Get Trailer towing Guide for Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

Introduction

The vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it has the required technical equipment for this.

The additional trailer load will affect the amount of wear, fuel consumption and performance of the vehicle and, in

certain circumstances, could shorten the service intervals.

Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased concentration on the

part of the driver.

Vehicles with a start/stop system

If towing brackets that werenot retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are used, or if a towing bracket

retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is not detected for system-related reasons, the start/stop system

must be deactivated manually using the button in the centre console before starting to tow a trailer and must

remain deactivated for as long as a trailer is being towed →

.

Tachograph

Use of a tachograph is required by law for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 3,500 kg, including

trailer, and used commercially to transport goods. This is irrespective of whether the vehicle or the trailer or both are

used for commercial transportation of goods.

DANGER

It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.

● Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.

● Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.

● When the vehicle is not being used to tow a trailer, always remove the ball coupling neck((→ Ball coupling,

mechanical)) to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists when

parking the vehicle.

● Never install a “weight-distributing” or “load-balancing” towing bracket to the vehicle. The vehicle was not

constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from

the vehicle.

WARNING

Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling, increase the braking

distance and lead to accidents.

● Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce your

speed, particularly when going downhill.

● Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of gravity.

● Always drive carefully and think ahead. Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and

braking manoeuvres.

● Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of

snaking.

● Never drive faster than 80 km/h(50 mph) when towing a trailer, or 100 km/h (60 mph)in exceptional cases. This

also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted. Always obey speed limits. In some countries, speed

limits for vehicles towing trailers can be lower than for vehicles without trailers.

● Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a towing bracket.

● Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

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WARNING

The start/stop system must always be deactivated manually when towing a trailer using towing brackets that have

not been retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Otherwise faults can occur in the brake system, possibly

resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a trailer is being hitched or unhitched (→ Anti-theft alarm). The

tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.

In vehicles with a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first

1,000 km.

The removable ball coupling neck is required for towing. Make sure you always carry the ball coupling neck in

the vehicle .

Technical prerequisites

Engine cooling system

There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling system must

contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load added by the trailer.

Trailer brake

If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the legal regulations.

Exterior mirrors

If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors, additional exterior

mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations. Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so

that you have a sufficient view of the rear.

Retrofitting a towing bracket

Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for your vehicle. Always

check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.

Towing brackets fitted to the rear bumper

Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems. Check that the towing bracket is properly secured at

regular intervals.

Trailer tail light clusters

The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the maximum power

consumption for the trailer tail light clusters.

WARNING

If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached from the towing vehicle.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.

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NOTICE

● The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.

● Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other

sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide power to the trailer.

Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends

additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a

trailer.

Fitting the removable ball coupling neck

Fig. 1 Overview: Removable ball coupling neck.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Cap

Ball coupling

Retaining balls

Catch for locking element

Centring device

Shank

Lock cap

Keys

Handwheel

10 Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling neck)

11 White marking on the ball coupling neck

12 Green marking on handwheel

13 Red marking on handwheel

The removable ball coupling neck is located in a stowage box under the right-hand front seat.

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Step 1: Preparations

—Move the right-hand front seat as far back as possible (→ Front seats), then open the lock and remove the stowage

box.

—Note down the number stamped on the key before using the removable ball coupling neck for the first time. You

will need this number if you have to acquire a replacement key.

—Remove the sealing plug from the mount for the ball coupling neck under the bumper. Stow the sealing plug

securely in the vehicle.

9

6

3

—Check to ensure that the mounting, handwheel→ Fig. 1

, shank

and the retaining balls

on the ball

coupling neck are all clean and not damaged → . Clean if necessary.

Step 2: Pre-tensioning the ball coupling neck

The ball coupling neck cannot be fitted properly unless it is pre-tensioned.

2

—Grasp the ball coupling neck underneath the ball coupling→ Fig. 1

with one hand.

into the lock.

7

8

—Remove the lock cap→ Fig. 1

from the lock and insert the key

8

—Turn the key → Fig. 1

anticlockwise.

9

A

—Use your other hand to pull out the handwheel→ Fig. 1

in the direction of arrow

and hold it in this position

→

.

9

B

—Turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

in the direction of arrow

until it engages. The ball coupling neck is now pre-

11

13

tensioned. The red marking

on the handwheel must point towards the white marking

on the ball coupling

neck. The handwheel protrudes clearly from the ball coupling neck. The gap between them is approximately 4 mm

10

.

3

6

—Check to see whether all retaining balls→ Fig. 1

can be pressed fully into the ball coupling neck

.

Step 3: Attaching the pre-tensioned ball coupling neck to the vehicle.

Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling neck has been pre-tensioned. When engaged, the handwheel will

spring back to its original position and could cause injury →

.

—Guide the pre-tensioned removable ball coupling neck into the mounting pipe from below.

5

—Push the ball coupling neck firmly upwards until it engages. Both centring devices→ Fig. 1

must engage in the

mounting points on the vehicle.

