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

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.