Get Transport of objects -> Driving with a trailer Guide for Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

● Do not allow the roof luggage carrier and the

load attached to it to interfere with the roof

aerial or obstruct the area of the glass roof

runner or the tailgate.

● Do not carry out any modifications or

repairs to the towing device.

● To reduce the risk of injury in the event of

rear-end collisions and to avoid injury to

pedestrians and cyclists when leaving the

vehicle parked, if possible, retract or

remove the ball hitch when not using a

trailer.

When a roof rack is mounted, fuel

consumption increases.

due to increased aerodynamic drag.

● Never fit a "weight distribution" or "load

compensation" towing device. The vehicle

is not designed for this type of towing

device. The towing device could fail and the

trailer could become detached from the

vehicle.

Driving with a trailer

Introduction to the topic

WARNING

Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy

or large objects can change the driving

characteristics, increase braking distances and

lead to accidents.

The vehicle can be used to pull a trailer if it has

the appropriate technical equipment. The

additional towed mass has an impact on the

wear, fuel consumption and power of the

vehicle and may under certain circumstances

lead to a shortening of the service intervals.

● Always secure the load correctly with

suitable and undamaged lashing straps,

lashing straps or securing straps.

Driving with a trailer puts more strain on the

vehicle and, at the same time, demands more

concentration from the driver.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style

to visibility, weather, road and traffic

conditions. Reduce speed, especially when

going downhill.

Vehicles with Start-Stop system

● Trailers with a high centre of gravity are

more likely to tip over than those with a

low centre of gravity.

If the system does not recognise the hitched

trailer or if the towing device has been

retrofitted by a non-Volkswagen workshop, the

start-up system must be deactivated.

● Always drive with foresight and caution.

Accelerate with particular care and

caution. Avoid braking and sudden

manoeuvres.

Stop manually by pressing the

button on the

centre console before starting to drive with the

trailer and leave it deactivated for the entire

● Use extreme caution when overtaking.

Immediately reduce speed as soon as you

notice the trailer swaying in the slightest.

journey →

.

DANGER

● When towing a trailer, do not drive faster

than 80 km/h (50 mph) or faster than 100

km/h (60 mph) in exceptional cases. This

also applies in countries where higher

speeds are permitted. Please note the

maximum speed permitted in the

respective country for vehicles with a

trailer, as this may be lower than the

maximum speed permitted for vehicles

without a trailer.

Never use the trailer to transport people, as this

would endanger your life and may also be

prohibited.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing device can lead to

loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and

serious injury.

● Only use the towing device if it is in

perfect condition and correctly attached.

● Never attempt to "straighten" the tractor-

trailer combination by accelerating.

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Instruction manual

The vehicle must have sufficient coolant and

be prepared for the additional stress of driving

with a trailer.

● Never fit a "weight distribution" or "load

compensation" towing device.

Trailer brakes

WARNING

If the trailer is equipped with its own braking

system, observe the relevant regulations.

If the towing device has been retrofitted by a

workshop other than Volkswagen, the start-

stop system must always be switched off

manually when towing a trailer. Failure to do so

could result in a malfunction of the braking

system, leading to an accident and serious

injury.

Trailer rear lights

The rear lights of the trailer must be in proper

working order and comply with the relevant

legal requirements. Ensure that the maximum

power consumption of the trailer is not

exceeded.

NOTICE

Exterior mirrors

Please note the indications and information

relating to vehicles of category N1.

→ p. 387, Important information for vehicles of

If the area behind the trailer cannot be seen

with the standard exterior mirrors of the towing

vehicle, additional mirrors must be fitted in

accordance with the regulations of the country

in question. The exterior mirrors must be

adjusted before setting off and must provide a

sufficient field of vision to the rear.

category N1 (light commercial vehicle).

Always disarm the anti-theft alarm before

coupling or uncoupling a trailer.

what or how to load or unload a bicycle rack

→ Otherwise, the tilt sensor could be triggered

unintentionally.

Retrofitting a towing device

Only use a towing device that has been

approved by Volkswagen for this vehicle.

Always check and observe the towing device

manufacturer's instructions.

Do not tow a trailer for the first 1000 km of

the engine → page 167.

