Get Transporting (External) -> Towing bracket Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Tightening the ratchet strap

2

1. Press the slider → Fig. 1

2. Pivot the lever → Fig. 1

outwards in the direction of the arrow.

1

B

to position→ Fig. 2

.

3

4

3. Pull the belt→ Fig. 2

from the rear through the slot in the spool

and tighten the belt.

1

A

B

4. Pivot the lever → Fig. 1

back and forth alternately between positions→ Fig. 2

and

until the belt has

. The ratchet is

wound itself around the spool two to three times →

.

2

1

A

5. Press the slider → Fig. 1

outwards and pivot the lever→ Fig. 1

to position→ Fig. 2

now closed and locked in position.

Releasing the ratchet strap

1. Before releasing the ratchet strap, make sure the load cannot fall over.

2

2. Press the slider → Fig. 3

outwards.

1

C

2

5

engages in the end position . The spool

4

3. Pivot the lever → Fig. 3

now rotates freely.

to position

until the slider

3

4. Pull the ratchet strap→ Fig. 2

out of the ratchet.

WARNING

Incorrectly fastened ratchet straps may get detached in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident. This

could cause objects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fatal injuries.

● Wind the strap around the spool 2 - 3 times.

● Never use ratchet straps to secure loads to the side panels.

Fitting the removable towing coupling

Fig. 1 Overview: Detachable ball coupling.

455

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Protective cap.(Not always supplied.)

Ball head.

Retaining balls.

Catch (ball) for locking element.

Shank.

Centring device.

Handwheel.

Key.

Lock cover.

10 Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling)

11 Green marking on the ball coupling.

12 Green marking on handwheel.

13 Red marking on handwheel.

The removable ball coupling is located in the stowage compartment behind the front right seat.

Step 1: Preparations

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

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

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

securely in the vehicle.

7

5

3

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

, shank

and the retaining balls

of the ball

coupling are all clean and undamaged → . Clean if necessary.

Step 2: Pre-tensioning the ball coupling

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

2

1. Grasp the ball coupling underneath the ball head→ Fig. 1

9

with one hand.

8

2. Remove the lock cap→ Fig. 1

from the lock and insert the key

into the lock.

8

3. Turn the key → Fig. 1

clockwise.

7

A

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

in the direction of arrow

and hold it in this

position →

.

7

B

5. Turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

tensioned. The red marking

in the direction of the arrow

until it engages. The ball coupling is now pre-

11

13

on the handwheel must point towards the green marking

on the ball

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

10

4 mm

.

3

5

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

can be pressed fully into the ball coupling shank

.

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

456

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

spring back to its original position and could cause injury →

.

1. Guide the pre-tensioned removable ball coupling into the mounting tube from below.

6

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

mounting points on the vehicle.

must engage in the

7

3. The handwheel → Fig. 1

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

handwheel and the ball coupling.

8

4. Turn the key → Fig. 1

5. The handwheel → Fig. 1

6. Fit the lock cap→ Fig. 1

anticlockwise in the handwheel and remove it.

7

9

may now no longer be pulled out.

on the lock and place the key in the vehicle toolkit.

Step 4: Safety check.

Before hitching a trailer, check that the ball coupling is secured correctly.

12

11

1. The green marking→ Fig. 1

coupling.

on the handwheel must point towards the green marking

on the ball

7

2. The handwheel → Fig. 1

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

3. Shake or pull down on the ball coupling→ Fig. 1 with some force. It must sit firmly in the mounting→

.

8

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

9

removed.

5. The lock cover→ Fig. 1

must cover the lock in the locking lever.

WARNING

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

● Only use the ball coupling when it is secured correctly.

2

● Never use the towing bracket if the smallest diameter of the ball→ Fig. 1

is less than 49 mm.

● The ball coupling is heavy. When performing the safety check, the ball coupling could fall off and cause crush

injuries.

● Do not touch the handwheel when the ball coupling is pre-tensioned. When the ball coupling is pressed into the

mounting, the handwheel will jump back to its original position.

