Volkswagen ID.4: Driving with a trailer

Headlight adjustment

When a trailer is attached, the front part of the vehicle may be lifted, and the dipped beam headlights may dazzle other road users. Lower the beam correspondingly using the headlight range control. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control adjust automatically and do not need to be manually adjusted.

Characteristics when driving with a trailer

• When driving with a trailer with an overrun brake, first brake gently then rapidly. This avoids braking jolts due to the trailer wheels locking.
• The braking distance increases due to the gross combination weight (of the trailer and vehicle).
• Select a higher energy recuperation level when going downhill. This utilizes the braking effect of the electric drivetrain and reduces the load on the brakes. Otherwise the brake system may overheat and possibly fail.
• The vehicle's center of gravity, and thereby also its driving characteristics, are changed by the towing weight and the increased total weight of the vehicle and trailer.
• An empty towing vehicle and loaded trailer create a very unfavorable weight distribution. Drive very carefully and slowly with this combination.

Driving on hills with a trailer

Depending on the angle of the hill and the total weight of the trailer, a parked trailer may roll back slightly when you start driving.

When towing a trailer, start on a hill as follows:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

2. Engage gear D/B.

The electronic parking brake is disengaged.

3. Press and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.

4. Release the brake pedal.

5. Start driving slowly.

6. Only release the button once the electric drivetrain has created enough drive power to start driving.

WARNING

Towing a trailer incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Bear in mind that the driving characteristics change when driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
• Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead.
• Overtake with particular care and reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.
• Accelerate with extra care and caution.
• Brake earlier than usual as the braking distance may be longer.
• Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
• Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving downhill.
• Never try to "straighten out" a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.
• Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.

WARNING

A poor rear view when pulling a trailer may result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

• Ensure sufficient visibility behind you.
• Install additional rearview mirrors to ensure you have a clear rear view.

Loading a trailerTrailer stabilization