Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

1. Release the hooks and loops on the luggage net from the tie-downs and luggage net hooks.  
2. Store the luggage net in the luggage compartment.  
WARNING  
The elastic luggage net must be stretched in order to secure it on the tie-downs or the hooks in the luggage compartment. The luggage net is under tension  
when it is installed. The hooks and eyes on the luggage net could cause injuries if the luggage net is installed or removed incorrectly.  
Always hold on to the hooks of the luggage net to prevent them springing out of the tie-down when hooking and unhooking them.  
Protect your eyes and face to reduce the risk of injuries from the hooks springing out when securing and releasing them.  
Always secure the hooks of the luggage net in the order described. There is a risk of injury if a luggage net hook springs back.  
WARNING  
If used improperly, the luggage net hooks could break during a braking maneuver or in the event of an accident. This could result in objects being thrown through  
the vehicle interior and causing serious or fatal injuries.  
Only use the luggage net hooks to secure a luggage net.  
Never secure a child restraint to the luggage net hooks.  
Shopping bag hooks  
Fig. 166 In the luggage compartment: fold-out shopping bag hooks.  
You may have shopping bag hooks in your luggage compartment for hanging light shopping bags.  
WARNING  
Loose objects can be thrown around the inside of the vehicleduring sudden driving or braking maneuvers. This can cause serious injuries and loss of vehicle  
control.  
Never use the shopping bag hooks to tie down pieces of luggage or objects. The shopping bag hooks could break during sudden braking maneuvers or in  
the event of an accident.  
Only hang lightweight items, up to a maximum of 2.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lbs), from the shopping bag hooks in the vehicle.  
Trailer towing  
Introduction  
If equipped correctly, the vehicle can be used to tow a trailer. The increased weight from towing affects vehicle wear, fuel consumption, and vehicle performance  
and may shorten the service intervals.  
Driving a trailer not only increases the vehicle load, but requires more concentration from the driver.  
Vehicles with a start/stop system  
270  
Before trailer towing using towing brackets which have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be manually deactivated and remain  
deactivated during the entire trailer towing process ⇒ Start-stop system.  
Trailer with function check for the lighting  
No trailer with tail lights and brake lights that require a function check for the tail light or brake light in order to be approved may be operated on this vehicle. Please  
consult the trailer manufacturer to find out what approval applies to your trailer.  
Unused ball mount  
Swivel the ball mount or remove it if there is no trailer, bicycle rack or similar attached to the ball mount. This is especially applicable if the vehicle's license plate or  
lighting is obscured by the unused ball mount. Note the country-specific regulations for using a ball mount ⇒  
.
Special conditions  
Before driving with a trailer, please note that the functions of the assistance and parking systems may be limited.  
DANGER  
Transporting persons in a trailer can cause life-threatening injuries and may be against the law.  
Never transport anyone in a trailer.  
WARNING  
Using the trailer hitch incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, and serious injuries.  
Install and use the trailer in accordance with the instructions provided by the corresponding manufacturer.  
Only use the ball mount if it is undamaged and secured correctly.  
Do not modify or repair the ball mount.  
To reduce the risk of injury during a rear collision and to pedestrians and cyclists near parked vehicles, always swivel in or remove the ball mount when  
you are not towing a trailer.  
Never install “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” ball mounts. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch could  
malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle.  
WARNING  
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance, increase the braking distance, and cause accidents.  
Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving  
downhill.  
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip sooner than trailers with a low center of gravity.  
Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead. Accelerate with extra care and caution. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking  
maneuvers.  
Be very careful when passing. Reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.  
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h), or 60 mph (100 km/h) if absolutely necessary, when towing a trailer. This also applies in countries where  
higher speeds are permitted. Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles  
that are not towing a trailer.  
Never try to “straighten out” a swaying trailer by accelerating.  
WARNING  
When towing with towing brackets which have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen the start/stop system must always be manually deactivated. Otherwise this  
can lead to a failure in the brake system and can cause accidents and severe injury.  
NOTICE  
Follow all warning and information for vehicles with an N1 certificate → page , Useful information on vehicles with N1 type approval (light commercial vehicle) .  
If you have integrated a trailer into the anti-theft alarm system, breaking the connection to the trailer may trigger the anti-theft alarm system ⇒ Anti-theft alar  
system.  
271  
Do not tow a trailer during the first 1000 km (600 miles) driven with a new engine ⇒ Breaking in the engine.  
