Trailer towing -> Driving with a trailer for Your Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

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  
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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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