Some retrofitted towing brackets cover the

housing of the

rear towing eye. In these cases, the towing eye

cannot be used for towing start or towing other

vehicles. For this reason, if you have retrofitted

the vehicle with a towing device, always keep the

Maximum power consumption of

the trailer's electrical consumers

Never exceed the stated values!

Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Central

America

vehicle when removing it

ball hitch in the

.

Brake lights (total)

84watts

42watts

Turn signal (each side)

Technical requirements

Position lights (total) 100 watts Rear lights

(total)

Rear fog

42 watts

lamp42 watts

Please note ,

this chapter, on page 278.

and , at the beginning of

Australia

Engine cooling system

Brake lights (in total)

108watts

54watts

Driving with a trailer puts a lot of strain on the

engine and the engine cooling system. The

engine cooling system of a trailer

Turn signal (on each side)

Position lights (in total) 100watts Rear

lights (in total)

Rear fog

54watts

light54 watts

Transport of objects

279

The ball hitch of the towing device is located on

the bumper. The electrically releasable ball hitch

is mechanically removed for use and cannot be

dismantled.

WARNING

If the towing device is incorrectly or improperly

mounted, the towing device could come loose

from the towing vehicle. This could result in

serious accidents and fatal injuries.

Unlock the ball coupling and remove it.

● Never mount a towing device on the

bumper or on the bumper mounting. The

towing device must never impair the

function of the bumper.

– Stop the vehicle and engage the electronic

parking brake → p. 231.

– Switch off the engine.

– Open the tailgate.

● Do not carry out any modifications or

repairs to the exhaust system or the brake

system.

1

– Briefly press button → fig. 214

situa-

The ball hitch is electrically unlocked and

swivels out automatically. The ball catch is

electrically unlocked and swings out

automatically.

NOTICE

● If the electrical power consumption of the

trailer is unacceptably high, the vehicle's

electronics could be damaged.

– Pull out the ball coupling until you feel and

2

hear the control lamp → fig. 214 click into

place and light up.

● Never connect the electrical system of the re-

– Close the tailgate.

The control telltale → fig. 2 14

The only en-

The following are not included in the scope of

supply

2

The vehicle is not in the luggage compartment when the

tailgate is open.

The trailer must not be connected to the

rear light clusters or other power sources.

Only use the connections provided for the

trailer power supply.

Concealing the ball hitch

– Stop the vehicle and engage the electronic

parking brake → p. 231.

If you often drive with a trailer, Volks-

wagen recommends that you have your

vehicle serviced.

– Switch off the engine.

– Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the

electrical connection between the trailer and

the vehicle. If you are using an adapter,

remove it from the trailer socket.

The vehicle's performance even between

inspection intervals due to the increased stresses

subjected

it is

to.

– Open the tailgate.

1

- Briefly press button → fig. 214

situa-

Electrically releasable ball hitch

The ball hitch is electrically unlocked. The

ball catch is electrically unlocked.

– Turn the ball coupling underneath the

stopper until you feel and hear it engage and

the control lamp lights up.

Please note ,

chapter on page 278.

and at the beginning of this

2

→ fig. 214

.

– Close the tailgate.

Fig. 214 On the right-hand side of the luggage

compartment: button for unlocking the ball hitch.

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Instruction manual

Meaning of the key control lamp

Instructions for driving with a

trailer

– If the indicator light in the button → fig. 214

remains lit when the tailgate is open, the

ball hitch is correctly engaged both when it is

removed and when it is retracted.

Please note ,

and at the beginning of

this

chapter on page 278.

– If the indicator light in the button → fig. 214

flashes, the ball coupling has not yet

engaged correctly or is damaged →

.

– When the control lamp on the

→ fig. 214 does not light up or flash, the

button does not work. Have the system

checked by a specialist workshop.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing device can lead to

injuries and accidents.

● Only use the ball coupling if it is correctly

fitted.

Fig. 215 Pin assignment of the trailer socket (schematic

representation).

● Always ensure that no person, animal or

thing is in the area of the ball hitch travel.

● Never use a tool or tooling while the ball

coupler is in motion.

Pin assignment of the trailer socket → fig. 215 :

1

Left indicator

● Never press button → fig. 214 when a

trailer is hitched or a luggage rack or other

accessories are mounted on the ball hitch.