Some retrofitted trailer hitches cover the mount for the towing eye. If this is the case, it will not be possible to use the towing eye to tow other vehicles. Because  
of this, you should always keep the ball mount from a retrofitted trailer hitch inside the vehicle when it is removed.  
Hitching a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
Trailer socket  
If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable adapter must be used.  
1. Lift the socket cap and insert the plug.  
2. Rotate the plug clockwise by a quarter of a rotation until it fully engages into the socket.  
3. Release the cap to lock the plug in place.  
4. Check that the entire lighting system is working properly before starting the journey.  
If you are not sure how to connect the trailer with the towing vehicle’s electrical system correctly, consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswage  
Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Safety chains  
Always make sure that the safety chains are correctly secured on the vehicle. The safety chains require sufficient play and can sag, but should not touch the ground  
Integrating into the anti-theft alarm system  
The trailer is integrated into the anti-theft alarm system if the following requirements are met:  
If the vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft alarm system and trailer hitch.  
If the trailer is connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle.  
If the vehicle and trailer electrical systems are functioning correctly and are not damaged.  
If the vehicle was locked using the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is active.  
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer is disconnected.  
Trailers with LED taillights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system due to the technology involved.  
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will not be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer with LED taillights is disconnected.  
WARNING  
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can electrify the trailer and lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electrical system as well as accidents  
and serious injuries.  
Have all work on the electrical system performed only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen  
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other power sources on the towing vehicle.  
WARNING  
Contact between the pins on the trailer socket can cause short circuits, overloading of he electrical system, or malfunction of the lighting system, which can  
result in accidents and serious injuries.  
Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.  
Have bent pins repaired only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTICE  
A trailer that is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support should not remain hitched to the vehicle. Changes to the load or tire damage may raise or  
lower the vehicle. This would put great stress on the trailer hitch and the trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.  
If the engine is stopped and accessories on the trailer are on while there is an electrical connection through the trailer socket, then the 12 V vehicle battery will  
drain.  
The electrical connection to the trailer will be automatically disconnected if the charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery becomes too low.  
272  
Loading a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
General information  
Always ensure that the vehicle and trailer are well balanced. Do not load the trailer unevenly by putting more weight at either the front or the back. Always store hea  
objects as close as possible to or above the axle. Always secure the load on the trailer properly ⇒  
.
Trailer load and tongue weight  
The trailer load is the weight that the vehicle can tow.  
The trailer tongue weight rating is the load that presses down vertically from above onto the ball mount of the trailer hitch.  
Volkswagen recommends always using the maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating ⇒ Technical data. Tongue weight that is too low affects the trailer's  
handling. The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating of the trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must not be exceeded ⇒  
.
The actual trailer tongue weight rating increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the possible load in the vehicle.  
In some countries, under certain conditions, a higher trailer tongue weight rating can be used. Follow the local specifications and regulations.  
Towing weight  
The towing weight consists of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle and the loaded trailer.  
In some countries, trailers are divided into classes. Volkswagen recommends consulting with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility about suitable trailers. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Tire pressure  
The tire pressure for the tires on the trailer is based on the recommendation of the trailer manufacturer.  
When towing a trailer, inflate the tires on the towing vehicle to the maximum permissible tire pressure ⇒ Tire pressure.  
WARNING  
Sliding loads can considerably impair driving stability and trailer safety and increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries.  
Always load trailers correctly.  
Always secure cargo with suitable and undamaged cords or tensioning straps.  
WARNING  
If the Gross Axle Weight Rating, tongue weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or towing weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded, accidents and serious  
injuries can result.  
Never exceed the specified values ⇒ Technical data.  
Never exceed the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating on the front or rear axle. Never exceed the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the front and  
rear weight of the vehicle.  
Driving with a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
Characteristics when driving with a trailer  
When driving with a trailer with an overrun brake, first brake gently then rapidly. This avoids braking jolts due to the trailer wheels locking.  
The braking distance increases due to the gross combination weight (of the trailer and vehicle).  
Use the engine as an additional brake on slopes. Otherwise the brake system may overheat and possibly fail.  
Select a lower gear when driving with an automatic gearbox in Tiptronic mode.  
The vehicle's center of gravity, and thereby also its driving characteristics, are changed by the towing weight and the increased total weight of the vehicle and  
trailer.  
