Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction

Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Fig. 109 Vehicles without roof railing: Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.

Fig. 110 Vehicles with roof railing: Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The base carrier is the basis of a complete roof carrier system. For safety reasons, additional
attachments are necessary for transporting luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and small boats.
Suitable accessories can be purchased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

Vehicles without roof railing: Mounting the base carrier and roof rack

Always attach the base carrier and roof rack correctly.

Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.

The mounting holes are on the underside of the roof frame and are only visible when the door is open
⇒

fig. 109

Only mount the roof rack base carrier at the holes shown in the illustration.

Vehicles with roof railing: Mounting the roof rack

Typical roof racks cannot be attached to the roof railing. Only roof racks which have been approved by
Volkswagen may be used.

Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the roof rack manufacturer.

The attachment holes are on the inside of the roof railing

⇒

fig. 110

(close-up).

Only mount the roof rack base carrier at the holes shown in the illustration.

WARNING

Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off
the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.

Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.

Mount the roof rack base carrier only at the markings shown in the illustration

⇒

fig. 109

⇒

fig. 110

Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before

every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip,
check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.

Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.
Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.

Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them

in the vehicle.

Securing a load on the roof rack

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof rack system has been properly installed

⇒

Maximum permissible roof load

The maximum permissible roof load for vehicles without a roof railing is 165 lbs. (75 kg) and for
vehicles with a roof railing, 220 lbs. (100 kg). The roof load is the combined weight of the roof rack

and the items being carried on the roof

⇒

Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh
them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than the maximum permissible roof load.

When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do not load the rack to the maximum weight mentioned
above. In this case, you may only load the roof rack to the weight limit specified in the system's
installation instructions.

Distributing the load

Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly

⇒

Checking the mountings

After the base carrier and rook rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a
short time and at regular intervals thereafter.

WARNING

If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage
may occur.

Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum gross axle weight rating, or the gross

vehicle weight rating.

Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is

not fully utilized.

Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as

possible, toward the front.

WARNING

Loose or improperly secured loads can be thrown from the roof rack and cause accidents
and injuries.

Always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.
Secure the load properly.

Trailer towing

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Technical requirements

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

Loading the trailer

Driving with a trailer

Ball mount

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Maximum permissible trailer weight

Obey country-specific requirements about trailer towing and trailer hitches.

Your Volkswagen was mainly designed for carrying passengers. If you plan to tow a trailer, please
remember your vehicle will be performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The additional
load will affect durability, handling, fuel economy, and performance, and may require the vehicle to be
serviced more often.

Trailer towing not only places more stress on the vehicle, it calls for more concentration from the
driver. Always follow the operating and driving instructions given, and use common sense.

Under winter conditions, install winter tires on the vehicle and the trailer.

Tongue weight

The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight exerted on the ball mount should not exceed 220 lbs
(100 kg).

More information:

  Power locking system
  Anti-theft alarm system
  Lights
  Tires and wheels
  Braking and parking
  Saving fuel and helping the environment
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and injuries. An improperly installed,
incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle
and cause serious personal injuries.

  Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.
  Never repair or modify the trailer hitch.
  To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists

when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball mount when you are not towing a trailer.

Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The

vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch attachment can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.

WARNING

Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle

handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause accidents.

Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will

not shift.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under

unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.

Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of

gravity.

  Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
  Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
  Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
  Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
  Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are

lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h; under
exceptional circumstances 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the
local speed limit is higher.

If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or rebuilt engine, do not tow a trailer

during the break-in period, about 600 miles (1000 km)

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintenance more often because of the extra load it

has to move.

When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps keep the trailer hitch from

causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always

carry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be sure to stow it securely.

Technical requirements

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Use only a weight-carrying trailer hitch designed and approved for the gross weight of the trailer you
want to tow. The trailer hitch must be suitable for your vehicle and trailer and must be securely bolted
to the appropriate place on the vehicle chassis. Use only a trailer hitch with a removable ball mount.
Always check with the trailer hitch manufacturer to make sure that you are using the correct trailer
hitch and carefully follow the hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never install a “weight distributing” or

“load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for this kind of trailer hitch

⇒

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility has the genuine
Volkswagen hitch receiver, ball mount and electrical kit that has been specifically approved for your
vehicle.