2

Rear fog lamp

3

Ground for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Right indicator

● If the ball hitch does not fit correctly or if

there is a fault in the electrical system or

the towing device, do not use the device

and have it checked by a specialist

workshop.

4

5

Right rear light

6

Brake light

7

Left rear light

8

● If the ball has a diameter of less than 49

mm at the smallest point, do not use the

towing device under any circumstances.

Reversing light

9

Permanent positive

Ground for pin 10

Unallocated

10

11

12

13

Ground for pin 9

NOTICE

Trailer power socket

When cleaning the vehicle with high-pressure or

steam cleaning equipment, do not direct the jet

directly onto the towball hitch or the trailer

socket, as this may damage the seals or

remove grease required for lubrication.

The electrical connection between the towing

vehicle and the trailer is made via a 13-pin

socket. If the system detects that a trailer is

electrically connected, the trailer consumers are

supplied with power via the electrical

connection (pin 9 and pin 10). Pin 9 is

permanently positive. This allows, for example,

the lighting to operate.

It may happen that at extremely low

temperatures, it is not possible to actuate

the en-

ball hook. In such cases, it is sufficient to leave

The trailer's interior.

garage.

the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a

Transport of objects

281

Electrical consumers, such as the refrigerator in

a caravan, are only supplied with power if the

motor is running (via pin 10).

This can lead to damage to the vehicle's entire

electronic system, as well as to accidents and

serious injuries.

To avoid overloading the electrical system,

never connect the ground wires pin 3, pin 11 and

pin 13 to each other.

● Only have work on the electrical system

carried out by a specialised workshop.

● Never connect the electrical system of the

trailer to the electrical connections of the

rear light clusters of the towing vehicle or

to other power sources.

If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable

adapter cable must be used. In this case, the

pin 10 function will not be available.

If you are not sure how to connect the trailer

electrically to the towing vehicle correctly,

consult a specialist workshop.

Volkswagen recommends that you visit a

Volkswagen dealer for this.

WARNING

Contact between the pins of the trailer socket

can lead to short circuits, overloading of the

electrical system or failure of the lighting

system, resulting in serious accidents and

injuries.

Include in the burglar alarm

The trailer is included in the anti-theft alarm if

the following conditions are met:

● Never connect the pins of the trailer power

supply to each other.

– If the vehicle is factory fitted with anti-

theft alarm and towing device.

● Have the bent pins repaired by a specialist

workshop.

– If the trailer is electrically connected to the

towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

– If the electrical system of the vehicle and the

trailer are in perfect condition and there are

no faults or damage.

NOTICE

Never leave the trailer coupled to the vehicle if

it is parked on its supports or on the support

wheel. If the vehicle is raised or lowered, e.g.

due to load variation or tyre damage, the

towing device and trailer will be subjected to

increased pressure, and both the vehicle and

trailer could be damaged.

– If the vehicle has been locked with the key

and the anti-theft alarm is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered

as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer

is interrupted.

In the event of malfunctions in the

electrical system of the vehicle or the

trailer, and in the case of a fault in the

electrical system of the vehicle or the

trailer, and in

Include in anti-theft alarm (trailers with LED

rear lights)

For technical reasons, trailers with LED rear

lights cannot be included in the anti-theft alarm.

With the vehicle locked, the alarm is not

triggered when the electrical connection to the

trailer is interrupted if the trailer has LED tail

lamps.

If the anti-theft alarm is activated, have the

vehicle checked by a specialised workshop.

If the 12-volt battery is low on charge, the

electrical connection to the trailer will be

interrupted.

will be automatically terminated.

WARNING

If the cables are connected improperly or

incorrectly, excessive current could flow into

the trailer, which could cause anoma-

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Instruction manual

Loading a trailer

The towing vehicle/trailer combination shall be

balanced. To this end, the maximum

permissible vertical load on the coupling shall be

fully utilised and the load shall be evenly

distributed between the rear and the front of

the trailer:

Please note ,

chapter on page 278.

and at the beginning of

this

Technically permissible maximum towable

mass and vertical load on the coupling

The technically permissible maximum towable

mass is the mass that the vehicle can tow.

– Distribute the load on the trailer so that

heavy objects are as close to or on the axle

as possible.

car → . The vertical load on the coupling

is the

load exerted vertically from above on the ball

coupling of the coupling device → p. 388.

– Secure the trailer load correctly.

