using them incorrectly can cause the cargo or the entire assembly to come loose from the vehicle roof, which can

cause accidents and injuries.

Only use the roof rack and base if they are undamaged and secured correctly.

Always mount the roof rack and base correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Secure the roof rack only at the locations intended for this.

Always mount special rack assemblies for bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the

manufacturer.

Check the roof rack mounts before starting a journey and, if necessary, retighten them after a short distance. On long trips, check the threaded

connections and fasteners each time you take a break.

Do not make any modiﬁcations or repairs to the roof rack or base.

A ﬁtted roof rack increases air resistance and therefore may reduce the vehicle's range.

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Roof rack -> Introduction for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

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