● 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.
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