Volkswagen Touran Owners Manual: Towing a trailer

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Headlight adjustment

Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required   . If you do not have headlight range control, have the headlights adjusted by a qualified workshop. Vehicles with gas discharge lamps are adjusted automatically.

Things to note when driving with a trailer

• If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.

• The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.

• Select a low gear before driving down a hill. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.

• The vehicle's centre 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.

• The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.

Pulling off on hills when towing a trailer

Depending on the steepness of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle, a vehicle towing a trailer could roll back a short distance when moving off on a hill.

When towing a trailer, pull off on hills as follows:

• Depress and hold the brake pedal.

• Apply the handbrake.

• Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.

• Select first gear or D   .

• Unlock the parking brake and gently release it while holding the unlock button. At the same time, gradually depress the accelerator and, for manual transmission, let out the clutch until you can feel the car moving forward. If necessary, read the notes on the hill hold assist function   .

• Only let go of the handbrake lever when the engine has sufficient power to move off.

• Pull away slowly.

WARNING

• Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the braking distance.

• Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.

• Accelerate carefully and gently. 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 try to stop this snaking by increasing your speed.

• Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.