Contents: Removable towing hitch ⬇ Attaching and connecting a trailer ⬇ Loading the trailer ⬇ Driving with a trailer ⬇
Note: Switch off the cooling function of the climate control system when driving with a trailer or heavy load in mountainous terrain with steep descents and ascents. When towing a trailer in difficult conditions, the compressor of the climate control system may switch off automatically to protect the engine from overheating.
Note: Towing a trailer reduces the service life and fuel economy of the vehicle, as the load on the components involved in transmitting torque increases (from the engine to the tires).
Caution: If the trailer wiring is connected to the socket of the towing hitch (TSU) installed by the Skoda factory or service station, the system "Start-Stop" did not switch off automatically (for example, if the towbar was not installed by an authorized Skoda representative, switch it off manually (see section 18)). Otherwise, when towing a trailer with the system turned on, "Start-Stop" a malfunction of the braking system may occur.
A standard towing hitch with a socket for connecting the trailer's electrical equipment can be installed at the factory or at a Skoda service station before sale. A car without a standard towing hitch can be additionally equipped with a towing hitch after purchase.
If a removable towing hitch is installed as standard, a trailer recognition control unit is additionally installed, which controls all the lighting functions of the trailer connected to the vehicle's electrical network. In this case, some elements of the vehicle's design (cooling system, generator, battery, auxiliary functions control) are adapted for the installation of a TSU. They have higher performance and ensure proper functioning of all vehicle systems when towing a trailer with the maximum permitted weight. That is, you can use the vehicle to tow a trailer without any additional equipment.
Removable towing hitch
The removable towbar should be stored together with the on-board tool kit (see Introduction). The removable towing hitch can only be installed and removed manually in accordance with the special service instructions supplied.
Before each journey, check that the towing hitch is correctly locked. Check by pulling and locking the handwheel away from the towing hitch and turning it to the right. If the handwheel cannot be pulled out but only rotated at a small angle (approx. 30°), the lock is OK. The towing hitch must not be used if it cannot be locked or if the handwheel can be pulled out or rotated more than 30° in the locked position.
When removing/installing the towbar, it is recommended to wear gloves; do not use any auxiliary devices or tools. Otherwise, the locking mechanism may be damaged, which will result in the TSU not being safe to operate.
It is prohibited to make any changes or repairs to the TSU parts. In case of difficulties with servicing this device, contact a specialized service station.
If the trailer is coupled to the vehicle, never remove the towbar lock. Before driving without a trailer, and before washing with high pressure, remove the towbar and check that the cover of the mounting hole is closed properly.
Attaching and connecting a trailer
Check the reliability of the towing hitch attachment regularly.
Always attach a safety cable to the vehicle and the trailer. It should hang slightly so as not to interfere with the angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor when turning. However, when moving, the safety cable should not touch the ground.
The electrical connection between the trailer and the tractor is made via a 13-pin TSU socket. If the trailer has a 7-pin socket, use the appropriate adapter.
Ensure that the trailer's rear lights are in good condition and comply with legal requirements. Ensure that the trailer's power consumption does not exceed the maximum permitted values.
A trailer standing on an additional support wheel or on other supports must be disconnected from the vehicle. If the vehicle is lowered or raised (when changing the load or tire inflation pressure), the towing hitch will be subject to significant forces that could cause damage to the vehicle and trailer.
Loading the trailer
Observe the requirements of the Specifications for the maximum permissible mass of the towed trailer and the load on the towing device. Remember that the trailer increases the actual weight of the vehicle and do not exceed the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle and the maximum axle load.
At the same time, for safety reasons, it is recommended to fully utilize the maximum permissible load on the towing hitch head (its value is indicated on the drawbar), because too little load negatively affects the behavior of the road train. If it is not possible to fully load the ball head, ensure that the load on it is at least 4% of the actual mass of the trailer.
Place heavy objects on the bottom of the trailer (so as not to increase the height of its center of gravity), and also directly above or in front of the trailer axle.
The tire pressure of the trailer is set in accordance with the recommendations of the trailer manufacturer. When driving with a trailer, inflate the tires of the car to the maximum permissible pressure. When using a trailer in winter, winter tires must be installed on it, as on the car.
Driving with a trailer
Before towing a trailer, make sure that it, as well as the car, meets the requirements of the traffic rules and local legislation for the admission of operation of vehicles with a trailer. Select the speed and other driving parameters based on the mass of the trailer. The maximum speed with a trailer is 80 km / h, and in extreme cases - no more than 100 km / h, unless the traffic rules have a lower limit. When connecting a trailer, the front of the car may rise slightly, therefore, in order not to blind other road users, on models without xenon headlights, you should manually adjust the headlight inclination (see Section 12).
When driving with a trailer, you should never try to "stretch" the road train (eliminate its swing) by accelerating sharply. If you feel the slightest rocking, immediately reduce speed.
When towing a trailer with overrun brakes, press the brake pedal gently at first and then harder. This will help avoid jerking caused by the trailer wheels locking. Remember that the trailer, as an additional mass, increases the braking distance.
If the trailer is towed at an altitude of over 1,000 m above sea level, the maximum permissible road train weight prescribed by the Specifications must be reduced by at least 10% for every 1,000 metres of altitude. This is because the thin air in mountainous areas can adversely affect the engine's dynamic performance.