trailer VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2021 Owner´s Manual

Rear Traffic Alert monitors the traffic crossing behind the vehicle when reversing out of a parking
space or manoeuvring. Rear Traffic Alert functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 134 :
Critical situation. Do not drive on!Possible critical situation.
Detection of a critical situation can also take place acoustically:
A warning signal will sound and a text message will be displayed in the instrument cluster for
vehicles without Park Distance Control.
In vehicles with Park Distance Control, an acoustic signal will sound with the continuous tone of Park
Distance Control. If the Park Distance Control is deactivated, no warning can be given to the driver
and the Rear Traffic Alert system will also be switched off temporarily.
If there is a system fault in the scanned area, the indicator lamp will light up yellow on the
instrument cluster display.
Automatic braking intervention to minimise damage
If Rear Traffic Alert detects an approaching road user and the driver has not pressed the brake, the
system can brake automatically.
Automatic braking intervention is activated when reversing at speeds of between 1–12 km/h (1–
7 mph). The vehicle is held stationary for up to two seconds after vehicle standstill has been
detected.
After automatic braking intervention is activated to prevent damage to the vehicle, the system
requires approximately ten seconds before it can activate another automatic braking intervention.
Automatic braking intervention can be interrupted by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal
sharply and taking control of the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation
Rear Traffic Alert is deactivated automatically and cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer or similar ⇒ Notes on towing a trailer . Once a trailer is
electrically connected to the vehicle and the driver pulls away, a text message appears in the
instrument cluster display to inform the driver that Rear Traffic Alert has been deactivated. Rear
Traffic Alert will be automatically activated again when the trailer has been unhitched from the
vehicle. This applies if the functions were previously activated. Rear Traffic Alert must be switched
off manually for trailer towing if a non-factory-fitted towing bracket is used.

WARNING
The intelligent Rear Traffic Alert technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only
within the limits of the system. Do not let the assistance function of Rear Traffic Alert tempt you to
take any safety risks while driving. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction 
Even when the above-mentioned requirements for using the services are met, the functionality of
the Car-Net services can be impaired or interrupted due to factors that lie outside the control of
Volkswagen AG. Such factors include in particular:
Maintenance, repairs, software updates and technical changes to your service provider’s
telecommunication systems, satellites, servers and databases.
The telecommunications provider has changed the mobile telecommunication standard for
transferring mobile data, e.g. from UMTS to EDGE or GPRS
An existing mobile telecommunications standard has been shut down by the telecommunications
provider.
Impairment or interruption to mobile and GPS reception, e.g. due to high speeds, solar storms,
weather, landscape, interfering devices or intensive use of the mobile network in the relevant cells.
Restricted availability, completeness or correctness of information provided by third parties, e.g.
maps.
Countries where Volkswagen Car-Net services are not available.
Apps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction 
The Volkswagen Car-Net app can execute Volkswagen Car-Net services in the vehicle and provide
information.
Volkswagen App-Connect allows content from Volkswagen apps and third party apps on mobile
devices to be shown on the Infotainment system screen.
There may be problems with compatibility with third party apps.
A wide range of applications may be available and they may be vehicle-specific and country-specific
⇒ . Content, range and provider of applications can vary. Some applications also depend on
availability of services offered by third parties.
We are unable to guarantee that the available apps can be run on all mobile devices and all
operating systems.
Applications offered by Volkswagen can be changed, discontinued, deactivated, reactivated and
expanded without prior notice.
Transporting items
Stowing luggage and loads
Cargo and luggage can be transported in the vehicle, on a trailer ⇒ Technical requirements  and on
the roof ⇒ Roof carrier . Always observe the legal regulations.
Stowing luggage safely in the vehicle
Always distribute any loads in the vehicle as evenly as possible.

Before driving through an automatic car wash.
The vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.

NOTICE
Always remove the roof carrier before driving through an automatic car wash.
The height of the vehicle is changed by the installation of a roof carrier and the load secured to it.
Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g. for underpasses and garage
doors.
The roof carrier and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the glass roof and the
boot lid. The roof aerial must also remain unaffected.

Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase air resistance and thus increase fuel consumption.
Trailer towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Technical requirements 
⇒ Fitting the removable ball head 
⇒ Removing the ball head 
⇒ Notes on towing a trailer 
⇒ Loading the trailer 
⇒ Driving with a trailer 
⇒ Trailer stabilisation 
⇒ Retrofitting a towing bracket 
The vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it has the required technical equipment for this. The
additional trailer load will affect the amount of wear, fuel consumption and performance of the
vehicle and, in certain circumstances, could 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.
Vehicles with start/stop system
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 towing a trailer, and it must
remain deactivated for as long as a trailer is being towed ⇒ .

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

WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious
injuries.
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, swivel in or remove the ball head 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
designed 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 vehicle handling and increase
the braking distance. This can lead to accidents.
Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of
gravity.
Always drive carefully and think ahead. Accelerate very 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 drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer, also 100 km/h (60 mph) in
exceptional cases. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted. Keep to
country-specific speed limits, which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles without
trailers.
Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket on the vehicle.

