WARNING
Trailer loads that are not properly secured can shift when the vehicle is moving or braking
and suddenly change the way the vehicle handles, causing accidents and severe injuries.
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Always load the trailer properly.
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Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so
that the load cannot shift.
Driving with a trailer
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Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
.
Headlight settings
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the low beams to blind other road
users. If your vehicle does not have headlight range adjustment, have the headlights adjusted by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Vehicles with Xenon head-
lights self-adjust to vehicle load and do not need manual adjustment.
Special towing considerations
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If the trailer has an
overrun brake
, apply the brakes
gently at first
and then firmly. This helps to
prevent sudden brake shock and helps prevent trailer wheels from locking up.
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Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehicle weight, the stopping distance
is longer.
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Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear (manual or
automatic transmission) so that the engine helps to brake the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system
could overheat and might fail.
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The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer
load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
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Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you
absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra care and at a reduced speed.
Starting off with a trailer on hills
Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can
roll backwards when you first start moving.
When starting off with a trailer on a hill:
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Depress and hold the brake pedal and depress and hold the clutch (manual transmission).
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Shift into first gear or Drive D.
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Unlock the parking brake and gently release it while holding the unlock button. At the same time,
release the brake pedal and gradually depress the accelerator and, for manual transmission, let out
the clutch until you can feel the car moving forward. If applicable, follow the instructions for the Hill
Hold feature.
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Do not release the parking brake lever until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your
vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress and hold the brake pedal for added
braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle “wants” to move forward.
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Drive ahead slowly.
