Get Transport -> Trailer towing Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

Closing the load-through hatch

1. Fold back the flap of the load-through hatch until it engages in position.

There may be a red marking on the luggage compartment side. This must not be visible →

2. Close the boot lid.

.

3. If necessary, fold back the centre armrest.

WARNING

Objects in the deployment zone of the centre airbag can prevent it from functioning properly and cause serious or fatal injuries.

● Never push objects forward into the deployment zones of the centre airbag (→ Airbag system).

WARNING

Serious or fatal injuries could be caused if the load-through hatch is folded forwards or backwards carelessly or in an uncontrolled

way.

● Never fold the load-through hatch forwards or backwards while the vehicle is in motion.

● Ensure that the seat belt is not trapped or damaged when folding back the load-through hatch.

● Always keep hands, fingers, feet or other body parts away from the swivel area when folding the load-through hatch forwards and

backwards.

● Always make sure that the red mark on the locking indicator is never visible when the load-through hatch is in the upright position.

The load-through hatch is not engaged properly if you can see a red marking.

● Never transport a person, particularly a child, on this seat if the load-through hatch is folded forward or not securely engaged.

The vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it has the required technical equipment for this.

Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased concentration on the part of the driver.

The additional trailer load will affect the amount of wear, fuel consumption and performance of the vehicle and, in certain

circumstances, could shorten the service intervals.

If the vehicle is driven under high loads, certain functions, e.g. the output of the air conditioning system, may be reduced or switched

off to stop the vehicle from breaking down. Avoid long or steep uphill gradients. The engine torque may be reduced temporarily if the

vehicle is driven under load for an extended time in order to avoid overheating of the engine or gearbox. Reduce your speed and

observe the messages and illuminated warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster. The reduction in engine torque will be

cancelled when the engine and gearbox are operating in the optimum temperature range again.

The load that a vehicle can actually pull decreases under the following conditions:

—Driving on uphill gradients.

—Driving at high altitudes.

—Driving at high outside temperatures.

—Driving with a fully loaded vehicle, e.g. with passengers and luggage.

—With increasing speed.

Vehicles with start/stop system

When using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually before

towing a trailer, and it must remain deactivated for as long as a trailer is being towed (→ Start/stop system).

Trailer with function check for lighting

No trailer with tail lights and brake lights must be operated with this vehicle that requires a function check of the tail and brake lights

in its approval. Ask the trailer manufacturer about the approval that is valid for your trailer.

Unused ball coupling

Swivel in the ball coupling or remove it if there is no trailer, bicycle carrier or similar attached to the ball coupling. This applies in

particular if the unused ball coupling covers the number plate or the lighting at the rear of the vehicle. Observe the country-specific

regulations on use of a towing bracket →

.

Points to note

Before driving with a trailer, pay attention to possible functional restrictions of the assist and parking systems.

DANGER

It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.

● Never transport people in a trailer.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Attach and use the trailer in accordance with the instructions supplied by the respective manufacturer.

● Use the towing bracket only if it is undamaged and fitted correctly.

● Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket. If required by the trailer manufacturer’s installation instructions,

removal of the coating on the ball head is permitted.

WARNING

When the ball coupling is swivelled out, there is an increased risk of accidents and serious injuries for pedestrians and cyclists when

vehicles are parked and also in the event of rear-end collisions.

● Swivel in the ball coupling or remove it when it is not in use.

WARNING

The vehicle was not designed for “weight-distributing” or “load-compensating” towing brackets. The towing bracket can fail, causing

the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle. This can result in accidents and severe injuries.

● Never install a “weight-distributing” or “load-balancing” towing bracket on the vehicle.

WARNING

Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling, increase the braking distance and cause

accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.

● Please note that a trailer with a high centre of gravity can tip over more easily than a trailer with a low centre of gravity.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

● Always pay attention to the road ahead and drive carefully.

● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently.

● Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer, or also 100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional cases. This also applies

to countries where higher speeds are permitted.

● Reduce speed, particularly on uphill gradients and when driving downhill.

● Always observe the country-specific maximum permitted speed for vehicles with trailer.

● Take particular care when overtaking and reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.

● Never try to stop a vehicle and trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

● Due to the higher load for the towing vehicle, pay attention to possible messages and to any warning and indicator lamps that light

up in the instrument cluster.

WARNING

The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using towing brackets that have not been

retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

● Always switch off the start/stop system manually if you have installed a towing bracket that was not retrofitted by an authorised

dealer and are driving with a trailer.

If the connection to a trailer connected to the anti-theft alarm system is interrupted, the anti-theft alarm system may be

triggered (→ Anti-theft alarm).

In vehicles with a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) (→ Running in the engine).

Some retrofitted towing brackets may cover the opening for fitting the towing eye. If so, the towing eye cannot be used for

towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the removed ball coupling of a retrofitted towing bracket should be

stored in the vehicle at all times.

Trailer socket

The electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer requires a 13-pin trailer socket. The pin assignment is in

accordance with DIN ISO 11446.

If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter.

