2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Transporting -> Trailer towing User Manual
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Transporting -> Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.  
Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.  
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.  
Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the attachment points shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 187ꢀ or ⇒ Fig. 188ꢀ.  
Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.  
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short  
distance. During a long trip, check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.  
Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.  
Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.  
Follow the instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them in the vehicle.  
Securing a load on the roof rack  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof rack system has been properly installed  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Maximum permissible roof load  
The maximum permissible roof load is 165 lbs. (75 kg). The maximum permissible roof load is the combined weight of the roof rack and the items being carried on  
the roof ⇒ ꢀ.  
Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than the  
maximum permissible roof load.  
When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do not load the rack to the maximum weight mentioned above. In this case, you may only load the roof rack to the  
weight limit specified in the system's installation instructions.  
Distributing the load  
Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly ⇒ ꢀ.  
Checking the mountings  
After the base carrier and roof rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a short time and at regular intervals thereafter.  
WARNING  
If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage may occur.  
Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  
Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is not fully utilized.  
Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as possible, toward the front.  
WARNING  
Loose or improperly secured items can fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.  
To help prevent baggage or other items from coming loose and flying around, always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.  
Secure the load properly.  
NOTE  
When opening the trunk lid, make sure that it will not hit anything secured to the roof rack.  
Trailer towing  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Technical requirementsꢀ  
⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailerꢀ  
246  
⇒ Loading the trailerꢀ  
⇒ Driving with a trailerꢀ  
⇒ Ball mountꢀ  
⇒ Retrofitting a trailer hitchꢀ  
⇒ Maximum permissible trailer weightꢀ  
Obey country-specific requirements about trailer towing and trailer hitches.  
Volkswagen does not recommend installing a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Your Volkswagen was mainly designed for carrying passengers. If you plan to tow a traile  
please remember your vehicle will be performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The additional load will affect durability, handling, fuel economy, and  
performance, and may require the vehicle to be serviced more often.  
Trailer towing not only places more stress on the vehicle, it calls for more concentration from the driver. Always follow the operating and driving instructions given,  
and use common sense.  
Under winter conditions, install winter tires on the vehicle and the trailer.  
Important information for Golf R models  
For technical reasons, the vehicle body structure is not designed for the installation of a trailer hitch.  
Never install a trailer hitch on Golf R models. Installing a trailer hitch will do considerable damage to the vehicle ⇒ ꢀ.  
WARNING  
Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.  
WARNING  
Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and injuries. An improperly installed, incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate  
from the towing vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.  
Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.  
Never repair or modify the trailer hitch.  
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball mount when  
you are not towing a trailer.  
Never install a weight distributing or load equalizing trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer  
hitch attachment can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.  
WARNING  
Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.  
Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause  
accidents.  
Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will not shift.  
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into  
account as well.  
Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.  
Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of gravity.  
Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.  
Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.  
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.  
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.  
Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than  
50 mph (80 km/h; under exceptional circumstances, 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the local speed limit is higher.  
WARNING  
Installing a trailer hitch on Golf R models can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.  
Never install a trailer hitch on a Golf R vehicle.  
247  
A trailer hitch can fall off while driving or rip loose while pulling a trailer, causing the trailer to separate from the vehicle.  
NOTE  
Installing a trailer hitch of any kind on Golf R models will cause expensive damage to your vehicle that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited  
Warranty.  
If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or rebuilt engine, do not tow a trailer during the break-in period, about 600 miles (1000 km) ⇒ Break-in  
periodꢀ.  
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintenance more often because of the extra load it has to move.  
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit  
from behind.  
Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always carry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be  
sure to stow it securely.  
Technical requirements  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Use only a weight-carrying trailer hitch designed and approved for the gross weight of the trailer you want to tow. The trailer hitch must be suitable for your vehicle  
and trailer and must be securely bolted to the appropriate place on the vehicle chassis. Use only a trailer hitch with a removable ball mount. Always check with the  
trailer hitch manufacturer to make sure that you are using the correct trailer hitch and carefully follow the hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never install a weight-  
distributing or load-equalizing trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for this kind of trailer hitch ⇒ ꢀ.  
