Note: Turn off the cooling function of the climate 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 climate system compressor may be switched off automatically to protect the engine from overheating.
Note: When towing a trailer, the service life of the vehicle and its efficiency are reduced, because. increases the load on the components involved in the transmission of torque (from the engine to the tires).
Caution: When connecting the trailer wiring to the trailer socket (TSU), installed by the factory or Skoda workshop, the system "Start-Stop" did not turn off automatically (for example, if the tow hitch is installed by an unauthorized Skoda representative, turn it off manually (see Section 18)). Otherwise, when towing a trailer with the system turned on "Start-Stop" brake system may fail.
The original trailer hitch with a socket for connecting the trailer's electrical equipment can be installed at the factory or at a Skoda workshop before sale. A car without a regular hitch can be equipped with a towing device even after purchase.
If a detachable trailer hitch is installed as standard, a trailer recognition control unit is additionally installed, which controls all trailer lighting functions connected to the vehicle's electrical network. In this case, some structural elements of the car (cooling system, alternator, battery, auxiliary function control) adapted for the installation of TSU. They have higher performance and ensure the proper functioning of all vehicle systems when towing a trailer with the maximum permitted weight. Those. it is possible to use the car for towing a trailer without any additional equipment.
Removable tow hitch
Removable hitch should be stored together with on-board tool kit (see Introduction). The detachable towing hitch can only be installed and removed by hand according to the special attached maintenance instructions.
Each time before starting a trip, check the correct fixation of the tow hitch. Carry out the test by pulling and locking the handwheel away from the hitch and turning it to the right. If the handwheel cannot be withdrawn, but only rotated through a small angle (approx. 30°), blocking is fine. The hitch must not be operated if it cannot be locked or if the handwheel can be pulled out or rotated more than 30°in the locked position.
It is recommended to wear gloves when removing/installing the TSU; do not use any accessories or tools. Otherwise, the locking mechanism may be damaged, as a result of which the safe operation of the TSU will not be ensured.
It is forbidden to carry out any changes or repairs on the parts of the TSU. In case of difficulties with the maintenance of this device, contact a specialized service station.
If the trailer is hitched to the vehicle, never remove the hitch lock. Before driving without a trailer and before high pressure washing, remove the hitch and check that the mounting hole cover is properly closed.
Attaching and connecting a trailer
Regularly check the reliability of the fastening of the tow hitch.
Always attach a tether to the 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 in turns. However, the safety wire must not touch the ground while in motion.
The electrical connection between the trailer and the tractor is carried out by means of a 13-pin socket of the hitch. If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, use the appropriate adapter.
Ensure trailer taillights are in good working order and comply with legal requirements. Make sure that the power consumption of the trailer does not exceed the maximum permitted values.
A trailer standing on an additional supporting wheel or on other supports must be disconnected from the vehicle. If the vehicle is lowered or raised (when changing load or tire inflation pressure), significant forces will act on the trailer hitch and cause damage to the vehicle and trailer.
Trailer loading
Observe the requirements of the Specifications for the maximum permissible weight of the towed trailer and the load on the tow hitch. Remember that a trailer adds to the actual weight of the vehicle and do not exceed the maximum permissible vehicle weight and maximum axle load.
At the same time, for safety reasons, it is recommended to fully use the maximum permissible load on the drawbar head (its meaning 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 not less than 4% of the actual weight of the trailer.
Place heavy objects on the bottom of the trailer (so as not to increase the height of its center of gravity), as well as directly above the trailer axle or directly in front of it.
The trailer tire pressure is set according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations. When driving with a trailer, inflate the tires of the car to the maximum allowable pressure. When using a trailer in winter, winter tires must be installed on it, as well as on a car.
Driving with a trailer
Before towing a trailer, make sure that it, as well as the car, meets the requirements of the Highway Code and local laws for the approval of the operation of vehicles with a trailer. Choose 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 SDA has a lower limit. When hitching up a trailer, the front of the car may raise slightly, so to avoid dazzling other road users, on models without xenon headlights, the headlight range must be manually adjusted (see Section 12).
When towing a trailer, never attempt to "stretch" road train (eliminate his buildup) by rapid acceleration. If you feel the slightest buildup, immediately slow down.
When towing a trailer with overrunning brakes, depress the brake pedal gently at first and then harder. This will avoid the jerk caused by the trailer wheels locking up. Remember that the trailer, as additional mass, increases the braking distance.
If the trailer is driven 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 height. This is due to the fact that rarefied air in mountainous areas can adversely affect the dynamic characteristics of the engine.