towing VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2015 Owner´s Manual

Fig. 87 Next to the steering wheel: control for in-strument and switch lighting as well as headlight range control
,....-('n First read and observe the Introductory l-Jo:-1.1 information and safety warnings & on page 106.
CD Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on. the bright-ness of the instruments and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the control =>Fig. 87 Q).
0 Headlight range control
Depending on what level it is set to. the headlight range control ® adjusts the position of the light cones in the headlights according to the load that the vehicle is carrying. This gives the driver the best visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be dazzled => &.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dip-ped beam headlights are switched on.
To adjust, turn the control® to:
Setting Vehicle load level3l
Front seats occupied and light lug-gage in the vehicle.
Several seats occupied and light lug-gage in the vehicle.
All seats occupied and luggage com-2 partment fully loaded. Towing a trailer with a low drawbar load.
Front seats occupied and luggage 3 compartment fully loaded. Towing a trailer with maximum drawbar load.
•l If you have different loads, you can select a position be-;:j tween the settings. :::;; a: "'
Dynamic headlight range control
There is no control ® for headlight range if the ve-hicle has dynamic headlight control. The headlight range is automatically ad a pled to suit the vehicle load level as soon as the headlights are switched on=>&.
,A WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious Injuries.
• The light cone should always be adjusted to the load level of the vehicle to ensure that other road users are not dazzled.
,A WARNING
Failure or malfunction in the dynamic head-light range control can cause the headlights to dazzle or distract other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
• Go to a qualified workshop to have the headlight range control checked immediately.
Lights and vision 113

Transporting items
Driving notes
ClJl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stowing items of luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Stowing cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Buckle straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Ratchet straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Driving with an open tailgate or open wing doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Driving a loaded vehicle .... 130
Always secure the load transported in the luggage compartment or load compartment, on the roof car-rier, on the load surface or trailer. Always use suita-ble securing straps with the fastening rings to se-cure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's max-imum payload. Both the payload and the distribu-tion of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance &.
Using securing straps
• Follow the instructions for the securing straps.
• Observe specifications for maximum load rat-ing.
• The securing straps must be long enough for the item you wish to secure.
Damaged securing straps
Never use the securing straps if:
• Damage to the warp and weft of the webbing (cuts or fraying) accounts for more than 10% of the webbing.
• The seams are damaged.
• The webbing is deformed by friction or heat.
• The securing straps are cracked, especially if cracked across the strap, or if the straps have notches.
• The securing straps have splits or corrosion damage.
• There is damage to the tightening device and connection elements.
Additional information and warnings:
• Tailgate 49
• Wing doors 52
• Lights 106
• Luggage compartment 130
• Roof carrier 137
• Towing a trailer 139
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Vehicle weight and axle weight rating 450
A WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeu-vre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the airbag when activa-ted and then flung through the vehicle interi-or. To reduce the risk of accidents, please ob-serve the following guidelines:
• Always stow all objects in the vehicle se· curely.
• Always use suitable straps to prevent ob-jects entering the deployment zones of the curtain alrbag, the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
• Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior In such a way that they can never en-ter the alrbag deployment zones while the ve-hicle is In motion.
• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is In motion.
• The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF 'Ji; must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
• Stowed objects must never cause passen-gers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
• If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.
A WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi-cle driving characteristics and increases the braking distance. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause se-rious injury. .,..
Transporting items 125

A WARNING (Continued)
• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
• The load should be distributed as evenly and low as possible In the vehicle.
• Always secure heavy objects in the lug-gage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
A WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly If large or heavy objects are being transported.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Accelerate carefully and gently .
• Avoid sudden braking and driving ma-noeuvres.
• Brake earlier than in normal driving.
A WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip In the event of a braking manoeuvre or ac-cident. This could cause objects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fa-tal injuries.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Attach securing straps securely to the fas-tening rings.
• Never load the securing straps in excess of the load rating.
A wARNING
Securing straps, if used incorrectly, may get detached in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident. This could cause ob-jects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Stowing items of luggage
1'"'1'11 First read and observe the introductory L-.lr::.U information and safety warnings & on page 125. .,..
1261 Before the journey
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never fix securing straps between the fas-tening rings In the side panel and the fasten-ing rings in the vehicle floor.
• Never fix securing straps between oppo-site side walls.
• Observe the Information on the side trim panels.
A WARNING
Incorrect use of fastening rings can cause se-vere or fatal accidents.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Attach securing straps securely to the fas-tening rings.
• loose objects in the vehicle can suddenly slide and change the way the vehicle han-dles.
• Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
• Small and light objects should also be se-cured.
• Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
• Rotating single seats must always be turned In the direction of travel If a load is se-cured behind this seat using fastening rings.
• Never use elastic straps or nets to tie down loads.
• Distribute the load on the fastening rings evenly.
• Ensure that the load retains its form and position once it has been secured. Use stable packaging and anti-slip floor surfacing for your load.
m Suitable fastening belts and luggage stowage L!.J systems are available from a qualified work-shop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends using a Voikswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.

Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
• Distribute items in the vehicle, on the roof and on the trailer as evenly as possible.
• Place heavy objects as far forward in the lug-gage compartment as possible. Position the rear seat backrests securely in the upright position.
• Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps 130.
• Adjust the headlight range 106.
• Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehi-cle load. Adhere to the tyre pressure plate 367.
• In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary 318.
Stowing cargo
r-111 First read and observe the introductory L-l=:.LI information and safety warnings & on page 125.
Stow the load securely in the vehicle or on the load surface
• Before loading the vehicle, place a sturdy mat or similar cover flush with the vehicle floor. Where necessary, do not cover protruding parts of the ve-hicle floor.
• If necessary, remove the seats to increase the load area.
• The vehicle floor must be free of oil and dust, dry and fully clean in order to help prevent the load from sliding.
• Observe gross axle weight ratings and the gross vehicle weight rating.
• Distribute items in the vehicle, on the load sur-face, on the roof and on the trailer as evenly as possible.
• Stow heavy objects directly on the floor and above or in front of the rear axle and engage the rear seat backrests securely in an upright position.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m • Observe any information concerning the l!J loading of a trailer 139 .
• Observe any information concerning the load-ing of a roof carrier 137. • Avoid overloading small areas of the vehicle floor.
• Protect the seat rails or seat anchor points from damage.
• Secure luggage with suitable securing straps on the fastening rings 130.
• Adjust the headlight range 106.
• Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehi-cle load. Adhere to the tyre pressure plate 367.
• In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary 318.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m • Observe any information concerning the l!J loading of a trailer =>page 139 .
• Observe any information concerning the load-ing of a roof carrier =>page 137 . Transporting items 127

Additional information and warnings:
• Airbag system =:.page 87
• Lights =:.page 106
• Transporting =:.page 125
• Towing a trailer=> page 139
• Luggage net, California =>page 192
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
A WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or is not being supervised, always lock the doors and tail-gate to reduce the risk of severe or fatal inju-ries.
• Never leave children unattended, especial-ly when the tailgate is open. Children could make their way into the luggage compart-ment, close the tailgate and be unable to get out. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
• Never let children play in or around the ve-hicle.
• Do not travel with people in the luggage compartment.
A WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured Incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeu-vre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the alrbag when activa-ted and then flung through the vehicle interi-or. To reduce the risk of accidents, please ob-serve the following guidelines:
• Always stow all objects In the vehicle se· curely. Always stow luggage and heavy ob-jects in the luggage compartment.
• Always use suitable straps to prevent lug-gage from being thrown through the vehicle Interior and entering the deployment zones of
A WARNING (Continued)
the curtain alrbag, the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is In motion.
• Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp ob· jects loose in any of the vehicle's open stow-age areas, on the luggage compartment cov-er or on the dash panel.
• Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags Inside the vehicle and stow them securely.
A WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi-cle's handling and increases the braking dis-tance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
• The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
• Always secure heavy objects In the lug-gage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m Always ensure that the venlilalion openings L!J between the rear window and the stowage area are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle. Transporting items 131