Do not use a bumper-mounted trailer hitch  
Never install a trailer hitch on the bumper or on the bumper attachments. The trailer hitch must not interfere with the impact-absorbing bumper system. Do not make  
any changes to the vehicle exhaust and brake systems. From time to time, check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely fastened. When you are not  
towing, remove the trailer hitch. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing damage if your vehicle is hit from behind.  
Engine cooling system  
Towing a trailer makes the engine and its cooling system work harder. It is important that the engine cooling system is up to the job. Make sure that the cooling  
system has enough coolant.  
Trailer brakes  
If your trailer has its own brakes, make sure it meets all applicable regulations. The trailer brake system must never be directly connected to the vehicle's brake  
system.  
Safety chains  
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer ⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer ꢀ.  
Trailer taillights  
Trailer lights must meet all applicable regulations ⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer ꢀ.  
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle.  
Outside mirrors  
If you cannot see the traffic behind you using the regular outside mirrors, you must install extended mirrors. Extended mirrors may also be required by law in some  
countries/states/provinces. Always adjust the outside mirrors before driving. It's vital that you always have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.  
Maximum power consumption for the trailer  
Do not exceed the power ratings listed in the chart below.  
Electrical load  
Maximum power  
108 watts  
Brake lights total  
Turn signals per side  
54 watts  
248  
Electrical load  
Maximum power  
100 watts  
Side marker lights total  
Taillights total  
54 watts  
WARNING  
An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.  
If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting  
into the vehicle.  
NOTE  
If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics can be damaged.  
If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.  
Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only  
a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.  
If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle serviced between the regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the  
extra load it has to pull.  
Hitching up and connecting a trailer  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Safety chains  
Always make sure that the safety chains are properly attached to the towing vehicle. Leave enough slack in the chains so that you can go around corners without  
stretching the chains. The safety chains must not drag on the ground.  
Trailer taillights  
Make sure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the maximum power consumption for the trailer ⇒ Technical  
requirementsꢀ.  
WARNING  
Improper connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle electrical system, which can lead to accidents and  
serious personal injury.  
Have any work on the electrical system done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only  
a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.  
NOTE  
Never attach a trailer to the vehicle or leave it attached to the vehicle when the trailer is supported by a trailer jack or blocks. Various things (such as a  
change in trailer or vehicle load or a flat tire) can lower or raise the vehicle. This subjects the trailer hitch and the trailer to strong forces that can damage the  
vehicle or the trailer.  
Any problems with the vehicle's electrical system when attached to a trailer should be checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen  
Service Facility.  
If the engine is switched off and accessories in the trailer are on and use electricity from the vehicle, the vehicle battery will be drained as long as the  
electrical systems of the vehicle and the trailer are connected.  
Loading the trailer  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight  
Maximum permissible trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can tow  
⇒
ꢀ. The tongue load or tongue weight is the load pressing down on the trailer hitch ball  
249  
mount.  
The maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight for your vehicle are listed on ⇒ Maximum permissible trailer weightꢀ in this Manual.  
The trailer load and tongue weight on the type identification plate for the trailer hitch are only test values. The vehicle-specific figures are often lower than these  
values. In some countries, but generally not in the United States, the vehicle-specific figures are listed in the official vehicle documents. Specifications in official  
vehicle documents always take precedence.  
To help ensure optimum handling and driving safety, Volkswagen recommends always using the maximum permissible tongue weight. If the tongue weight is too  
low, the vehicle and trailer will not handle as well.  
Tongue weight increases the load on the rear axle and, in turn, reduces the remaining load your vehicle can carry ⇒ Determining the correct load limit ꢀ.  