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.

NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information for vehicles with an N1 approval ⇒ Information about
vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle) .

Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle carrier is
loaded or unloaded ⇒ Anti-theft alarm . The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm
unintentionally.

With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine .

Some retrofitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the towing
eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the removed ball head
of a retrofitted towing bracket should be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction 
Cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling
system must contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load due to trailer towing.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer using the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a sufficient view towards the rear.

Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and observe the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights 84 watts
Turn signal per side 42 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 42 watts
Rear fog light 42 watts

Australia
All brake lights 108 watts
Turn signal per side 54 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 54 watts
Rear fog light 54 watts

WARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached from the
towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or its mountings. The towing bracket must not prevent
the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.

NOTICE

The vehicle electronics system may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail light
clusters or to other power sources. Use only suitable connectors to supply power to the trailer.

Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends additional
services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
Fitting the removable ball head

Fig. 155 Overview: removable ball head.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction 
Key to⇒ Fig. 155 
Protective cap 1)
Ball head
Retaining balls
Shank
Centring device
Release lever
Keys
Lock cap

Release pin with coloured marking
The removable ball head is located with the vehicle toolkit in the luggage compartment.
Step 1: preparations
Remove the cap from the ball head mounting under the rear bumper ⇒ Rear view  and stow in the
vehicle.
Starting from the bottom right side, swivel the trailer socket as far as possible to the top left. This
gives you access to the ball head mounting.
Check to ensure that the mounting, locking lever ⇒ Fig. 155  ⑥, shank ④ and the retaining balls
③ of the ball head are all clean and not damaged ⇒ . Clean if necessary.
Step 2: check whether the ball head is pre-tensioned
The ball head cannot be fitted properly unless it is pre-tensioned.
The following conditions must be fulfilled:
The lock cover ⇒ Fig. 155  ⑧ is open and the key ⑦ is inserted
The release pin ⑨ can be moved.
The locking lever ⑥ is in the bottom position.
All retaining balls ③ can be pressed fully into the shank ④.
If all these conditions are met, continue with Step 4.
If conditions are not met, continue with Step 3.
Step 3: pre-tensioning the ball head
If the ball head is not pre-tensioned, pre-tension the ball head as follows:
Remove the lock cover ⑧ from the lock and insert the key ⑦ into the lock.
Turn the key ⑦ anti-clockwise until the part of the key with the hole is at the top.
Press the release pin ⑨ and at the same time press the locking lever ⑥ down as far as it will go ⇒
 . The locking lever remains locked in this position.
Step 4: attaching the pre-tensioned ball head to the vehicle
Do not touch the locking lever once the ball head has been pre-tensioned. When the ball head is
engaged, the locking lever will spring back to its original position and could cause injury ⇒ .
Guide the pre-tensioned removable ball head into the mounting tube from below.
Push the ball head firmly upwards until it engages. The centring devices ⇒ Fig. 155  ⑤ must engage
in the mounting points on the vehicle.
The locking lever ⑥ automatically turns up to its original position and the green section of the
release pin ⑨ is visible.

Turn the key ⑦ clockwise until the part of the lock with the holes is at the top.
Fit the lock cap ⑧ on the lock and place the key ⑦ in the vehicle toolkit.
Step 5: safety check
Before hitching a trailer, check if the ball head is fixed correctly.
The locking lever ⇒ Fig. 155  ⑥ is in the uppermost position.
The green section of the release pin ⑨ is visible.
Shake the ball head ② or pull it down with some force. It must sit firmly in the mounting ⇒ .
The lock must be locked and the key ⑦ removed.
The lock cover ⑧ must cover the lock in the locking lever.

WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injuries and accidents.

t diameter of the ball ⇒ Fig. 155  ③ is less than 49 mm, do not use the towing
bracket.
injuries.
been pre-tensioned. When the ball head is
pressed into the mounting, the locking lever will spring back to its original position.
workshop.
wing bracket if the ball head does not engage properly or if you are unable to
pre-tension it.
ball head has been mounted. This means that ball head is not locked properly.


NOTICE
and undamaged. Otherwise you may not be able to lock the ball head securely.
-pressure hose or steam cleaner directly at the ball head mounting. This could
wash the grease required for lubrication out of the mounting.
1) Not always included in the scope of delivery.

Removing the ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction 
⇒ Electronic parking brake .

ailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.
If fitted, remove adapters from the trailer socket.
⇒ Fig. 155  ⑧ from the lock in the locking lever and insert the key ⑦ into
the lock.
e key ⑦ anti-clockwise until the part of the key with the hole is at the top.
② with your hand.
⑨ and at the same time press the locking lever ⑥ down as far as it will go
⇒ . The ball head is pre-tensioned.

⑥ and stow the pre-tensioned ball head safely with the vehicle toolkit.
② with your hand.
damage to the mounting.


WARNING
The removable ball head is heavy. The ball head could fall while it is being removed. This could cause
injuries.

Notes on towing a trailer