towing VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2019 Owner's Guide

unhitched from the vehicle. The vehicle could move up and down if the load changes or if there is
damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on the towing
bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.

If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle
checked by a qualified workshop.

If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull
The drawbar load is the load that is exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing
bracket.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 80 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The handling of the vehicle combination will be impaired if the drawbar load is too
low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum payload of the
vehicle as a result.
Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the
loaded trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:

Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer
tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure Tyre pressure

WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle
weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.

exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the
vehicle.

WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and
severe injuries.

secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Driving with a trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to dazzle other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control 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.

prior to downhill gradients (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the
automatic gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
When driving with this combination, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
Depending on the steepness of the uphill gradient 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 slopes as follows:

once to switch off the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake
ly.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gearor selector lever position D/SDSG

without trailers.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to snake and can
countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is an extension of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
If trailer snaking is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
snaking motion of the trailer using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
-fitted or a compatible towing bracket has been retrofitted.
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
mph).


have a mechanical overrun system.

WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.
conditions.



WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
stabilised accordingly in all cases.

knife on slippery roads with little grip even if the towing vehicle is equipped
with trailer stabilisation.

er
socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
Retrofitting a towing bracket

Fig. 157 Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. The cooling
system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Dimensions
The dimensions Fig. 157must be observed in all cases when retrofitting a towing bracket. Always
observe the minimum distance given from the middle of the ball head to the surface of the road.
This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.

879 mm
at least 65 mm
350 420 mm
334 mm
554 mm
1,017 mm
1,051 mm

WARNING
Electrical cables that are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly can cause faults in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
clusters or to other unsuitable power sources. Use only suitable connectors for connection of the
trailer.


WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is unsuitable or
incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

Use only towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
Fuel and emission control
Safety notes on handling fuel

WARNING
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and
off

Fig. 162
following describes the maximum scope.
Key to Fig. 162
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for unscrewing or tightening slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stowed under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel bolt
adapter in the vehicle toolkit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is engraved
on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note of
the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place but not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre wheel trims, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
Vehicle jack. Before you repack the jack, you must fully wind in the claw.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Crank.
Vehicle jack: maintenance
There are no maintenance cycles for the vehicle jack. Grease it with universal lubricant when
necessary.
Wiper blades
Service position

Fig. 163 Wiper blades in service position.
The windscreen wiper arms can be lifted off the windscreen when in the service position. Proceed as
follows to move the wipers to the service position Fig. 163
Activating service position
In the engine compartment

p leads should be removed only in the order D C B
AFig. 177
-volt vehicle battery checked.

WARNING
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode, which can lead
to serious injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the 12-volt vehicle battery
exploding:
-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind
of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery 12-volt vehicle battery
-volt vehicle
battery.
h the leads in the correct order the positive lead first, followed by the negative.

-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump lead
attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch electrically
conductive parts of the vehicle.
-volt vehicle battery, using a torch if necessary. If it is light
yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
-volt vehicle battery. The hydrogen gas
emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
g if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has ever been
frozen.

NOTICE
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have the 12-
volt vehicle battery checked.
Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Notes on tow-starting and towing

Tow-starting
Towing
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fitting the front towing eye
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be familiar
with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Ensure that no excessive pulling forces occur and take care to avoid jerking movements. When
towing offroad, there is always a risk of overloading the anchorage points.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
Tow-starting
Tow-starting describes the procedure for starting the vehicle by moving it using another towing
vehicle.
The vehicle can be tow-started with a tow-bar or a tow-rope.
Towing
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled with the aid of another vehicle.
The vehicle can be towed with a tow-bar or a tow-rope. When the engine is stopped, the gearbox is
not lubricated sufficiently at higher speeds and over long distances:
km/h (30 mph).
km.
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Use a tow rope only if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Towing with a tow truck
If your vehicle is to be raised on one axle for towing, this may only be done using the following axles
according to the gearbox/drive combination:
Front-wheel drive
Manual gearboxFront or rear axleAutomatic gearboxFront axle

WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking efficiency will change significantly.

WARNING
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
assistance.

NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers on the
rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and the rear spoiler
could become detached.

NOTICE
Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the vehicle, e.g.
the paintwork.
Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing again automatically as soon as the turn
signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.
When should your vehicle not be tow-started or towed?

an 50 km.
accident.
If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own four wheels due to one of the above conditions, seek
expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a recovery vehicle if necessary.
Tow-starting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Preparations for tow-starting
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox: