Driving with a trailer

Yes, you can drive with smaller trailers. You can tow a trailer when the maximum authorised mass is no greater than 750 kg and/or when the maximum authorised mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg but the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle and trailer combined does not exceed 3,500 kg.
As a general rule, a category B licence does not allow you to tow a horsebox or livestock trailer transporting animals.

A variety of factors determine if or under which conditions you are permitted to tow a trailer with your car. We have compiled the most important points here.

From securing and attaching the ball coupling to checking the electrics: Find a step-by-step guide to connecting a trailer here. Please take a look at our explainer video too.

The ball coupling from Volkswagen is available in three different designs – fixed, detachable or swivelling.

Yes, we recommend purchasing genuine ball couplings directly from your local Volkswagen Retailer and having them installed there. This can help to ensure that the vehicle electronics of your Volkswagen work consistently without restrictions. They will also gladly advise you on which type of ball coupling can be used for your model.

Yes, you can mount your new ball coupling yourself. However, please observe the following: Retrofitting a ball coupling from a third-party provider may lead to faults or even the failure of individual components, such as the vehicle electronics. For this reason, we recommend buying it from and having it installed by your local Volkswagen Retailer.

A loaded trailer has an impact on driving behaviour – e.g. braking distances increase or the vehicle may swerve more easily due to more difficult handling. To make driving with a trailer more manageable, we have put together a few tips and tricks for you.

If you want to reverse park or manoeuvre with a trailer, you should first consider the reversal of the steering. If you want to pull out backwards to the left, the steering wheel must be turned to the right – the same applies in reverse. We have plenty more tips and tricks you on this topic.

To prevent your loaded goods from sliding around uncontrollably and your trailer from swerving as far as possible, a number of factors should be considered when loading – e.g. observing weights and loads as well as positioning and securing of the items in the trailer. More information on loading and securing can be found here.

More about Loading and securing

The information on the maximum authorised mass in Part I of the registration certificate, formerly known as the vehicle registration document, refers to the unladen weight of the trailer. Additional weight caused by loading the trailer does not count towards the maximum authorised mass.

Due to the increased vehicle load, we recommend having additional maintenance performed on your combustion, hybrid or electric car between the regular inspection intervals at your local Volkswagen Retailer.

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