Get Transporting -> Trailer towing Guide for Volkswagen Tiguan 4 Door 2023

1. Remove the removable luggage compartment light from the bracket.

2. Remove the battery cover with a thin object below the area ﬁg. 176.

3. Replace the batteries with batteries of the same voltage, size and speciﬁcations, ensuring that you follow the installation position for the batteries.

4. Push the battery cover onto the removable luggage compartment light until the cover audibly engages.

NOTICE

Incorrect transport of the removable light can cause damage.

Securely stow the removable luggage compartment light in the bracket in the luggage compartment before beginning driving.

NOTICE

Using conventional batteries or unsuitable batteries could result in damage to the removable luggage compartment light and the vehicle electronics.

Only use batteries with the same speciﬁcations as the original batteries.

Trailer towing

Introduction

If equipped correctly, the vehicle can be used to tow a trailer.

Driving a trailer not only increases the vehicle load, but requires more concentration from the driver.

The increased weight from towing affects vehicle wear, fuel consumption, and vehicle performance and may shorten the service intervals.

If the vehicle is driving with a heavy load, functions such as the air conditioner power may be reduced or deactivated to prevent the vehicle from becoming stranded

in trafﬁc.

The load that a vehicle is able to pull decreases under the following conditions:

Driving on slopes.

Driving at high altitudes.

Driving in high outside temperatures.

Driving with a fully loaded vehicle, e.g. with passengers and luggage.

Driving at high speeds.

Vehicles with a start/stop system

Before trailer towing using towing brackets which have not been retroﬁtted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be manually deactivated and remain

deactivated during the entire trailer towing process ⇒ Start-stop system.

Trailer with function check for the lighting

No trailer with tail lights and brake lights that require a function check for the tail light or brake light in order to be approved may be operated on this vehicle. Please

consult the trailer manufacturer to ﬁnd out what approval applies to your trailer.

Unused ball mount

Swivel the ball mount or remove it if there is no trailer, bicycle rack or similar attached to the ball mount. This is especially applicable if the vehicle's license plate or

lighting is obscured by the unused ball mount. Note the country-speciﬁc regulations for using a ball mount ⇒

Special conditions

Before driving with a trailer, please note that the functions of the assistance and parking systems may be limited.

DANGER

Transporting persons in a trailer can cause life-threatening injuries and may be against the law.

Never transport anyone in a trailer.

WARNING

Using the trailer hitch incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Install and use the trailer in accordance with the instructions provided by the corresponding manufacturer.

Only use the ball mount if it is undamaged and secured correctly.

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Do not modify or repair the ball mount.

WARNING

If the ball mount is swiveled out, there is an increased risk of accidents and serious injuries for pedestrians and cyclists near parked vehicles and if rear

collisions occur.

Swivel the ball mount in or remove it when it is not in use.

WARNING

The vehicle is not designed for 'weight-distributing' or 'load-equalizing' trailer hitches. The trailer hitch could malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the

vehicle. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.

Never install weight-distributing or load-equalizing trailer hitches.

WARNING

Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance, increase the braking distance, and cause accidents

and serious or fatal injuries.

Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, ﬁxation belts or tensioning straps.

Note that trailers with a high center of gravity may tip sooner than trailers with a low center of gravity.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and trafﬁc conditions.

Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead.

Accelerate with extra care and caution.

Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.

Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph), or 100 km/h (60 mph) if absolutely necessary, when towing a trailer. This also applies in countries where

higher speeds are permitted.

Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving on slopes or downhill.

Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.

Overtake especially carefully and reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.

Never try to straighten out a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.

Look out for potential messages and warning and indicator lights turning on in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit because of the increased load for the

towing vehicle.

WARNING

When towing with towing brackets which have not been retroﬁtted by Volkswagen the start/stop system must always be manually deactivated. Otherwise this

can lead to a failure in the brake system and can cause accidents and severe injury.

If you have integrated a trailer into the anti-theft alarm system, breaking the connection to the trailer may trigger the anti-theft alarm system ⇒ Anti-theft alar

system.

Do not tow a trailer during the first 1000 km (600 miles) driven with a new engine ⇒ Breaking in the engine.

Some retrofitted trailer hitches cover the mount for the towing eye. If this is the case, it will not be possible to use the towing eye to tow other vehicles. Because

of this, you should always keep the ball mount from a retrofitted trailer hitch inside the vehicle when it is removed.

Hitching a trailer

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and

Introduction.

Trailer socket

If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable adapter must be used.

1. Lift the socket cap and insert the plug.

2. Rotate the plug clockwise by a quarter of a rotation until it fully engages into the socket.

3. Release the cap to lock the plug in place.

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4. Check that the entire lighting system is working properly before starting the journey.

If you are not sure how to connect the trailer with the towing vehicle’s electrical system correctly, consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswage

Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Safety chains

Always make sure that the safety chains are correctly secured on the vehicle. The safety chains require sufﬁcient play and can sag, but should not touch the ground

Integrating into the anti-theft alarm system

The trailer is integrated into the anti-theft alarm system if the following requirements are met:

If the vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft alarm system and trailer hitch.

If the trailer is connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle.

If the vehicle and trailer electrical systems are functioning correctly and are not damaged.

If the vehicle was locked using the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer is disconnected.

Trailers with LED taillights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system due to the technology involved.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will not be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer with LED taillights is disconnected.

WARNING

Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can electrify the trailer and lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as well as accidents

and serious or fatal injuries.

Have all work on the electrical system performed only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen

recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Never connect the electrical system on a trailer to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other power sources on the towing vehicle.

WARNING

Contact between the pins on the trailer socket can cause short circuits, overloading of the electrical system, or malfunction of the lighting system, which can

result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.

Have bent pins repaired only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

If a trailer hitched to the vehicle is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support, the vehicle may lift and lower due to changes in the load or tire damage.

This would put great stress on the trailer hitch and the trailer. This can cause damage to the vehicle and trailer.

Note that a trailer that is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support should not remain hitched to the vehicle.

If the engine is stopped and accessories on the trailer are on while there is an electrical connection through the trailer socket, then the 12 V vehicle battery will

drain.

The electrical connection to the trailer will be automatically disconnected if the charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery becomes too low.

Loading a trailer

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and

Introduction.

General information

Always ensure that the vehicle and trailer are well balanced. Do not load the trailer unevenly by putting more weight at either the front or the back. Always store hea

objects as close as possible to or above the axle. Always secure the load on the trailer properly ⇒

Trailer load and tongue weight

The trailer load is the weight that the vehicle can tow.

The trailer tongue weight rating is the load that presses down vertically from above onto the ball mount of the trailer hitch.

Volkswagen recommends always using the maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating ⇒ Technical data. Tongue weight that is too low affects the trailer's

handling. The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating of the trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must not be exceeded ⇒

289

The actual trailer tongue weight rating increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the possible load in the vehicle.

In some countries, under certain conditions, a higher trailer tongue weight rating can be used. Follow the local speciﬁcations and regulations.

Towing weight

The towing weight consists of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle and the loaded trailer.

In some countries, trailers are divided into classes. Volkswagen recommends consulting with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility about suitable trailers. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Tire pressure

The tire pressure for the tires on the trailer is based on the recommendation of the trailer manufacturer.

When towing a trailer, inﬂate the tires on the towing vehicle to the maximum permissible tire pressure ⇒ Checking the tire pressure.

WARNING

Sliding loads can considerably impair driving stability and trailer safety and increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries or death.

Always load trailers correctly.

Always secure cargo with suitable and undamaged cords or tensioning straps.

WARNING

If the gross axle weight rating, trailer tongue weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating or towing weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded, accidents and

serious injuries or death can result.

Never exceed the speciﬁed values ⇒ Technical data.

Never exceed the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating on the front or rear axle.

Never exceed the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the front and rear weight of the vehicle.

Driving with a trailer

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and

Introduction.

Headlight adjustment

When a trailer is attached, the front part of the vehicle may be lifted, and the dipped beam headlights may dazzle other road users. Lower the beam correspondingl

using the headlight range control. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control adjust automatically and do not need to be manually adjusted.

Characteristics when driving with a trailer

When driving with a trailer with an overrun brake, ﬁrst brake gently then rapidly. This avoids braking jolts due to the trailer wheels locking.

The braking distance increases due to the gross combination weight (of the trailer and vehicle).

Use the engine as an additional brake on slopes. Otherwise the brake system may overheat and possibly fail.

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Select a lower gear when driving in Tiptronic mode.

The vehicle's center of gravity, and thereby also its driving characteristics, are changed by the towing weight and the increased total weight of the vehicle and

trailer.

An empty towing vehicle and loaded trailer create a very unfavorable weight distribution. Drive very carefully and slowly with this combination.

