Get Trailer towing Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Trailer towing

¤ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Technical requirements

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

Loading the trailer

Driving with a trailer

Ball mount

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Maximum permissible trailer weight

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 passen-

gers. If you plan to tow a trailer, please remember your vehicle will be

performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The addition-

al 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.

Tongue weight

The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight exerted on the ball

mount should not exceed 200 lbs (91 kg).

More information:

Power locking and closing system

Anti-theft alarm system

Lights and vision

Tires and wheels

Braking and parking

Saving fuel and helping the environment

Starting assistance systems

Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and inju-

ries. 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 undam-

aged 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, traf-

fic, 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 excep-

tional circumstances 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer.

This applies even if the local speed limit is higher.

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) ⇒ꢀ Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifica-

tions.

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 oth-

ers if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehi-

cles. 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

¤ 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 manufac-

turer 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 attach-

ments. 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 hard-

er. 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 ve-

hicle'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 mir-

rors, 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 per-

sonal 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 un-

suitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to pro-

vide 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 re-

quirements. Do not exceed the maximum power consumption for the

trailer ⇒ꢀ Maximum power consumption for the trailer.

WARNING

Improper connections to the vehicle electrical system can

cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle electrical sys-

tem, which can lead to accidents and serious personal injury.

Have any work on the electrical system done by an author-

ized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Fa-

cility.

Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to

the electrical connections for the rear lights or to any other un-

suitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to pro-

vide 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.

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

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

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 mount.

The maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight for your

vehicle are listed on ⇒ꢀ Maximum permissible trailer weight 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 al-

ways 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, re-

duces 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 recommenda-

tions for the trailer tires.

When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum per-

missible pressure listed on the tire pressure label ⇒ꢀTire inflation

pressure.

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.

Driving with a trailer

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

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 au-

thorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty. 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.

Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehi-

cle 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 combi-

nation, 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).

Press the G button once to deactivate the electronic parking brake

⇒ꢀ Braking and parking.

Press the G button again and hold it to use the electronic parking

brake to help prevent the vehicle and trailer from rolling backwards. If

applicable, follow the instructions for the Hill Hold feature ⇒ꢀStarting

assistance systems.

Shift into first gear or Drive D ⇒ꢀ Shifting.

Release the brake pedal.

Drive ahead slowly at first. If your vehicle has manual transmission,

slowly let out the clutch.

Do not release the G button 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 dis-

tance 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, traf-

fic, 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 ve-

hicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trail-

ers.

Ball mount

Fig. 108 Dimensions of the ball mount support.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

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 the 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. 108 (A), and the pin-to-ball distance (B).

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

The drop height (A) 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 2⁷/₈inches (73 mm).

The pin-to-ball distance (B) 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 1¹/₄inches (32 mm).

A ball mount and ball combination that does not meet these specifica-

tions 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.

NOTICE

Never use a ball larger than 1¹/₄inches (32 mm) on your vehi-

cle. 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 1¹/₄inches (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 manu-

facturer for your vehicle and model.

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Fig. 109 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer

hitch.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

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 recom-

mends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-

ized 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. 109

(D) be less than the specified minimum. This minimum height must be

present even when the vehicle is fully loaded and subject to the max-

imum tongue weight.

Distance dimensions ⇒ꢀfig. 109:

(A) Attachment points.

(B) 46 inches (1170 mm)

(C) at least 3 inches (79 mm)

(D) 14–16 inches (350 – 420 mm)

(E) 10 inches (251 mm)

(F) 21 inches (546 mm)

(G) 41 inches (1031 mm)

(H) 41 inches (1036 mm)

WARNING

Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical sys-

tem can cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle elec-

trical 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

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Engine

Engine Trailer with

Trailer

without

brakes

Trailer

hitch

tongue

weight

ID

brakes

code

All gasoline

engines

all

2000 lbs

(907 kg)

1650 lbs

(748 kg)

200 lbs

(91 kg)

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 door jamb ⇒ꢀpage 55, Im-

portant vehicle labels. 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 com-

bined 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).

NOTICE

Exceeding the gross weight ratings can cause extensive vehicle

damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warran-

ty.

Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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