Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Technical requirements  

 → Mechanically positioned ball coupling  

 → Fitting a bicycle carrier on the mechanically positioned ball coupling  

 → Hitching and connecting the trailer  

 → Loading the trailer  

 → Towing a trailer  

 → Trailer stabilisation  

 → Retrofitting a towing bracket  

 → Maximum permitted trailer weights  

 → Maximum permitted gross combination weight  

Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a towing bracket.

Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage. However, it can also be used to tow a trailer or caravan, provided that it is fitted with the necessary equipment. This additional load will affect the durability, fuel consumption and performance of the vehicle and, in certain circumstances, can shorten the service intervals.

Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased concentration on the part of the driver.

In low temperatures, fit winter tyres to both the vehicle and the trailer.

Drawbar load

The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling of the towing bracket must not exceed 80 kg.

Vehicles with a start/stop system

When using a factory-fitted towing bracket or a towing bracket retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system is automatically deactivated as soon as a trailer is attached.

If the connected trailer is not recognised, or when using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually using the button in the centre console before starting to tow a trailer, and must remain switched off for as long as the trailer is being towed  .

Vehicles with Driving Mode Selection

When using a factory-fitted towing bracket or a towing bracket retrofitted by Volkswagen, the Eco driving mode is blocked as soon as a trailer is attached.

If the vehicle is set to the Eco driving mode when the trailer is attached, the vehicle automatically switches to the Normal driving mode. If the connected trailer cannot be recognised, or when using a towing bracket that was not retrofitted by Volkswagen, Normal driving mode must be selected manually before towing a trailer  .

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Anti-theft alarm  

• Lights  

• Driving with respect for the environment  

• Pull-away assist systems  

• Wheels and tyres  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

WARNING

It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.

• Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.

• Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.

• Wherever possible, always swivel in or remove the ball coupling when a trailer is not being used in order to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked.

• Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.

WARNING

Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle's handling. This can lead to accidents.

• Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of gravity.

• Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

• Take special care when overtaking.

• Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.

• Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer (100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional cases). This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted. Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.

• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

WARNING

The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

• Always switch off the start/stop system manually if a trailer is attached to a towing bracket that has not been retrofitted by Volkswagen.

Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a trailer is being hitched or unhitched   . The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.

In new vehicles, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km   .

Volkswagen recommends removing or swivelling in the ball coupling before driving without a trailer if possible. In the event of a rear-end collision, the level of vehicle damage sustained could be greater if the ball coupling is fitted than if it is not.

In some models, the towing bracket is required for towing vehicles. For this reason, the retro-fitted towing bracket ball coupling should be stored in the vehicle at all times.