9

—The handwheel → Fig. 1

has now returned to its original position. There is no longer a gap between the

handwheel and the ball coupling neck.

8

—Turn the key → Fig. 1

—The handwheel → Fig. 1

—Fit the lock cap→ Fig. 1

in the handwheel clockwise and remove it.

9

7

may now no longer be pulled out.

on the lock and place the key in the stowage box.

—Secure the stowage box under the right-hand front seat.

Step 4: Safety check.

Check if the ball coupling neck is fixed correctly before attaching a trailer.

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12

11

—The green marking→ Fig. 1

on the handwheel must point towards the white marking

on the ball coupling

neck.

9

—The handwheel → Fig. 1

must rest on the ball coupling neck and there must be no gap between them.

2

—Shake the ball coupling neck→ Fig. 1

or pull it down with some force. It must sit firmly in the mounting→

.

8

—The lock must be locked and the key→ Fig. 1

removed.

7

—The lock cover→ Fig. 1

must cover the lock in the handwheel.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.

● Use the ball coupling neck only if it is properly secured.

2

● Do not use the towing bracket if the smallest diameter on the ball coupling→ Fig. 1

is smaller than 49 mm.

● The ball coupling neck is heavy. When checking whether it is secure, the ball coupling neck could fall off and

cause injuries.

● Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling neck has been pre-tensioned. The handwheel will spring back

to its original position when the ball coupling neck is pressed into the mount.

● The towing bracket should be checked by a qualified workshop if the ball coupling does not fit properly.

● Do not use the towing bracket if the ball coupling neck does not engage properly or if you are unable to pre-

tension it.

● Do not use the towing bracket if you are unable to remove the key from the handwheel once the ball coupling

neck has been mounted. This means that ball coupling neck is not locked properly.

● Always fix the removed ball coupling neck securely in the stowage box under the right-hand front seat.

NOTICE

● The mount on the vehicle, handwheel, shank and retaining balls of the ball coupling neck must all be clean and

undamaged. Otherwise you may not be able to lock the ball coupling neck securely.

● Do not aim a high-pressure hose or steam cleaner directly at the mount for the ball coupling neck. This could

wash the grease required for lubrication out of the mounting.

NOTICE

The removable ball coupling neck is required for towing. Make sure you always carry the ball coupling neck in the

vehicle .

Removing and slackening the ball coupling neck

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Fig. 1 Overview: Removable ball coupling neck.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Cap

Ball coupling

Retaining balls

Catch for locking element

Centring device

Shank

Lock cap

Keys

Handwheel

10 Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling neck)

11 White marking on the ball coupling neck

12 Green marking on handwheel

13 Red marking on handwheel

Removing the ball coupling neck

—Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake .

—Switch off the engine (→ Switching off the engine).

—Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. If fitted, remove

the adapter from the trailer socket.

7

—Remove the lock cap→ Fig. 1

from the lock on the handwheel.

8

—Insert the key → Fig. 1

into the lock and turn it anti-clockwise.

2

—Hold the ball coupling neck→ Fig. 1

tightly in one hand→

9

.

A

—Use your other hand to pull out the handwheel→ Fig. 1

in the direction of arrow

and hold it in this

362

position.

9

B

—Turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

—Hold the handwheel → Fig. 1

as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow

.

2

in this position and guide the ball coupling neck

downwards out of the

mount. The ball coupling neck engages and is pre-tensioned.

—Insert the sealing plug into the mount for the ball coupling neck.

Slackening the ball coupling neck

The ball coupling neck must be slackened before being returned to the storage box.

—Hold the ball coupling neck in one hand.

9

B

—Use your other hand to turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow

.

4

—Press in the ball → Fig. 1

.

9

—Turn the handwheel back→ Fig. 1

anti-clockwise.

4

—Release the ball → Fig. 1

. The handwheel no longer protrudes from the ball coupling neck. The ball coupling

neck is now slack.

8

—Turn the key → Fig. 1

clockwise and remove. Store the key in the stowage box.

7

.

—Close the lock cap→ Fig. 1

—Place the slackened ball coupling neck in the stowage box. Secure the stowage box under the right-hand front

seat.

WARNING

The removable ball coupling neck is heavy. The ball coupling neck could fall and cause injuries while it is being

removed.

● Only unlock the ball coupling neck once the trailer has been unhitched.

NOTICE

The removable ball coupling neck is required for towing. Make sure you always carry the ball coupling in the vehicle.

Notes on towing a trailer

Trailer socket

A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The pin

assignment corresponds with DIN ISO 11446.

If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter.

Please contact a qualified workshop if you are uncertain whether the electrical connection between the trailer and

the vehicle is correct. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership for this purpose.

Emergency breakaway cable

Always fasten the trailer's emergency breakaway cable properly to the towing vehicle. Leave enough slack in the

emergency breakaway cable so that the vehicle can still drive around corners. However the emergency breakaway

cable should not drag along the ground while you are driving.