Combined towing weight  
Combined towing weight is the weight of the loaded towing vehicle plus the weight of the loaded trailer.  
This vehicle has not been designed to tow a Class II trailer and must never be retrofitted to tow a Class II trailer. Always make sure that your vehicle has been  
designed to tow the trailer you want to use and that it is legal to tow the trailer where you will be driving.  
Loading the trailer  
The weight distribution in the vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum permissible tongue weight and make sure that the load in the trailer is evenly  
distributed and that it is not front-heavy or tail-heavy:  
Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as close as possible to the axle.  
Secure loads properly on the trailer.  
Tire pressure  
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations for the trailer tires.  
When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum permissible pressure listed on the tire pressure label ⇒ Tire inflation pressureꢀ.  
Special considerations for the Start-stop system  
When towing a trailer, you must manually deactivate the Start-stop system by pressing the button in the lower center console ⇒ Start-stop systemꢀ⇒ ꢀ!  
WARNING  
Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can cause accidents and serious personal injury.  
Never exceed the specified values.  
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the  
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  
WARNING  
Trailer loads that are not properly secured can shift when the vehicle is moving or braking and suddenly change the way the vehicle handles, causing  
accidents and severe injuries.  
Always load the trailer properly.  
Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so that the load cannot shift.  
WARNING  
Always deactivate the Start-stop system when towing a trailer. Otherwise the brakes could malfunction, causing accidents and severe injuries.  
Driving with a trailer  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Headlight settings  
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the low beams to blind other road users. If your vehicle does not have headlight range adjustment,  
have the headlights adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Vehicles with Xenon headlights self-adjust to vehicle  
load and do not need manual adjustment.  
Special towing considerations  
If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This helps to prevent sudden brake shock and helps prevent trailer wheels  
from locking up.  
250  
Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehicle weight, the stopping distance is longer.  
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear (manual or automatic transmission) so that the engine helps to brake  
the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and might fail.  
The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the  
vehicle and trailer.  
Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra  
care and at a reduced speed.  
Starting off with a trailer on hills  
Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can roll backwards when you first start moving.  
When starting off with a trailer on a hill:  
Depress and hold the brake pedal (and depress and hold the clutch - manual transmission) ⇒ Pedalsꢀ.  
Shift into first gear or Drive (D/S)⇒ Manual and automatic transmissionꢀ.  
Unlock the parking brake and gently release it while holding the unlock button. At the same time, release the brake pedal and gradually depress the  
accelerator and, for a manual transmission, let out the clutch until you can feel the car moving forward. If applicable, follow the instructions for the Hill Start  
Assist feature ⇒ Hill Start Assist (Hill Hold)ꢀ.  
Do not release the parking brake lever until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress  
and hold the brake pedal for added braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle wants to move forward.  
Drive ahead slowly.  
WARNING  
Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.  
Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or bulky items changes the way the vehicle handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.  
Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would if you were not towing a trailer.  
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into  
account as well.  
Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.  
Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.  
Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.  
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of swaying.  
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.  
Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.  
Ball mount  
Fig. 189 Dimensions of the ball mount support.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Your vehicle is not equipped with a trailer hitch or preparations for the installation of a trailer hitch. If you must tow a trailer, you must have the necessary electrical  
wiring and socket together with a suitable trailer hitch installed. Because towing a trailer places a great deal of stress on the vehicle, the attachment of a trailer to th  
vehicle and the dimensions of the receiver and ball mount are very important so that the extra forces the vehicle has to withstand can be properly handled.  
The receiver used requires both a ball mount and a ball that meet special requirements regarding geometry and size. This applies to both the height of the ball  
above the surface where it attaches ⇒ Fig. 189Ⓐꢀ, and the pin-to-ball distance ⇒ Fig. 189Ⓑꢀ.  
These dimensions are important because they help determine the way that the forces that arise during towing are applied to the receiver and its attachments to the  
vehicle. If you buy a ball mount and ball, make sure that they meet the following specifications.  
