Get Trailer towing -> Hitching a trailer Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

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.

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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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Trailer towing -> Hitching a trailer for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

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