Tyre pressure

The information on the maximum technically

permissible towable mass and the vertical load

on the coupling on the type plate of the towing

device are only ex- perimental values. The

values valid for the vehicle, which are often

lower than these values, can be found in the

vehicle documentation. lo. The data in the

official vehicle documentation always take

precedence.

The trailer tyre pressure is based on the trailer

manufacturer's recommendation.

When towing a trailer, inflate the towing vehicle

tyres to the maximum permissible pressure →

page 343.

WARNING

Exceeding the maximum permissible axle

mass, the maximum permissible vertical load on

the coupling, the maximum permissible mass

of the vehicle or trailer or the maximum

authorised mass of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination may result in accidents and

serious injury.

The maximum permissible vertical load of the

trailer drawbar on the ball hitch of the towing

device is 140 kg.

Due to legal requirements, for vehicles approved

in Australia, the maximum permissible vertical

load of the trailer drawbar on the ball hitch of

the towing device is 280 kg.

● Never exceed the indicated values.

● The actual weight on the front and rear

axles shall never exceed the maximum

permissible mass per axle. The front and

rear weight of the vehicle shall never exceed

the maximum permissible mass.

In the interests of safe driving, Volkswagen

recommends that the maximum permissible

vertical load on the coupling is always used as

far as possible. Insufficient vertical load has a

negative effect on the driving behaviour of the

tractor-trailer combination.

WARNING

The existing vertical load increases the weight on

the rear axle and reduces the possible payload

of the vehicle.

A shifting load could endanger the stability and

safety of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination, which could lead to accidents

and serious injuries.

Mass of the towing vehicle/trailer combination

The mass of the towing vehicle and trailer

combination means the sum of the effective

masses of the loaded towing vehicle and

trailer.

● Always load the trailer correctly.

● Always secure the load with suitable and

undamaged lashing straps, lashing straps

or securing straps.

In some countries, trailers are classified into

categories. Volkswagen recommends that you

consult a specialist workshop to find out which

trailers are most suitable for your vehicle.

Transport of objects

283

WARNING

Driving with a trailer

If a trailer is improperly towed, control of the

vehicle could be lost and serious injury could

result.

Please note ,

chapter, on page 278.

and , at the beginning of

this

● Driving with a trailer and transporting

heavy or large objects can change the

driving characteristics and increase the

braking distance.

Particularities of driving with

trailer

– In the case of a trailer with a trailer overrun

brake, first brake gently and then quickly.

This avoids jerking due to the trailer wheels

locking.

a

● Always drive with foresight and caution.

Brake earlier than usual.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style

to visibility, weather, road and traffic

conditions. Reduce speed, especially when

going downhill.

– Due to the mass of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination, the braking distance increases.

– When driving downhill in Tiptronic mode,

downshift if necessary to make additional use

of the engine brake. Otherwise, the braking

system could overheat and even fail.

● Accelerate with special care and caution.

Avoid braking and sudden manoeuvres.

● Use extreme caution when overtaking.

Immediately reduce speed as soon as you

notice the trailer swaying in the slightest.

– The towed mass and the high total mass of

the towing vehicle/trailer combination modify

the centre of gravity and the driving

characteristics of the vehicle.

● Never attempt to "straighten" the tractor-

trailer combination by accelerating.

– If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer

is loaded, the weight distribution will be very

unfavourable. Under these conditions, drive

with particular caution and with appropriate

dis- pairing.

● Be aware of the maximum speed for

vehicles with trailers, as this may be

lower than that permitted for vehicles

without trailers.

Starting on a slope with a trailer

Depending on the steepness of the slope and

the total mass of the towing vehicle and trailer

combination, the combination may move slightly

backwards at the start of the journey.

Stabilisation of the tractor-trailer

combination

To start on a slope with a hitched trailer, do the

following:

Please note ,

chapter on page 278.

and at the beginning of

this

– Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

– Pull once on the

This position is used to hold the towing

vehicle/trailer combination with the

key once and hold it in

The stabilisation of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination can detect if the hitched trailer

starts to sway and counter-steer accordingly.

electronic parking brake → page 231.

The stabilisation of the

combination is an additional function of the

electronic stabilisation programme (ESC).

tractor-trailer

– Select position D.

– Release the brake pedal.