● If the ball coupling cannot be attached, have the towing bracket checked by a qualified workshop.

● Never use the towing bracket if the ball coupling does not engage properly or cannot be pre-tensioned.

● Never use the ball coupling if the key in the handwheel cannot be removed when the ball coupling is fitted. This

means that the ball coupling is not locked properly.

● Always stow and secure the removed ball coupling in the storage box under the front right seat.

NOTICE

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

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

● Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the ball coupling mounting. This could wash the

grease required for lubrication out of the mounting.

Removing and slackening the ball coupling

457

Fig. 1 Overview: Removable ball coupling.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Protective cap.(Not always supplied.)

Ball head.

Retaining balls.

Catch (ball) for locking element.

Shank.

Centring device.

Handwheel.

Key.

Lock cover.

10 Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling)

11 Green marking on the ball coupling.

12 Green marking on handwheel.

13 Red marking on handwheel.

1. Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the handbrake.

2. Switch off the engine.

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

remove the adapter from the trailer socket.

9

4. Remove the lock cap→ Fig. 1

8

from the lock on the handwheel.

5. Insert the key → Fig. 1

into the lock and turn it clockwise

2

6. Hold the ball coupling→ Fig. 1

tightly in one hand→

.

7

A

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

position .

in the direction of arrow

and hold it in this

458

7

B

8. Turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

9. Hold the handwheel → Fig. 1

in the direction of arrow

until it engages.

in this position and guide the ball coupling downwards out of the mounting.

The ball coupling is now in the ready position.

7

10. Release the handwheel→ Fig. 1

and stow the pre-tensioned towing coupling safely with the vehicle toolkit.

11. Insert the sealing plug into the mount for the ball coupling.

WARNING

The removable ball coupling is heavy. The ball coupling could fall off while it is being removed and cause crush

injuries.

● Only unlock the ball coupling when a trailer is unhitched.

WARNING

An insufficiently secured ball coupling may be flung around in the vehicle interior during sudden braking or driving

manoeuvres as well as in the event of an accident and cause injuries.

● Always stow the ball coupling safely in the vehicle.

Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a towing bracket

459

Fig. 1 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a

towing bracket.

A

B

C

D

E

F

Attachment points.

1,075 mm.

At least 65 mm.

350 mm to 420 mm.

160 mm.

550 mm.

G

758 mm.

Dimensions

The dimensions must be observed in all cases when retrofitting a towing bracket→ Fig. 1. Always observe the

D

minimum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling

to the surface of the road. The values refer to the

vehicle with maximum load, including the maximum drawbar load.

460

Have the towing bracket retrofitted by a suitably qualified workshop. Conversion measures may be necessary on the

cooling system, for example, or it may be necessary to fit heat shields.

Install the towing bracket in accordance with the installation instructions provided.

A retrofitted, non-removable towing bracket must not cover either the license plate or the lighting system at the rear

of the vehicle. Observe the country-specific regulations on use of a towing bracket →

.

WARNING

Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause faults in the entire vehicle electronics system and

also cause accidents and serious injuries.

● Never connect the trailer’s electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail light clusters or to

other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may be used to connect the trailer.

● When retrofitting a towing bracket to the vehicle, have the work carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

WARNING

The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

Use only towing brackets that are intended by the manufacturer for the corresponding vehicle model, model

year and vehicle version.

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, energy 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 →

.

Trailer with lighting function check

You must not use any trailer equipped with a tail light or brake light that requires a function check of these lights for

its approval. Please contact the trailer manufacturer for information on the type of approval that applies to your

trailer.

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.

Unused ball coupling

Swivel in or remove the ball coupling if there is no trailer, bicycle carrier or similar equipment mounted on it. This

applies in particular if the number plate or the lighting on the rear of the vehicle are obscured by the unused ball

coupling. Observe the country-specific regulations on the use of a ball coupling.

461

Transporting (External) -> Towing bracket for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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