If the engine is switched off and accessories in the trailer are on and use electricity from the
vehicle, the vehicle battery will be drained as long as the electrical systems of the vehicle and the
trailer are connected.
Loading the trailer
¤
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
.
Maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight
Maximum permissible trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can tow
⇒
. The tongue load or
tongue weight is the load pressing down on the trailer hitch ball mount..
The trailer load and tongue weight on the type identification plate for the trailer hitch are only test
values. The vehicle-specific figures are often
lower than
these values. In some countries, but generally
not in the United States, the vehicle-specific figures are listed in the official vehicle documents. Speci-
fications in official vehicle documents always take precedence.
To help ensure optimum handling and driving safety, Volkswagen recommends always using the
maximum permissible
tongue weight
. If the tongue weight is too low, the vehicle and trailer will not
handle as well.
Tongue weight increases the load on the rear axle and, in turn, reduces the remaining load your
vehicle can carry,
Determining the correct load limit
.
Combined towing weight
Combined towing weight is the weight of the loaded towing vehicle plus the weight of the loaded
trailer.
This vehicle has not been designed to tow a Class II trailer and must never be retrofitted to tow a
Class II trailer. Always make sure that your vehicle has been designed to tow the trailer you want to
use and that it is legal to tow the trailer where you will be driving.
Loading the trailer
The weight distribution in the vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum permissible
tongue weight and make sure that the load in the trailer is evenly distributed and that it is not front-
heavy or tail-heavy:
x
Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as close as
possible to the axle.
x
Secure loads properly on the trailer.
Tire pressure
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations for the trailer tires.
When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum permissible pressure listed on the tire
pressure label.
WARNING
Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can
cause accidents and serious personal injury.
x
Never exceed the specified values.
x
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.