An empty towing vehicle and loaded trailer create a very unfavorable weight distribution. Drive very carefully and slowly with this combination.  
Driving on hills with a trailer  
Depending on the angle of the hill and the total weight of the trailer, a parked trailer may roll back slightly when you start driving.  
When towing a trailer, start on a hill as follows:  
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.  
2. Pull and hold the  
3. Engage the  
switch one time to hold the trailer in place with the electronic parking brake.  
selector lever position.  
273  
4. Release the brake pedal.  
5. Start driving slowly.  
6. Only release the  
switch once the engine has created enough drive power to start driving.  
WARNING  
Towing a trailer incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injuries.  
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance and increase the braking distance.  
Ensure sufficient visibility behind you. Attach additional rearview mirrors if rear visibility is impaired due to the trailer. 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.  
Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead. Brake earlier than usual.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving  
downhill.  
Accelerate with extra care and caution. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.  
Take particular care when overtaking. Reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.  
Never try to “straighten out” a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.  
Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.  
Trailer stabilization  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle and it begins to sway, the trailer stabilization can detected this and countersteer.  
Trailer stabilization is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).  
If the system detects that the trailer is swaying, the trailer stabilization will automatically countersteer to the reduce “vibration” of the trailer.  
Trailer stabilization requirements  
The trailer hitch must be installed at the factory or a compatible trailer hitch must be retrofitted.  
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) must be active. The  
or  
indicator light in the instrument cluster must not be on.  
The trailer must be connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle using the trailer socket.  
The driving speed must be less than 37 mph (60 km/h).  
The maximum tongue weight must be used.  
The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.  
Braked trailers must have a mechanical overrun protection device.  
WARNING  
Do not allow the increased convenience provided by the trailer stabilization to tempt you into taking risks.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.  
Accelerate carefully on slippery roads.  
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal when a system is actively regulating.  
WARNING  
The trailer stabilization may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.  
The trailer stabilization switches off when ESC is deactivated.  
Trailer stabilization may not always detect if a light trailer is swaying and stabilize it.  
When driving on slippery roads with poor traction, the trailer can still jackknife despite the trailer stabilization.  
Trailers with a high center of gravity can tip before you notice any swaying back and forth.  
If there is no trailer hitched to the vehicle but there is a connector in the trailer socket, for example from a bike carrier with lights, sudden braking  
maneuvers may occur automatically in extreme driving situations.  
Trailer hitch  
274  
Ball mount holder  
Fig. 167 Dimensions of the ball mount holder and receptacle.  
Suspended height of the ball mount.  
Distance between socket pin and ball mount.  
To pull a trailer you must have installed the necessary cabling, including a socket, and the corresponding trailer hitch. Since pulling a trailer represents a heavy stra  
for the vehicle towing it, connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle and correct dimensions for the receptacle and the ball mount holder are extremely important in  
order for the towing vehicle to cope with the strain to be placed on it.  
The mount requires a special shape and size of ball mount holder and ball mount. This affects both the suspended height of the ball coupling fig. 167  
distance between the socket pin and the ball coupling fig. 167  
and the  
.
These dimensions determine the distribution of strain on the receptacle and the connections to the vehicle during towing. When purchasing a ball mount holder and  
a ball mount, always ensure that these will cope with the requirements.  
Dimensions of the ball mount holder  
The suspended height fig. 167  
from the top of the ball mount to the top of the neck must not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).  
The distance between the socket pin and the ball mount fig. 167  
must not exceed 209.55 mm (8 1/4 inches) from the middle of the ball mount to the midd  
of the eye of the pin.  
The diameter of the ball mount may not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).  
Ball mounts and holders which do not meet these specifications could damage your car or could fail completely  
⇒
.
Securing cables  
In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.  
Follow the country-specific regulations for using a securing cable.  
1. Secure the securing or breakaway cable to the provided ball mount eyelet.  
2. Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner  
⇒
.
WARNING  
Incorrect mounting or the use of an incorrect trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially  
causing serious accidents and injuries.  
Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service  
facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and injuries.  
Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.  
CAUTION  
Always remove the ball mount holder when you do not require it, in order to reduce the risk of injuries in a rear-end collision.  
275  
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  

Related Topics

Introduction
Hitching a trailer
Loading a trailer
Driving with a trailer
Trailer stabilization
Trailer hitch
Retrofitting a trailer hitch

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