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Connection to the anti-theft alarm

The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:

—When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.

—When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

—When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.

—When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer is interrupted.

Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clusters)

For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer with LED rear

lights is interrupted.

WARNING

Any electrical cables which are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly could cause a power surge to

the trailer. This could lead to faults in the entire vehicle electronics system and could also cause accidents and

serious injuries.

● All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.

● Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the towing vehicle's tail light

clusters or to other power sources.

WARNING

Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the electrical system and

failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious injuries.

● Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.

● Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.

NOTICE

If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. The

vehicle could move up and down if the load changes or if there is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens,

a great deal of force will be exerted on the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle

and trailer.

If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or if there is a fault in the anti-theft alarm, have the

vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.

If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer socket, the 12-

volt vehicle battery will discharge.

If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be interrupted

automatically.

Loading the trailer

Trailer weight and drawbar load

The maximum trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull→

.

The drawbar load is the weight that the towing bracket exerts on the ball coupling neck vertically from above.

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The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing bracket are for

certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures, are

given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these

data.

The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling neck of the towing bracket

must not exceed 75 kg. Refer to the official vehicle documents for the maximum possible trailer weight.

In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen Commercial vehicles recommends that you always use the maximum

drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.

The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a result.

Gross combination weight rating

The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded towing vehicle and of the loaded trailer .

Loading the trailer

The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should be utilised. Do not

place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:

—Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are either over or as near to the axle as possible.

—Secure all loads on the trailer properly.

Tyre pressure

Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.

When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre pressure (→ Tyre

pressure).

WARNING

Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle weight rating,

drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.

● Never exceed the specified values.

● Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight ratings. Never exceed the

permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the vehicle.

WARNING

Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and severe injuries.

● Always load trailers correctly.

● Always secure loads using suitable and undamaged securing straps.

Driving with a trailer

Headlight adjustment

Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other road users. Use the

headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. If you do not have headlight range control, the headlights

should be adjusted by a qualified workshop.

Things to note when driving with a trailer

—If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakesgently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that

365

can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.

—The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.

—Select a low gear before driving down a slope. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the

vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.

—The vehicle's centre of gravity and in turn the vehicle's handling will change because of the trailer load and the

increased gross weight of the vehicle and trailer.

—The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in

this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.

Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer

Depending on the steepness of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle, a parked vehicle towing a

trailer can roll back a short distance when pulling away on a hill.

When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:

—Depress and hold the brake pedal.

—Manual gearbox: Fully depress the clutch pedal.

—Select 1st gear or D position.

—Gently depress the accelerator and, in a manual vehicle, release the clutch pedal until you feel the vehicle moving

forwards. If necessary, observe the information on Hill Start Assist (→ Hill Start Assist).

—Pull away slowly.

WARNING

Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

● Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the

braking distance.

● Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.

● Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce your speed,

particularly when going downhill.

● Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

● Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of

snaking.

● Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

● Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles

without trailers.

Fitting a bicycle carrier on the ball coupling neck on the towing bracket

You must only use bicycle carriers that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the vehicle.

Mount the bicycle carrier according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

A maximum of three bicycles may be mounted on the bicycle carrier→ . Attach heavy bicycles as close to the

vehicle (ball coupling neck) as possible.

Maximum load

The maximum load (carrier system including load) of the bicycle carrier fitted on the ball coupling neck is75 kg.

However, the model-specific maximum drawbar load of the towing bracket must not be exceeded.

WARNING

Improper use of a bicycle carrier fitted to the towing bracket ball coupling neck can cause accidents and injuries.

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● Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier manufacturer.

● Never exceed the specified load and overhang.

● Never secure a bicycle carrier to the ball neck under the coupling ball. The bicycle carrier could slip out of position

due to the shape of the ball neck.

NOTICE

Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload specified in the manufacturer's

assembly instructions or the overhang is exceeded.

● Never exceed the values specified in the assembly instructions.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before

setting off. This includes, for example, bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve

the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.

Trailer stabilisation

The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to snake from side to side and can provide

counter steering assistance.

Trailer stabilisation is an extension of the Electronic Stability Control(ESC).

If trailer snaking is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the trailer's motion using

counter steering assistance. The trailer stabilisation function may be deactivated in some countries.

Requirements for trailer stabilisation

—The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.

—Electronic Stability Control and traction control system(TCS) are active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument

cluster is not lit up.

—The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h(37 mph).

—Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.

WARNING

Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving

– this can cause accidents.

● Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

● Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.

● Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.

WARNING

The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.

● Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function and stabilised accordingly

in all cases.

● A trailer can stilljack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer

stabilisation system.

● Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.

● Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if the trailer socket is being

used without a trailer.

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Retrofitting a towing bracket

Fig. 1 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a

towing bracket.

Caddy

Caddy Maxi

A

Attachment points

A

934 mm

1072 mm

At least 65 mm

350 – 420 mm

235 mm

B

C

D

E

F

At least 65 mm

350 – 420 mm

235 mm

531 mm

1022 mm

G

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Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

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