Driving on hills with a trailer

Depending on the angle of the hill and the total weight of the trailer, a parked trailer may roll back slightly when you start driving.

When towing a trailer, start on a hill as follows:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

2. Press the

3. Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Engage the gear to drive forward.

4. Pull and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.

button once to switch off the electronic parking brake.

5. Release the brake pedal.

6. Start driving slowly.

7. Only release the

switch once the engine has created enough drive power to start driving.

WARNING

Towing a trailer incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injuries or death.

290

Bear in mind that the driving characteristics change when driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and trafﬁc conditions.

Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead.

Overtake especially carefully and reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.

Accelerate with extra care and caution.

Brake earlier than usual as the braking distance may be longer.

Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.

Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving downhill.

Never try to "straighten out" a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.

Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.

WARNING

A poor rear view when pulling a trailer may result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Ensure sufﬁcient visibility behind you.

Install additional rearview mirrors to ensure you have a clear rear view.

Trailer stabilization

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and

Introduction.

If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle and it begins to sway, the trailer stabilization can detected this and countersteer.

Trailer stabilization is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

If the system detects that the trailer is swaying, the trailer stabilization will automatically countersteer to the reduce “vibration” of the trailer.

Trailer stabilization requirements

The trailer hitch must be installed at the factory or a compatible trailer hitch must be retroﬁtted.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) must be active. The

indicator light in the instrument cluster must not be on.

The trailer must be connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.

The driving speed must be less than 60 km/h (37 mph).

The maximum tongue weight must be used.

The trailer must have a ﬁxed drawbar.

Braked trailers must have a mechanical overrun protection device.

System limitations

The trailer stabilization may not respond or may have a limited response in the following driving situations.

The trailer stabilization switches off when ESC is deactivated.

Trailer stabilization may not always detect if a light trailer is swaying and stabilize it.

When driving on slippery roads with poor traction, the trailer can still jackknife despite the trailer stabilization.

Trailers with a high center of gravity can tip before you notice any swaying back and forth.

If there is no trailer hitched to the vehicle but there is a connector in the trailer socket, for example from a bike carrier with lights, sudden braking maneuvers

may occur automatically in extreme driving situations.

WARNING

The trailer stabilization is not a replacement for the driver's attention and works only within the system limitations. This means that the trailer stabilization cannot

detect all driving situations and may not react, or may react with a delay, or may react in a way that is not desired. If you are careless, there is a risk of accidents,

serious injuries and death.

Always stay attentive and do not rely solely on the system. The driver is always responsible for control of the vehicle.

Observe the system limitations → page , System limitations.

Accelerate carefully on slippery roads.

Take your foot off the accelerator pedal when a system is actively regulating.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and trafﬁc conditions.

291

Trailer hitch

Ball mount holder

Fig. 177 Dimensions of the ball mount holder and receptacle.

Suspended height of the ball mount.

Distance between socket pin and ball mount.

To pull a trailer you must have installed the necessary cabling, including a socket, and the corresponding trailer hitch. Since pulling a trailer represents a heavy stra

for the vehicle towing it, connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle and correct dimensions for the receptacle and the ball mount holder are extremely important in

order for the towing vehicle to cope with the strain to be placed on it.

The mount requires a special shape and size of ball mount holder and ball mount. This affects both the suspended height of the ball coupling ﬁg. 177

distance between the socket pin and the ball coupling ﬁg. 177

and the

These dimensions determine the distribution of strain on the receptacle and the connections to the vehicle during towing. When purchasing a ball mount holder and

a ball mount, always ensure that these will cope with the requirements.

Dimensions of the ball mount holder

The suspended height ﬁg. 177

from the top of the ball mount to the top of the neck must be at least 25.4 mm (1 inch) and must not exceed 73 mm

(2⁷/8 inches).

The distance between the socket pin and the ball mount ﬁg. 177

must not exceed 178 mm (7 inches) from the middle of the ball mount to the middle of th

eye of the pin.

The diameter of the ball mount may not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).

Ball mounts and holders which do not meet these speciﬁcations could damage your car or could fail completely

⇒

Securing cables

In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.

Follow the country-speciﬁc regulations for using a securing cable.

1. Secure the securing or breakaway cable to the provided ball mount eyelet.

2. Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner

⇒

WARNING

Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially

causing accidents and serious injuries or death.

Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retroﬁtting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service

facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and serious injuries or death.

Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.

CAUTION

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Transporting -> Trailer towing for Your Volkswagen Tiguan 4 Door 2023

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