Loading the roof carrier
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-l.:.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 137.
Loads can only be attached securely when the roof carrier system is fitted correctly &.
Maximum permissible roof load
The maximum permissible roof load for vehicles with a normal roof is 150 kg and for vehicles with a pop-up roof it is 50 kg. The roof load limit refers to the combined weight of the roof carrier and the load carried on the roof &.
Each mount can bear a maximum load of 50 kg if the weight of the load is evenly distributed over the entire length of the mount.
Ensure that you know the weight of the roof rack and the items to be transported on the roof, and weigh them if necessary. Never exceed the maxi-mum permissible roof load.
However, you will not be able to carry the maxi-mum roof load if you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating. In this instance, do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof carrier. This weight limit is listed in the fitting instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly
Checking the fittings
After the mounts and roof carrier have been at-tached, check the bolted connections and fasten-ings once you have travelled a short distance and then at regular intervals.
Towing a trailer
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . 141 Fitting the removable ball coupling 142
Removing the ball coupling . . . . . . . . . 144
Hitching and connecting the trailer . . . 144 Loading the trailer . . . . . . . . . .. . . 146 Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Trailer stabilisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Retrofitting a towing bracket............... 149
A WARNING
Accidents and vehicle damage can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is excee-ded.
• Never exceed the quoted roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehi-cle.
• Do not exceed the weight rating of the roof carrier, even if the maximum roof load has not been reached.
• Secure heavy objects as far forwards as possible and distribute the load evenly.
A WARNING
Loose and Incorrectly secured loads can fall off the roof carrier and cause accidents and injuries.
• Always use suitable and undamaged se-curing straps.
• Secure loads properly.
Take care not to let the tailgate strike the roof load when open. Risk of damage to the vehicle. Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a towing bracket.
The additional load will affect the durability, 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 concen-tration on the part of the driver.
Transporting items 139

In low temperatures, fit winter tyres to both the ve-hicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The drawbar load is the weight that the towing bracket exerts on the ball coupling vertically from above. The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling of the tow-ing bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
The figures for the draw bar weights that are given on the type plate of the towing bracket are for cer-tification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be lower than these fig-ures, are given in the vehicle registration docu-ments. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data &.
In the interest of road safety, Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles recommends that you always trans-port the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a re-sult.
Vehicles with starUstop system
• If a factory-fitted towing bracket or a towing bracket retro-fitted by Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles is used, the Start/Stop system remains ac-tive when towing a trailer 283.
• If towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are used, the StarUStop system must be switched off manually using the button in the dash panel before you start towing a trailer and must remain switched off as long as a trailer is being towed &.
Tachograph
For vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating, in-cluding trailer exceeds 3,500 kg, and those used commercially to transport goods, use of a tacho-graph is required by law. This is irrespective of whether the vehicle or the trailer or both are used for commercial transportation of goods.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views 5
• Lights 106
• Tachograph 172
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Driving with respect for the environment 278
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
140 Before the journey
• Maximum permitted trailer weights =>page 450
• Maximum permitted gross combination weight rating =>page 450
A WARNING
it is dangerous to transport people In a trailer and it may also be illegal.
A WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause Injury and accidents.
• 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.
• To reduce the risk of Injury In rear-end col· lis ions, and to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle Is parked, always remove the ball coupling when a trailer Is not being used.
• Never Install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The vehicle Is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can fall, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehl· cl e.
A WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky Items can change the way the vehicle's handling. This can lead to accidents.
• Always secure loads properly using suita-ble and undamaged securing straps.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of gravity.
• 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 snak-Ing.
• Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 m ph) when towing a trailer or 100 km/h (62 mph) In exceptional cases. This also applies to coun-tries where higher speeds are permitted. AI· ways obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers. .,.

A WARNING (Continued)
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by Increasing your speed.
A WARNING
Accidents and severe injuries can occur if the maximum permitted draw bar weight is ex-ceeded.
• Never exceed the specified values.
A WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switch-ed off manually when a trailer Is to be towed with towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Other-wise faults can occur In the brake system, possibly resulting In accidents and serious Injuries.
Technical requirements
,...-.('n First read and observe the introductory 1--J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-ing bracket it will already have the necessary tech-nical modifications and meet the statutory require-ments for towing a trailer.
Only use a towing bracket which is approved for the gross weight of the trailer you want to tow as a retrofit solution. The towing bracket must be suit-able for the vehicle and trailer and be securely bol-ted to the vehicle's chassis. Only a towing bracket with a removable ball coupling should be used. Al-ways check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer. Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing brack-et on the vehicle.
Towing brackets fitted to the rear bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly. Do not
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always switch off the start/stop system manually If a trailer is attached to a towing bracket that was not retrofitted by Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles.
m Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a L!J trailer is being hitched or unhitched 43. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
m In new vehicles, do not tow a trailer during L!J the first 1,000 km 394.
m Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-L!J mends removing the ball coupling before driving without a trailer. The level of damage sus-tained during a rear-end collision could be greater for vehicles with a fitted ball coupling than for those without.
m By law, the ball coupling must be removed if L!J a trailer is not being towed if it obscures the number plate.
m In some models, the towing bracket is re-L!J qui red for towing vehicles. For this reason, the towing bracket ball coupling should be stored in the vehicle at all times. carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems. Check regularly to see if the towing bracket is fitted securely.
Engine 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 added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations. The trailer's brake system must never be connected to the ve-hicle brake system.
Emergency breakaway cable
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer 144.
Trailer rear lights
The rear lights on the trailer must meet legal re-quirements 144.
Transporting items 1141

