Get Towing bracket Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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 two to three times.

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

Fitting the removable ball coupling

Fig. 1 Overview: Detachable ball coupling.

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1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Protective cap (not always included in the scope of delivery).

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 may be located in the following positions:

—In the stowage compartment behind the right-hand front seat.

—In the stowage compartment at the rear left of the luggage compartment behind a cover.

—In the stowage compartment under the 3-seat bench.

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

.

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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.

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

anticlockwise in the handwheel and remove it.

7

5. It must now no longer be possible to pull out the handwheel→ Fig. 1

9

.

6. Fit the lock cap→ Fig. 1

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.

● Use the ball coupling only 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 towing bracket 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 stowage box under the front right seat.

NOTICE

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

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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

Fig. 1 Overview: Detachable ball coupling.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Protective cap (not always included in the scope of delivery).

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.

467

2

6. Hold the ball coupling→ Fig. 1

tightly with one hand→

7

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

.

A

in the direction of arrow

and hold it in this

position.

7

B

8. Turn the handwheel→ Fig. 1

9. Hold the handwheel → Fig. 1

in the direction of arrow

until it engages.

7

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

The ball coupling is now pre-tensioned.

7

10. Release the handwheel→ Fig. 1

and stow the pre-tensioned ball 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.

● Never unlock the ball coupling when a trailer is hitched.

WARNING

If the ball coupling is not secured, it may be flung around the vehicle interior and cause injuries during sudden

braking or driving manoeuvres or in the event of an accident.

● Always stow the ball coupling securely in the vehicle.

Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a towing bracket

468

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.

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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 licence 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.

470

DANGER

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

● Never transport people in a trailer.

WARNING

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

● Fit and use the trailer according to the instructions provided by the respective manufacturer.

● Use the towing bracket only if it is undamaged and fitted correctly.

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

● Swivel the ball coupling in or remove the ball coupling if possible to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions

and for pedestrians as well as cyclists in the event of parked vehicles.

● 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.

● Ensure that your speed and driving style are always appropriate for the current visibility, weather and road/traffic

conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when driving 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 ensure that you think ahead. Accelerate particularly 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.

● Do not 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 national speed limits. Speed limits for

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

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

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 before hitching or unhitching a trailer (→ 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.

Depending on the equipment, the removable ball coupling is required for

towing .

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.

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Overrun 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 exterior

mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.

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.

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 light clusters or to

other power sources. Use only suitable connections to supply power to the trailer.

We recommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently

for towing a trailer.

Hitching 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.

1. Lift the cap on the socket and insert the plug.

2. Turn the plug by a quarter of a turn in clockwise direction until it engages fully in the socket.

3. Release the cap to lock the plug in position.

4. Check that the entire lighting system is functioning correctly before starting your journey.

If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the towing vehicle is correct, please contact

a suitably qualified workshop.

Emergency breakaway cable

472

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.

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 be carried out by a correspondingly 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 any bent pins repaired by a correspondingly 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 correspondingly 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

473

Basic information

Always make sure that the vehicle and trailer are well balanced. Do not overload the front or rear of the trailer.

Always stow heavy objects directly over the axle, or as close as possible to it. Always secure loads to the trailer

properly →

.

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 .

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 takes precedence over this data.

The maximum permissible drawbar load should always be utilised. 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

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

In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. We recommend that you contact a qualified workshop to

find out about suitable trailers.

Tyre pressure

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

1. When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre pressure

(→ Tyre pressure).

WARNING

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

● Always load trailers properly.

● Always secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing and securing straps.

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 stated values.

● Never exceed the maximum gross axle weight rating with the current weight on the front and rear axles.

● Never exceed the maximum permissible gross weight with the front and rear weight of the vehicle.

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, have the

headlights adjusted by a suitably qualified workshop.

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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

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 vehicle towing a trailer

could roll back a short distance when moving off on a hill.

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

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Fully depress the clutch pedal.

3. 1st Select a gear or the D position.

4. Unlock handbrake and carefully release while holding down lock button.

5. 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).

6. Only let go of the handbrake lever when the engine has sufficient power to move off.

7. 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 ensure that you think ahead. Brake earlier than usual.

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

speed, particularly when driving downhill.

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

● Take extra 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 maximum speed limits. In some areas, speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for

vehicles without trailers.

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 a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the trailer's rocking

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

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Requirements for trailer stabilisation

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

✓ Electronic Stability Control(ESC) and traction control system (TCS

) are active. The warning lamp or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.

✓ The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

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

✓ The maximum drawbar load is being used.

✓ The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.

✓ 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.

● Adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

● Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.

● Take your foot off the accelerator when a system is regulating.

WARNING

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

● Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.

● 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.

Introduction

Rear carrier systems are, for example, bicycle carriers or hunter boxes. There are rear carrier systems for assembly on

the ball coupling or on the boot lid.

Only use rear carrier systems intended for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle version by the respective

manufacturer.

Mount the rear carrier system according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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Towing bracket for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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