Get Trailer towing -> Technical requirements Guide for Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

Technical requirements

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

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 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 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, then 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

Side marker lights total

Taillights total

54 watts

100 watts

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.

NOTICE

ꢀ

If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics may 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

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

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, however.

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 requirements.

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.

NOTICE

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.

Trailer towing -> Technical requirements for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

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