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 vehicle without a standard towing hitch can be 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 car'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. This means that the vehicle can be used 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 trip, check that the TSU is correctly fixed. Perform the check by pulling and fixing the flywheel away from the TSU and turning it to the right. If the handwheel cannot be removed, but only rotates 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 turned 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 safe operation of the towing hitch not being ensured.
It is prohibited to make any changes or repairs to the towing hitch parts. If you have any difficulties servicing this device, please contact a specialized service station.
If the trailer is coupled to the vehicle, never remove the towing hitch.
Before driving without a trailer, and before high-pressure washing, remove the towbar and check that the mounting hole cover is properly closed.
Attaching and connecting a trailer
Check the reliability of the towing hitch attachment regularly.
Always secure a safety cable to your vehicle and trailer. It should sag slightly so as not to interfere with the change in the angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor when turning. However, while moving, the safety rope 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.
Make sure that the trailer's rear lights are in good working order and comply with legal requirements. Make sure 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 car goes down or up (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 trailer weight.
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 trailer tire pressure is set in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations. When driving with a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the maximum permissible pressure. When using a trailer in winter, it must be fitted with winter tyres, just like a car.
Driving with a trailer
Before towing a trailer, make sure that it, as well as the vehicle, meets the requirements of the traffic rules and local legislation for the approval of the operation of vehicles with a trailer.
Select speed and other driving parameters based on the trailer weight. The maximum speed with a trailer is 80 km/h, and in extreme cases - no more than 100 km/h, unless the traffic regulations provide a lower limit.
When connecting a trailer, the front of the car may rise slightly, so 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 sudden acceleration. If you feel the slightest rocking, immediately reduce speed.
When towing a trailer with overrun brakes, press the brake pedal gently at first, then press harder. This will avoid jerking caused by trailer wheel locking. Remember that the trailer, as an additional mass, increases the braking distance.
If movement with a trailer occurs at an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level, the maximum permissible mass of the road train prescribed by the Specifications must be reduced by at least 10% for every 1000 meters of altitude. This is due to the fact that the thin air in mountainous areas can negatively affect the dynamic characteristics of the engine.