Get Trailer Towing Guide for Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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TRAILER TOWING

that you do not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle

In this section you will find safety tips and information Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting and

on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do Operating” for further information.

with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-

view this information to tow your load as efficiently and

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all

safely as possible.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-

To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its Љloaded and

and recommendations in this manual concerning ve- ready for operationЉ condition.

hicles used for trailer towing.

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your

Common Towing Definitions

fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight

The following trailer towing-related definitions will as- of the trailer must be supported by the scale.

sist you in understanding the following information:

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. and trailer when weighed in combination.

This includes driver, passengers, cargo/luggage and

NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)

trailer tongue weight. The total load must be limited so

allowance for the presence of a driver.

2

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Frontal Area

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the

axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles maximum width of the front of a trailer.

evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or

Trailer Sway Control

rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-

The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be

tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further

installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue

information.

that typically provides adjustable friction associated with

the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer

swaying motions while traveling.

WARNING!

It is important that you do not exceed the maximum

Weight-Carrying Hitch

front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition

can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose

control of the vehicle and have an accident.

A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue

weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or

some other connecting point of the vehicle. This type of

hitch is the most popular on the market today and is

commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the

hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less

than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must

consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.

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Weight-Distributing Hitch

WARNING!

A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-

age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used

for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the

tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer’s axle(s). When

used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it

provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent

steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing

safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control

also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and

contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.

Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load

equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue

Weights (TW), and may be required depending on Ve-

hicle and Trailer configuration/loading to comply with

gross axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.

•

An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing

Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, brak-

ing performance, and could result in an accident.

Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-

ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with an

authorized hitch and trailer manufacturer or a

reputable authorized Recreational Vehicle dealer

for additional information.

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Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)

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The Trailer Hitch Classification chart provides the indus-

try standard for the maximum trailer weight a given

trailer hitch class can tow, and should be used to assist

you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended

towing condition.

TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONS

Class

Max. GTW (Gross Trailer

Wt.)

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)

5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

Class III - Heavy Duty

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum

Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given

drivetrain.

Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing Hitch

(Incorrect)

Trailer Hitch Classifications

Your vehicle may be factory-equipped for safe towing of

trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional

Trailer Tow Prep Package. See an authorized dealer for

package content.

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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

The Trailer Towing Weights Chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for a given drivetrain.

GCWR (Gross

Engine/

Transmission

Combined Wt.

Rating)

Frontal Area

Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)

Max. Tongue Wt.

7,000 lbs

(3 175 kg)

7,000 lbs

(3 175 kg)

7,000 lbs

(3 175 kg)

9,000 lbs

(4 082 kg)

9,000 lbs

(4 082 kg)

22 sq ft

(2.0 sq m)

22 sq ft

(2.0 sq m)

22 sq ft

(2.0 sq m)

40 sq ft

(3.72 sq m)

40 sq ft

(3.72 sq m)

40 sq ft

Up to 2 persons & Luggage

1,800 lbs (816 kg)

3 to 5 persons & Luggage

1,350 lbs (612 kg)

6 to 7 persons & Luggage

1,000 lbs (454 kg)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage

3,800 lbs (1 723 kg )

3 to 5 persons & Luggage

3,350 lbs (1 519 kg)

6 to 7 persons & Luggage

3,000 lbs (1 360 kg)

180 lbs (82 kg)

135 lbs (61 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

380 lbs (172 kg)

335 lbs (152 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

3.8L and 4.0L/

Automatic

3.8L and 4.0L

Automatic/ (with

Tow Package)

9,000 lbs

(4 082 kg)

(3.72 sq m)

NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and

cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to

“Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.

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Trailer and Trailer Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in

the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your

vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the

rear can cause the trailer to severely sway side-to-side,

which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.

Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of

many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum trailer tongue weight

stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the

weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:

•

The tongue weight of the trailer.

The weight of any other type of cargo/luggage or

equipment put in or on your vehicle.

•

The weight of the driver and all passengers.

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NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional

factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed

options, must be considered as part of the total load on

your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information

Placard in “Tire Safety Information” for the maximum

combined weight of occupants and cargo for your

vehicle.

CAUTION! (Continued)

•

Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a

trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph

(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.

This helps the engine and other parts of the

vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

WARNING!

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-

train components, the following guidelines are recom-

mended:

Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.

Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing

as safe as possible:

(Continued)

CAUTION!

•

Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,

axle or other parts could be damaged.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

•

Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer

and will not shift during travel. When trailering

cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts

can occur that may be difficult for the driver to

control. You could lose control of your vehicle and

have an accident.

•

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a

grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on

the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic

transmission in PARK. Always, block or ؆chock؆

the trailer wheels.

•

GCWR must not be exceeded.

•

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can

cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-

age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,

suspension, chassis structure or tires.

Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four

ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to

the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.

Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and

allow enough slack for turning corners.

3. GAWR

(Continued)

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•

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-

mation” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper

inspection procedure.

WARNING! (Continued)

4. Trailer tongue weight rating for that trailer hitch.

(This requirement may limit the ability to always

achieve the 10% to 15% range of trailer tongue weight

as a percentage of total trailer weight.)

•

When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-

tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tire

replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher

load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s

GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements – Tires

•

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

•

Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to

“Tires–General Information” in “Starting and Operat-

ing” for proper tire inflation procedures.

•

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.

This could cause inadequate braking and possible

personal injury.

•

Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-

sures before trailer usage.

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•

An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with

a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic

brake controller is not required.

WARNING!

•

Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s

hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake

system and cause it to fail. You might not have

brakes when you need them and could have an

accident.

Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over

1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of

2,000 lbs (907 kg).

Towing any trailer will increase your stopping

distance. When towing you should allow for addi-

tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle

in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an

accident.

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

loaded, it should have its own brakes and they

should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this

could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher

brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights and Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,

stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for

motoring safety.

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The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin or a

seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer

harness and connector.

NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles

wiring harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle

but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.

Refer to the following four-pin connector and seven-pin

connector illustrations.

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

2 — Male Pin

3 — Ground

4 — Park

5 — Left Stop/Turn

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping

and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy

traffic.

Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,

if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, fifth gear

(with six-speed transmission) should be selected.

NOTE: Using fifth gear (with six-speed transmission)

while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-

ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-

sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.

This action will also provide better engine braking.

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

3 — Right Stop/Turn

4 — Electric Brakes

6 — Left Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be

changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than

45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “War-

ranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the proper mainte-

nance intervals.

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NOTE:

•

City Driving

•

Check the automatic transmission fluid level before When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-

towing.

mission into NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle

speed.

•

The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and

requires an authorized dealer service center to check

the transmission fluid.

•

Highway Driving

Reduce speed.

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

•

Air Conditioning

Turn off temporarily.

•

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until

you can get back to cruising speed.

•

Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-

heating, take the following actions:

Trailer Towing for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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