– Start driving slowly.

If the towing vehicle/trailer stabilisation detects

that the trailer is swaying, it automatically

intervenes together with the steering control

assistance to reduce the sway.

– Do not release the button until the engine

has sufficient engine power to start.

of the trailer.

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Instruction manual

Requirements for the stabilisation of the

towing vehicle/trailer combination

– The vehicle is factory fitted with a towing

device or has been retrofitted with a

compatible towing device.

● Trailers with an elevated centre of gravity

may tip over even if they have not been

tilted beforehand.

● If no trailer is attached, but a connector is

plugged into the trailer socket (e.g. if a

bicycle carrier with lighting is fitted),

automatic braking may occur in extreme

driving situations.

– The electronic stabilisation programme (ESC)

and the anti-skid control (ASR) are active.

The control indicator or is not lit on the

instrument panel.

– The trailer is electrically connected to the

towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

– Driving speeds in excess of approx. 60

km/h (37 mph).

Retrofitting a towing device

– The maximum technically permissible vertical

load on the coupling is being used.

Please note ,

and at the beginning of

this

– The trailer has a rigid drawbar.

chapter on page 278.

– If the trailer is braked, it shall be equipped

with a mechanical inertia brake.

Volkswagen recommends that a specialist

workshop be consulted for retrofitting a towing

device. It is likely, forexample, that the cooling

system will need to be adapted or heat shields

fitted. Volkswa- gen recommends a Volkswagen

dealership for this purpose.

WARNING

The increased safety provided by the

stabilisation of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination shall not lead to any risk to safety.

● Always adapt your speed and driving

style to the visibility, weather, road and

traffic conditions.

WARNING

Improper or incorrect connection of the cables

can lead to failure of the entire electronic

system of the vehicle, as well as to accidents

and serious injuries.

● Accelerate with caution when the road

surface is slippery.

● When regulating any system, stop

accelerating.

● Never connect the trailer electrics directly

to the electrical connections of the rear

light clusters or other inappropriate power

sources. Use only suitable connectors to

connect the trailer.

WARNING

● The retrofitting of a re-moulding device to

the vehicle may only be carried out by a

specialist workshop.

The stabilisation of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination may not detect all driving

situations correctly.

● When the ESC is switched off, the

stabilisation of the towing vehicle/trailer

combination is also switched off.

WARNING

If the towing device is incorrectly or improperly

mounted, the towing device could come loose

from the towing vehicle. This could result in

serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● The stabilisation of the tractor-trailer

combination does not always detect light

and unstable trailers and does not stabilise

them accordingly.

● When driving on slippery roads with poor

adhesion, the trailer may even be able to

roll with the stabiliser function.

Only use towing devices which have been

approved by Volks-

wagen for the type of vehicle in question.

Transport of objects

285

Problems and solutions

Fuel and exhaust gas

cleaning

Please note ,

and at the beginning of

this chapter on page 278.

Safety warnings regarding

fuel handling

The ball coupling of the towing device is not

locked or is unlocked, but is not engaged.

Do not use the towing device. Have the

system

→

checked by a specialised ta- ller

p. 280.

WARNING

Improper handling of fuel can cause

explosions, fire, severe burns and other

injuries.

● When refuelling, switch off the

independent heating → page 153, engine,

ignition and mobile phone as well as

other radio communication devices.

● To avoid electrostatic discharge, do not

attach to the vehicle.

● Make sure that the fuel filler cap is properly

closed and that no fuel is leaking from the

fuel tank.

● Observe the applicable safety instructions

and the local fuel handling regulations.

ATTENTION

The fuel contained in a reserve canister may

spill out. This can cause fire and injury.

● Do not carry reserve jerry cans in the vehicle.

NOTICE

If refuelling is carried out incorrectly, damage to

the vehicle may occur.

● Refuel only with fuels that have been

authorised for the vehicle.

● Do not refuel with metalliferous fuels and

use only authorised additives.

● If fuel overflows, clean it immediately from all

parts of the vehicle.

Fuel may pollute the environment. If any

operating fluid leaks,

collect it and dispose of it properly.

Emergency unlocking of the fuel filler flap is

not possible. So-

enlist the help of specialised personnel.

286

Instruction manual

Transport of objects -> Driving with a trailer for Your Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

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