1. Lift up the closure cap of the socket and insert the plug.

2. Turn the plug by quarter of a turn in clockwise direction until it completely engages in the socket.

3. Release the cap to lock the plug in position.

4. Check that the entire lighting system is working before starting your journey.

If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please contact a suitably qualified

workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Connection to the anti-theft alarm

The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:

When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.

When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.

When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer is interrupted.

For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail light clusters cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer with LED tail light clusters is

interrupted.

Safety cable

In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of a safety or breakaway cable.

On the towing bracket: eye for securing the safety or

breakaway cable (illustration).

Depending on model, the eye for securing the safety or breakaway cable may be located on the neck of the ball head or next to the ball

head directly on the ball coupling carrier → Fig. 1 (arrows).

Observe the country-specific regulations on using a safety cable.

Secure the safety or breakaway cable at the eye provided for this purpose on the ball coupling → Fig. 1:

1. Guide the cable through the eye and hook into the snap hook →

.

WARNING

Any electrical cables that are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly could cause a power surge to the trailer. This could

lead to faults in the entire vehicle electronics system and could also cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Have all work on the electrical system carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

● Never connect the trailer’s electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the towing vehicle’s tail light clusters or to

other power sources.

WARNING

Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the electrical system and failure of the lighting

system, thereby causing accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.

● Have bent pins repaired by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

WARNING

If the trailer is not properly secured, this could cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Never place the trailer’s safety or breakaway cable loosely over the ball coupling.

NOTICE

If a trailer hitched to the vehicle is parked using the support wheel or on the trailer supports, the vehicle height may be lowered or

raised due to any changes in the load or tyre damage. Powerful forces then act on the towing bracket and the trailer. This can cause

damage to the vehicle and trailer.

● Please note that a trailer that is parked using the support wheel or the trailer supports must not remain hitched to the vehicle.

If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer socket, the 12-volt vehicle

battery will discharge.

If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be interrupted automatically.

Basic information

If the vehicle is approved for towing a trailer, observe any local regulations for driving with a trailer and using a towing bracket.

Always make sure that the vehicle and trailer are well-balanced. Do not load the trailer with more weight either at the front or rear.

Always stow heavy items as close as possible to or over the axle. Always secure the load on the trailer properly →

.

Maximum trailer weight and drawbar load

The maximum trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull.

The drawbar load is the weight that is exerted vertically from above on the ball coupling of the towing bracket.

Volkswagen recommends always making full use of the maximum permitted drawbar load . The response of the trailer on the road will

be poor if the drawbar load is too small. However, the maximum permitted load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling of

the towing bracket must not be exceeded →

.

The actually present drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load of the vehicle as a result.

A higher drawbar load can be used in some countries subject to certain conditions. Observe the country-specific information and

regulations.

Gross combination weight

The gross combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer.

In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you contact a suitably qualified workshop to

find out about suitable trailers. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Tyre pressure

Follow the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.

When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre pressure (→ Tyre pressure).

WARNING

Moving loads can severely impair the stability and driving safety of the vehicle and trailer, which can cause accidents and serious or

fatal injuries.

● Always load the trailer correctly.

● Always secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.

WARNING

Accidents and serious or fatal injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle’s maximum permitted gross axle weight rating, drawbar

load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.

● Never exceed the specified values .

Headlight adjustment

Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle so that the dipped beam dazzles other road users. Use the headlight range control

to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control are adjusted automatically.

Things to note when driving with a trailer

—If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by

the trailer wheels locking.

—The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.

—On downhill stretches, use the engine as an additional brake. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.

—Vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select a lower gear in Tiptronic mode.

—The vehicle’s centre of gravity and in turn the vehicle handling will change because of the trailer load and the increased gross weight

of the vehicle and trailer.

—The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive

particularly carefully and slowly.

Pulling off on uphill gradients when towing a trailer

A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on an uphill slope depending on the gradient and the

gross weight of the trailer and vehicle.

When towing a trailer, pull off on uphill gradient as follows:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Press the

button once to switch off the electronic parking brake.

3. Vehicles with an automatic gearbox: engage the gear selector position for forward driving.

4. Pull the

button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.

5. Release the brake pedal.

6. Pull away slowly.

7. Release the

button only when the engine generates sufficient power to move off.

WARNING

Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious or fatal injuries.

● Please note that the vehicle handling changes when towing a trailer and when transporting heavy or bulky objects.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

● Always pay attention to the road ahead and drive carefully.

● Take particular care when overtaking.

● Reduce your speed if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.

● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently.

● Brake earlier than usual because the braking distance may be longer than normal.

● Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

● Reduce speed particularly when driving downhill.

● Never try to stop a vehicle and trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

● Keep to speed limits, which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles without trailers.

WARNING

If there is insufficient visibility to the rear when towing a trailer, this can lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Make sure that you have an adequate view to the rear.

● Fit suitable additional rear view mirrors so that there is sufficient visibility to the rear.

The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to snake from side to side and can provide countersteer.

Trailer stabilisation is an extension of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

If trailer snaking is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the trailer’s motion by means of counter

steering assistance.

Prerequisites for trailer stabilisation

—The vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket has been retrofitted.

—Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster

is not lit up.

—The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

—The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).

—The maximum drawbar load is being used.

—The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.

—Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.

System limits

The trailer stabilisation system cannot react or will react in a restricted way in the following driving situations.

—Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.

—Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function and stabilised accordingly in all cases.

—A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation

system.

—Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.

—Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if the trailer socket is being used without a trailer

(e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).

WARNING

The trailer stabilisation system is not a substitute for the full attention of the driver and operates only within the limits of the system.

The trailer stabilisation system therefore cannot recognise all driving situations and may not react or may react with a delay or in an

undesired way. If you do not pay due attention, there is a risk of accidents and serious or even fatal injuries.

● Always pay due attention and do not rely exclusively on the system. The driver is always responsible for all driving tasks.

● Observe the system limits → System limits.

● Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.

● Take your foot off the accelerator if a system is performing a control intervention.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the bumper. The electrically released ball coupling is swivelled out mechanically

for use and cannot be removed.

On the right of the luggage compartment: button for

releasing the ball coupling.

Releasing and swivelling out the ball coupling

1. Park the vehicle .

2. Open the boot lid.

3. Briefly pull the button

→ Fig. 1 1 in the luggage compartment.

The ball coupling is released electrically and swivels out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button flashes.

4. Continue swivelling the ball coupling manually until you hear and feel it engage in position and the indicator lamp in the button

lights up continuously.

5. Close the boot lid.

Swivelling in the ball coupling

1. Park the vehicle .

2. Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. If fitted, remove the adapters

from the trailer socket.

3. Open the boot lid.

4. Briefly pull the button

→ Fig. 1 1 in the luggage compartment.

The ball coupling is released electrically. The indicator lamp in the button flashes.

5. Swivel the ball coupling under the bumper manually until you hear and feel it engage in position and the indicator lamp in the

button lights up continuously.

6. Close the boot lid.

Meaning of indicator lamp in the button

—Indicator lamp in the button → Fig. 1 lights up continuously when the boot lid is open: the ball coupling has engaged correctly in

swivelled out or swivelled in position.

—The indicator lamp in the button flashes: the ball coupling has not engaged properly or the ball coupling is damaged →

—The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately 1 minute after the boot lid is closed.

.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball at the smallest point is less than 49 mm (1.9 in).

● Use the ball coupling only if it is properly engaged in position and if there are no faults in the electrical system or on the towing

bracket itself.

● Make sure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball coupling.

● Never interrupt the swivel movement of the ball coupling with items or tools.

● Never press the

button if a trailer is attached or if a luggage carrier or other add-on parts are fitted to the ball coupling.

● Have the ball coupling checked by a suitably qualified workshop if it cannot be fitted or if there are faults in the electrical system or

on the towing bracket itself. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

NOTICE

Incorrect cleaning of the vehicle could damage seals or wash off the grease required for lubrication.

● Never aim the jet of a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the swivelling ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket.

At extremely low outside temperatures, it may not be possible to swivel the ball coupling in or out. If this happens, it is

sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.

Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a towing

bracket.

The distance dimensions → Fig. 1 must be observed in all cases when retrofitting a towing bracket. Always observe the minimum

distance given from the middle of the ball coupling to the surface of the road D . This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden,

including maximum drawbar load.

A

B

C

D

E

F

Attachment points.

1,196.5 mm (approx. 47.1 in)

at least 65 mm (approx. 2.6 in)

350 to 420 mm (approx. 13.8 to 16.5 in)

344.5 mm (approx. 13.6 in)

564.5 mm (approx. 22.2 in)

1,042.9 mm (approx. 41 in)

1,047.9 mm (approx. 41.26 in)

G

H

Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a suitably qualified workshop. It may be necessary to perform

conversion work on the cooling system or to fit heat shields, for example. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen

repairer.

Mount the towing bracket in accordance with the supplied installation instructions.

A retrofitted, non-removable towing bracket must not cover either the number plate or the lighting system at the rear of the vehicle.

Observe the country-specific regulations on use of a towing bracket.

Due to legal and technical requirements, the vehicle may not be approved for trailer towing in some countries.

In this case, it is also not allowed to retrofit a towing bracket.

Consult a suitably qualified workshop if you have any questions about retrofitting a towing bracket. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

WARNING

Electrical cables that are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly can cause faults in the entire vehicle electronics system

and also cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Never connect the trailer’s electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail light clusters or to other unsuitable

power sources.

● Use only suitable connectors to connect the trailer.

● Have retrofitting of a towing bracket on the vehicle performed by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

WARNING

If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle while driving,

causing accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Have work on the towing bracket or the retrofitting of a towing bracket carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop.

Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Use only towing brackets that are intended by the manufacturer for the corresponding vehicle model, model year and vehicle

version.

Volkswagen recommends using Volkswagen Genuine Parts or Volkswagen Genuine Accessories, which you can purchase from an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Ball coupling of the towing bracket is not locked

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

1. Do not use towing bracket. Check the towing bracket locking mechanism (→ Ball coupling, electric).

2. If the problem persists, go to a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Transport -> Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

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