Do not use a bumper-mounted trailer hitch

Never install a trailer hitch on the bumper or on the bumper attachments. The trailer hitch must not
interfere with the impact-absorbing bumper system. Do not make any changes to the vehicle exhaust
and brake systems. From time to time, check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely fastened.
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing
damage if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Engine cooling system

Towing a trailer makes the engine and its cooling system work harder. It is important that the engine
cooling system is up to the job. Make sure that the cooling system has enough coolant.

Trailer brakes

If your trailer has its own brakes, make sure it meets all regulations. The trailer brake system must
never be directly connected to the vehicle's brake system.

Safety chains

Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer

⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer.

Trailer taillights

Trailer lights must meet all regulations

⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer.

Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle. Be sure to check with
your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about correct wiring,
switches and relays.

Outside mirrors

If you cannot see the traffic behind you using the regular outside mirrors, then you must install
extended mirrors. Extended mirrors may also be required by law in some countries/states/provinces.
Always adjust the outside mirrors before driving. It's vital that you always have a clear view to the rear
of the vehicle.

Maximum power consumption for the trailer

Do not exceed the power ratings listed in the chart below.

Electrical load

Maximum power

Taillights total

108 watts

Turn signals per side

54 watts

Electrical load

Maximum power

Side marker lights total

100 watts

Taillights lights total

54 watts

WARNING

An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the

tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.

If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all

bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.

NOTICE

  If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
  If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
  Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for

the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.

If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle serviced between the

regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the extra load it has to pull.

In some countries an additional fire extinguisher must be carried if the total weight of the trailer

exceeds 5,512 lbs. (2,500 kg).

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Safety chains

Always make sure that the safety chains are properly attached to the towing vehicle. Leave enough
slack in the chains so that you can go around corners without stretching the chains. The safety chains
must not drag on the ground, however.

Trailer electrical socket

The vehicle may be optionally equipped with a setup for connecting a trailer socket. The electrical
connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer is a conventional 7-pin trailer socket.

Trailer taillights

Make sure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the

maximum power consumption for the trailer

⇒Maximum power consumption for the trailer.

Side marker lights may be located on the side of the vehicle body, in the headlight assembly, or in the

taillight assembly.

The trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm (if equipped):

  When the vehicle has a factory installed anti-theft alarm and a factory installed trailer hitch.
  When the trailer is not equipped with LED taillights.
  When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
  When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
  When the vehicle is locked with the remote control vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.

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

WARNING

Improper connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the
entire vehicle electrical system, which can lead to accidents and serious personal injury.

Have any work on the electrical system done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for

the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.

NOTICE

Never attach a trailer to the vehicle or leave it attached to the vehicle when the trailer is
supported by a trailer jack or blocks. Various things (such as a change in trailer or vehicle load
or a flat tire) can lower or raise the vehicle. This subjects the trailer hitch and the trailer to
strong forces that can damage the vehicle or the trailer.

Any problems with the vehicle's electrical system when attached to a trailer should be checked

by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

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.

For technical reasons, trailers with LED taillights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm

system.

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 maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight for your vehicle are listed on

⇒ Maximum

permissible trailer weight in this Manual.

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.
Specifications 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:

Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as close as

possible to the axle.

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

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

WARNING

Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can
cause accidents and serious personal injury.

Never exceed the specified values.
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight

Rating. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating.

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.

Always load the trailer properly.
Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so

that the load cannot shift.

Driving with a trailer

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
headlights self-adjust to vehicle load and do not need manual adjustment.

Special towing considerations

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.

Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehicle weight, the stopping distance

is longer.

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.

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.

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:

Depress and hold the brake pedal (and depress and hold the clutch - manual transmission).

Shift into first gear or Drive (D) position

⇒ Braking and parking.

Press the

switch once to deactivate the electronic parking brake

⇒ Braking and parking.

Pull and hold the

switch to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake

⇒

Braking and parking.

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. Do not release the

button

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.

Drive ahead slowly.

WARNING

Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or bulky items changes the way the vehicle

handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.

Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would

if you were not towing a trailer.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under

unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.

Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and

hard braking.

  Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
  Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of swaying.
  Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
  Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower

than for vehicles without trailers.

Ball mount

Fig. 111 Dimensions of the ball mount support.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If you must tow a trailer, you must have the necessary electrical wiring and socket together with a
suitable trailer hitch installed. Because towing a trailer places a great deal of stress on the vehicle, the
attachment of a trailer to the vehicle and the dimensions of the receiver and ball mount are very
important so that the extra forces the vehicle has to withstand can be properly handled.

