Trailer hitch
Ball mount holder
Fig. 164 Dimensions of the ball mount holder and receptacle.
Suspended height of the ball mount.
Distance between socket pin and ball mount.
To pull a trailer you must have installed the necessary cabling, including a socket, and the corresponding trailer hitch. Since pulling a trailer represents a heavy strain for the vehicle towing it, connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle and correct dimensions for the receptacle and the ball mount holder are extremely important in order for the towing vehicle to cope with the strain to be placed on it.
The mount requires a special shape and size of ball mount holder and ball mount. This affects both the suspended height of the ball coupling and the distance between the socket pin and the ball coupling .
These dimensions determine the distribution of strain on the receptacle and the connections to the vehicle during towing. When purchasing a ball mount holder and a ball mount, always ensure that these will cope with the requirements.
Dimensions of the ball mount holder
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The suspended height
from the top of the ball mount to the top of the neck must not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).The distance between the socket pin and the ball mount
must not exceed 209.55 mm (8 1/4 inches) from the middle of the ball mount to the middle of the eye of the pin.The diameter of the ball mount may not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).
Ball mounts and holders which do not meet these specifications could damage your car or could fail completely .
Securing cables
In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.
Follow the country-specific regulations for using a securing cable.
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Secure the securing or breakaway cable to the provided ball mount eyelet.
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Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner .
WARNING
Incorrect mounting or the use of an incorrect trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially causing serious accidents and injuries.
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Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and injuries.
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Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.
CAUTION
Always remove the ball mount holder when you do not require it, in order to reduce the risk of injuries in a rear-end collision.
NOTICE
Fitting an unsuitable ball mount can cause vehicle damage and invalidation of the operating license.
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Use the ball mount supplied by the factory or a ball mount approved for your vehicle model and its model year.
Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
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Your vehicle was not designed to tow trailers requiring larger ball heads than those specified. Never use ball mounts with a diameter that exceeds 50.8 mm (2 inches).
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Never use an adapter in order to use a larger ball mount.
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If necessary, you may use an adapter to enable you to mount a bicycle carrier or similar. Always observe the weight specifications when doing so. These should never cover your tail lights.
Retrofitting a trailer hitch
Volkswagen recommends having a trailer hitch retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. For example, modifications to the cooling system or installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Mount the trailer hitch in accordance with the instructions supplied.
A retrofitted, non-removable trailer hitch must not cover the label or the lighting system on the rear of the vehicle. Note the country-specific regulations for using a ball mount .
WARNING
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electrical system as well as accidents and serious injuries.
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Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources. Only use suitable connectors to connect the trailer.
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If retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
A trailer hitch that is installed incorrectly or that is not suitable for the vehicle can lead to the trailer separating from the vehicle that is towing it. This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer. Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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