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.