Never connect the trailer lights directly to the elec-trical system of your vehicle. If you are uncertain whether the trailer has been connected correctly, please contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors, additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations. Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer
Electrical consumers Maximum output
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
Never exceed the specified values.
A wARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or is in cor-rectly fitted, the trailer can become detached from the vehicle and cause serious Injury.
Fitting the removable ball coupling
Fig. 113 Overview of removable ball head.
r-f1t First read and observe the introductory L-J,::,JJ information and safety warnings & on page 139.
1421 Before the journey
• The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer lights are not connected properly.
• The vehicle electronics may be damaged If the trailer uses too much electricity.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide power to the trailer.
If trailers with anti-snaking coupling are used, the electrical system can be damaged In certain circumstances. In order to avoid this, ensure equipotential bonding at the trailer. To do this, consult the manufacturer of the trailer or of the anti-snaking coupling.
m Towing a trailer places additional demands L!J on the vehicle. Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles recommends additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
m In certain countries, an additional fire extin-L!J guisher must be carried if the gross weight of the trailer exceeds 2,500 kg. <1
an.ons
The removable ball coupling is located in the vehi-cle tools 416. ..,.

Key to Fig. 113:
Q) Cap
® Ball coupling
@ Retaining balls
@ Catch for locking mechanism
® Shank
® Centring device
0 Handwheel
® Keys
® Cover
® Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling)
® Green marking on the ball coupling
@ Green marking on handwheel
@ Red marking on handwheel
Step 1: preparations
• Before using the ball coupling for the first time, make a note of the number stamped on the key. This can be used if you need to acquire a replace-ment key.
• Remove the cap from the mounting.
• Check to ensure that the mounting, handwheel 0. shank® and retaining balls@ of the ball cou-pling are all clean and not damaged Clean as necessary.
Step 2: setting the ball coupling to the "ready" position
The ball coupling cannot be fitted properly unless the spring mechanism inside the ball joint is in the ready position.
• Take the ball coupling in your left hand.
• Remove the cover® from the lock and insert the key ® into the lock.
• Turn the key clockwise.
• Use your right hand to pull out the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 1 and keep it in this po-
• Turn the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 2 until it engages. The ball coupling is now in the ready position. The red marking @on the hand-wheel must point towards the green marking ® on the ball coupling. The handwheel is clearly visible in front of the ball coupling. The distance between the two is approximately 4 mm @.
• Check to see whether all retaining balls @can be pressed fully into the ball coupling mount @.
Step 3: attaching the pre-tensioned ball coupling to the vehicle
Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling has been pre-tensioned. When engaged, the hand-wheel will spring back to its original position and could cause injury = &.
• Guide the pre-tensioned ball coupling into the mounting pipe from below.
• Push the ball coupling firmly upwards until it en-gages. Both of the centring devices ® must en-gage in the insertion point on the vehicle.
• The handwheel has now returned to its original position. There is no longer a gap between the handwheel and the ball coupling.
• Turn the key ® anticlockwise in the handwheel and remove it.
• If the setting is correct, you will not be able to turn the handwheel or pull it out.
• Put the cover® over the lock and place the key in the vehicle toolkit.
Step 4: safety check
Check to see whether the ball coupling is attached properly:
• The green marking@ on the handwheel must point towards the green marking @ on the ball coupling.
• The handwheel must rest on the ball coupling and there may be no gap between them.
• Shake the ball coupling or pull it down with some force. lt must sit firmly in the mounting = &.
• The lock must be locked and the key removed. The cover must be fitted over the lock in the hand-wheel.
A wARNING
Improper fitting of the ball coupling can cause injuries and accidents.
• Only use the ball coupling when it is fitted properly.
• If the smallest diameter on the ball cou-pling ® is smaller than 49 mm, do not use the towing bracket.
• The ball coupling is heavy. When checking whether it is secure, the ball coupling could fall off and cause injuries.
• Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling has been pre-tensioned. When the ball coupling is pressed into the mounting, the handwheel will spring back to its original position. ..,
Transporting items 1143