Ball mount dimensions  
251  
7
The drop height Ⓐ from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin on the ball mount must be at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) and at most 2  
/
inches (73 mm).  
The pin-to-ball distance Ⓑ from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin on the ball mount must be no more than 7 inches (178 mm).  
The ball diameter must be no more than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm).  
A ball mount and ball combination that does not meet these specifications can damage your vehicle and may even fail in use  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Never install a weight distributing or load equalizing trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for this kind of trailer hitch  
⇒
ꢀ.  
WARNING  
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal  
injuries.  
Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.  
CAUTION  
The ball mount sticks out behind the rear bumper and can cause injury to pedestrians and cyclists.  
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball carrier when  
you are not towing a trailer.  
NOTE  
Never use a ball larger than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed to tow heavier trailers with a receiver larger than the  
specified ball. The increased loads can damage the attachment points for the trailer hitch.  
Never use an adapter to increase the size of the trailer hitch receiver from 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) or more to tow a trailer that is heavier  
than the maximum permissible trailer weight that your vehicle can tow.  
You can use an adapter if required for the proper installation of a bicycle rack or other similar carrier as long as the maximum weight limits are observed.  
When using bicycle racks or similar carriers, make sure that the rear lights are not blocked.  
Only use trailer hitches that are approved by the hitch manufacturer for your vehicle and model.  
Retrofitting a trailer hitch  
Fig. 190 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Volkswagen recommends having the trailer hitch retrofit performed by a qualified workshop because cooling system modifications or the installation of heat shields  
may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before having a trailer  
hitch installed on your vehicle.  
When retrofitting a trailer hitch, the specified distance dimensions must be strictly adhered to. Under no circumstances may the distance from the center of the hitch  
ball to the surface of the road ⇒ Fig. 190Ⓕꢀ be less than the specified minimum. This minimum height must be present even when the vehicle is fully loaded and  
subject to the maximum tongue weight.  
252  
Distance dimensions⇒ Fig. 190ꢀ:  
Attachment points.  
33 inches (838 mm)  
20.2 inches (513 mm)  
11.5 inches (293 mm)  
at least 2.6 inches (65 mm)  
13.8 – 16.5 inches (350 – 420 mm)  
41.1 inches (1043 mm)  
41.3 inches (1048 mm)  
WARNING  
Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents  
and serious personal injury.  
Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a  
suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.  
Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.  
WARNING  
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal  
injuries.  
Maximum permissible trailer weight  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Trailer without  
Model  
Maximum power output  
Engine code Transmission  
Trailer with brake  
Tongue weight  
brake  
5S manual  
170 hp (125 kW)  
CXBA, CXBB  
a)  
a)  
a)  
Golf  
6S manual  
gasoline engine  
220 hp (162 kW)  
1.8L  
a)  
a)  
a)  
a)  
a)  
a)  
6S automatic  
CXCB  
6S manual  
DSG®  
Golf GTI  
a)  
a)  
a)  
gasoline engine  
292 hp (215 kW)  
2.0T  
CYFB, DJJA  
6S manual  
DSG®  
Golf R  
This vehicle cannot be used to tow a trailer ⇒ ꢀ.  
gasoline engine  
2.0T  
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating must not be exceeded, even with a trailer. These ratings are listed on the safety compliance  
label on the driver front door jamb ⇒ Important vehicle labelsꢀ. When a trailer is towed, the weight of the ball mount and the tongue weight of the trailer are added to  
the vehicle weight ⇒ Determining the correct load limit ꢀ.  
The trailer weight ratings given above are valid only up to altitudes of 3000 ft (1000 m) above sea level. The maximum permissible combined towing weight must be  
reduced by about 10% for every 3000 ft (1000 m), or portion thereof, of additional altitude.  
WARNING  
Exceeding the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight can cause accidents and serious personal injury.  
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Never let the combined front and rear weights  
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).  
253  

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