Get Transport of objects -> Roof racks Guide for Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

● Only use roof carriers approved by

Volkswagen for this vehicle.

Roof racks

● Never mount a roof rack on a vehicle which

is not approved for the use of roof racks.

Introduction to the topic

● If a roof carrier is nevertheless fitted, it

could come loose and fall off the roof of

the vehicle during the journey.

With

roof rack, bulky objects can be

transported on the roof of the vehicle.

Depending on the model, the vehicle may be

prepared for the installation of a roof rack.

NOTICE

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is suitable

for fitting a roof rack, please consult a specialist

workshop. Volkswagen recommends that you

visit a Volkswagen dealer for this.

The attachment of a roof rack of any type to

vehicles which are not approved for the use of

roof racks can cause considerable damage to the

vehicle.

Only use roof racks that have been approved by

Volkswagen for this vehicle.

If the vehicle is not approved for the use of a

roof rack, do not use or retrofit a roof rack.

Fixing a roof rack

Note and at the beginning of this

on page 276.

chapter

WARNING

When heavy or large objects are transported

on the roof rack, the vehicle's driving

characteristics change due to the

displacement of the centre of gravity and the

increased air resistance.

For safety reasons, special roof racks must be

used for carrying luggage, bicycles, surfboards,

boats →

skis and

Suitable accessories are

dealers.

available from Volkswagen

● Always secure the load correctly with

suitable and undamaged lashing straps,

lashing straps or securing straps.

Fixing the cross members and the

supporting structure

The cross bars are mounted on the longitudinal

roof rails in accordance with the enclosed

installation instructions.

● Bulky, heavy, long or flat loads have a

negative effect on the aerodynamics of the

vehicle, the centre of gravity and the

driving behaviour.

Once the cross members have been correctly

mounted, the supporting structure in question

can be attached to them.

● Avoid braking and sudden manoeuvres.

● Always adapt your speed and driving

style to the visibility, weather, road and

traffic conditions.

WARNING

Incorrect attachment and use of the cross

beams and the supporting structure can cause

the complete luggage carrier to detach from

the roof, resulting in accidents and injuries.

WARNING

If a roof rack not designed for the vehicle is

fitted or a roof rack is fitted to a vehicle which

is not approved for the use of roof racks,

accidents and injuries can occur.

● Only use the cross members and the

supporting structure when they are in

perfect condition and correctly fastened.

276

Instruction manual

● Always mount the cross members and the

supporting structure correctly. Always

observe the enclosed installation

WARNING

Exceeding the maximum permissible roof load

may result in an accident and considerable

damage to the vehicle.

instructions of the manufacturer.

● Fasten the cross bars only at the points

provided for this purpose.

● Never exceed the indicated roof load, the

maximum permissible axle mass or the

maximum permissible mass of the vehicle.

● Always mount the special roof carriers for

bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly.

Always follow the manufacturer's

● Do not exceed the load capacity of the

roof luggage carrier, even if the maximum

permissible roof load has not been reached.

installation instructions enclosed.

● Check the roof rack mountings before

setting off and, if necessary, tighten them

after a short journey. On long journeys,

check the threaded joints and fixings at

every rest stop.

WARNING

If the load is loose or improperly secured, it

could fall off the roof rack and cause accidents

and injuries.

● Do not carry out any modifications or

repairs to the cross members or the

supporting structure.

● Always use suitable and undamaged

lashing straps, securing straps, or tie-down

straps.

NOTICE

When opening the tailgate, make sure that the

following is in place

Loading a roof rack

do not hit the roof load.

Note and at the beginning of this

on page 276.

chapter

Maximum permissible roof load

The maximum permissible roof load is

Indications for use

Note and at the beginning of this chapter on

page 276.

100 kg

This figure is the sum of the weight of the roof

roof

→

load

rack and the weight of the

Situations in which the roof rack has to be

dismantled

– When the roof rack is no longer required.

– Before entering an automatic car wash.

Always check the weight of the roof rack and

the weight of the load to be transported. If

necessary, weigh the load.

If a roof rack with a lower load capacity is used,

the maximum permissible load cannot be fully

utilised. In this case, load the roof rack only up

to the weight limit specified in the

– If the height of the vehicle exceeds the

required passage height, e.g. in a garage.

NOTICE

manufacturer's installation instructions.

● Always unmount the roof rack before

entering a car wash.

Spreading the load

● The height of the vehicle increases with the

installation of a roof rack and the load

attached to it. Therefore, make sure that the

vehicle height does not exceed the height limit

for crossing e.g. underpasses.

correctly

Distribute the load evenly and secure it

→

rranes or garage doors.

Transport of objects

277

● 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.

278

Instruction manual

Transport of objects -> Roof racks for Your Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

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