Depending on its equipment, certain parts required for the installation of a trailer hitch may already
have been installed at the factory. If your vehicle does not already have the preparation package
installed, your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service facility can install the
necessary parts and equipment including the proper trailer hitch for you.

The receiver used requires both a ball mount and a ball that meet special requirements regarding
geometry and size. This applies to both the height of the ball above the surface where it attaches
⇒

fig. 111

(A)

, and the pin-to-ball distance

(B)

These dimensions are important because they help determine the way that the forces that arise during
towing are applied to the receiver and its attachments to the vehicle. If you buy a ball mount and ball,
make sure that they meet the following specifications.

Ball mount dimensions

The drop height

(A)

from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin on the

ball mount must be at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) and at most 2

inches (73 mm).

The pin-to-ball distance

(B)

from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin

on the ball mount must be no more than 7 inches (178 mm).

The ball diameter must be no more than 2 inches (51 mm).

Volkswagen recommends that you have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility install the hitch receiver, electrical system and socket.

A ball mount and ball combination that does not meet these specifications can damage your vehicle

and may even fail in use

⇒

Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not

designed for this kind of trailer hitch

⇒

WARNING

An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.

Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.

CAUTION

The ball mount sticks out behind the rear bumper and can cause injury to pedestrians and
cyclists.

To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists

when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball carrier when you are not towing a trailer.

NOTICE

Never use a hitch ball larger than 2 inches (51 mm) on your vehicle. The vehicle was not

designed to tow heavier trailers with a receivers larger than the specified ball. The increased
loads can damage the attachment points for the trailer hitch.

Never use an adapter to increase the size of the trailer hitch receiver from 2 inches to a

larger size to tow a trailer that is heavier than the maximum permissible trailer weight that your
vehicle can tow.

You can use an adapter if required for the proper installation of a bicycle rack or other

similar carrier as long as the maximum weight limits are observed. When using bicycle racks
or similar carriers, make sure that the rear lights are not blocked.

Only use trailer hitches that are approved by the hitch manufacturer for your vehicle and

model.

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Fig. 112 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Volkswagen recommends having the trailer hitch retrofit performed by a qualified workshop because
cooling system modifications or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility before having a hitch installed on your vehicle.

When retrofitting a trailer hitch, the specified distance dimensions must be strictly adhered to. Under
no circumstances may the distance from the center of the hitch ball to the surface of the road
⇒

fig. 112

(F)

be less than the specified minimum. This minimum height must be present even when

the vehicle is fully loaded and subject to the maximum tongue weight.

Distance dimensions

⇒

fig. 112

(A)

Attachment points

(B)

38 inch (966 mm)

(C)

inch (602 mm)

(D)

at least 14 inch (355 mm)

(E)

inch (min. 65 mm)

(F)

from 13

inch to 16

inch (350 - 420 mm)

(G)

inch (1051 mm)

WARNING

Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions
that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal
injury.

Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of

the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide
power to the trailer.

Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.

Only use trailer hitches that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.

Maximum permissible trailer weight

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Maximum permissible trailer weights

lbs.

Trailer with brake

2000

907

Trailer without brake

1650

748

Tongue weight

500

227

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating must not be exceeded, even with

a trailer. These ratings are listed on the safety compliance label on the left front door jamb

⇒

Important vehicle labels. When a trailer is towed, the weight of the ball mount and the tongue weight of

the trailer are added to the vehicle weight

⇒ Determining the correct load limit.

The trailer weight ratings given above are valid only up to altitudes of 3000 ft (1000 m) above sea
level. The maximum permissible combined towing weight must be reduced by about 10% for every
3000 ft (1000 m), or portion thereof, of additional altitude.

WARNING

Exceeding the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight can cause accidents and serious
personal injury.

Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight

Rating (GAWR). Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).

Tires and wheels

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Tire and wheel handling

Wheel rims

New and replacement tires

Tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Tire wear and damage

Compact spare wheel

Tire labeling

Winter tires

Snow chains

Glossary of tire and loading terminology

Tires and vehicle load limits

Determining the correct load limit

UTQG classification

Volkswagen recommends that all work on tires and wheels be done by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They are familiar with the technical requirements
and recommended procedures, have the necessary special tools and spare parts, and can properly
dispose of old tires.

More information:

  Transporting
  Trailer towing
  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  Braking and parking
  Exterior care and cleaning
  Consumer information
  Vehicle tool kit
  Wheel covers
  Changing a wheel

Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction - part 11