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.
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