Get Roof carrier Guide for Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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.

Rear carrier systems include equipment such as bicycle carriers or hunters’ boxes, for example, which are installed on the ball coupling.

Use only rear carrier systems 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.

Mount the rear carrier system in accordance with the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.

Maximum load of the rear carrier system

Recommended weight distribution on the rear carrier

system.

The load is made up of the rear carrier system and the items transported on it.

The maximum recommended load of the rear carrier system installed on the ball coupling can deviate from the vehicle-specific

drawbar load of the vehicle.

However, the model-specific maximum drawbar load of the towing bracket must not be exceeded.

Due to the lever effect, the load capacity decreases the further the centre of gravity of the rear carrier system is away from the ball

head.

Position heavy items as close as possible to the ball coupling → Fig. 1.

Vehicle-specific maximum load

In order to find out the recommended maximum load for your vehicle, check the drawbar load of your vehicle . The corresponding

maximum load can then be read from the following table. Volkswagen recommends observing the specified number of bicycles on the

rear carrier system in accordance with Regulation UN-R 55.

Vehicle-specific drawbar load

50 kg (110 lbs)

Maximum load

50 kg (110 lbs)

55 kg (121 lbs)

75 kg (165 lbs)

Number of bicycles

55 kg (121 lbs)

from 75 kg (165 lbs)

Maximum overhang of the rear carrier system

Illustration of the maximum overhang on a bicycle carrier for

two or three bicycles.

With a load of up to 55 kg (121 lbs): 500 mm (approx. 19.7 in).

With a load of 75 kg (165 lbs): 700 mm (approx. 27.6 in).

For bicycle carrier systems with two bicycles, the maximum overhang must not exceed 500 mm (approx. 19.7 in) → Fig. 2 A from the

middle of the ball head to the middle of the rail of the last bicycle carrier. The overhang must not exceed 700 mm (approx. 27.6 in)

→ Fig. 2 B for bicycle carrier systems with three bicycles.

WARNING

Incorrect use of a rear carrier system mounted on the trailer coupling of the towing bracket can lead to accidents and serious or fatal

injuries.

● Make sure that the rear carrier system is suitable for use on your vehicle.

● Always read and observe the fitting instructions of the rear carrier system’s manufacturer.

● Never secure a rear carrier system on the ball neck below the ball head. The rear carrier system could slip due to the shape of the

ball neck.

Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts of the load on the rear carrier system before setting off. This

includes bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve the rear carrier system’s wind load and centre of

gravity.

Some vehicle models are designed for fitting a roof carrier.

Roof carriers can be used to transport bulky items on the roof of the vehicle.

If you are unsure whether a roof carrier can be fitted on your vehicle, please contact a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen

recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

Only use roof carriers that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.

If the vehicle is not approved for use with a roof carrier, do not use or retrofit a roof carrier.

WARNING

When transporting large, heavy, long or flat loads on the roof carrier, the vehicle’s handling and aerodynamics will change due to a

shift in the centre of gravity and an increased susceptibility to crosswinds. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

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

● Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

● Ensure that your speed and driving style are always appropriate for the current visibility, weather and road/traffic conditions.

WARNING

If the vehicle is not approved for use of a roof carrier or a roof carrier is fitted that is not approved for the vehicle, this can become

detached while the vehicle is in motion and fall off the vehicle roof. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Use only roof carriers that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle.

● Do not fit a roof carrier if the vehicle is not approved for this.

NOTICE

Securing a roof carrier of any kind to a vehicle that is not approved for use with a roof carrier can lead to severe damage.

● Do not fit a roof carrier if the vehicle is not approved for this.

Driving with a fitted roof carrier increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the fuel consumption. The possible

range of the vehicle is reduced as a result. This applies to all roof carriers and the objects transported on them, e.g. bicycles

and skis.

Mounting points for base carriers.

Special roof carriers must be used to transport luggage, bicycles, skis, surfboards or boats safely. The roof carriers for mounting on the

roof railings are specifically called roof bars, while those for direct mounting on the vehicle roof are called base carriers.

Use only roof carriers 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.

Mounting base carriers

Mount the base carriers in accordance with the supplied assembly instructions.

The bores or markings for securing the roof carrier are visible only when the doors are open. If necessary, unscrew the plastic screw

from the bore opening.

The front bores or markings are located on the undersides of the roof side members in the area of the door seal.

The rear bores or markings are located on the undersides of the roof side members in the area of the door seal or, depending on the

vehicle equipment, at the top of the rear side windows.

Once you have fitted the base carrier, you can then secure the respective load carrier on this →

Remove the roof carrier in the following situations

—The roof carrier is no longer needed.

—Before entering a car wash.

—When the vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.

NOTICE

The height of the vehicle is changed by the installation of a roof carrier and the load secured to it. The vehicle can be severely

damaged if the clearance height is insufficient, e.g. in the case of underpasses and garage doors.

● Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights.

NOTICE

The vehicle may be damaged if the roof carrier and the load interfere with equipment-dependent components on the vehicle roof,

e.g. roof aerial, and the movement path of the boot lid.

● Make sure that the roof carrier is positioned correctly on the roof and that there is no interference with any components.

WARNING

The luggage and the entire structure can become detached from the vehicle roof if the roof carrier and carrier structure are not

secured and used correctly. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Always fit the roof carrier and carrier structure correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.

● Attach the roof carrier only at the specified mounting points.

● Always fit special carrier attachments for bicycles, skis, surfboards etc. correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s

assembly instructions.

● Use the roof carrier and load carrier only if they are undamaged and fitted correctly.

● Check that the roof carrier is secured before starting your journey and tighten as necessary after driving a short distance.

● During a long trip, check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.

● Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the roof carrier or the load carrier.

Fitting a roof carrier increases air resistance and may reduce the vehicle’s range.

Maximum permissible roof load

The maximum permitted roof load is 75 kg (165 lbs).

The roof load limit refers to the combined weight of the roof carrier and the load carried on the roof →

Make sure you are aware of the weight of the roof carrier and the load to be transported. Weigh the load if necessary.

However, you will not be able to carry the maximum roof load if you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating. In this case, do

not exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof carrier which is specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Distributing the load

Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly →

Checking mounting

After fitting the roof carrier, drive a short distance and then check all mounting elements. Check again at regular intervals →

WARNING

Accidents, vehicle damage and serious or fatal injuries can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is exceeded.

● Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the permissible gross vehicle weight for the

vehicle.

● Do not exceed the load capacity of the roof carrier, even if the maximum roof load has not been reached.

WARNING

If loose or improperly secured loads fall off the roof carrier, this can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Always use suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.

NOTICE

The vehicle can be damaged if the boot lid collides with the roof load.

● When opening the boot lid, make sure that it does not collide with the roof load.

Roof carrier for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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