Volkswagen ID.7: Hitching a trailer

Volkswagen ID.7 2024-2025 Owners Manual / Hitching a trailer

Introduction

If equipped correctly, the vehicle can be used to tow a trailer.

Driving a trailer not only increases the vehicle load, but requires more concentration from the driver.

The increased towing weight affects vehicle wear, consumption, and vehicle performance and may shorten the service intervals.

If the vehicle is driving with a heavy load, functions such as the air conditioner power may be reduced or deactivated to prevent the vehicle from becoming stranded in traffic.

The load that a vehicle is able to pull decreases under the following conditions:

Driving on slopes.
Driving at high altitudes.
Driving in high outside temperatures.
Driving with a fully loaded vehicle, e.g. with passengers and luggage.
With increasing speed.

Trailer with function check for the lighting

No trailer with tail lights and brake lights that require a function check for the tail light or brake light in order to be approved may be operated on this vehicle. Please consult the trailer manufacturer to find out what approval applies to your trailer.

Unused ball mount

Swivel the ball mount or remove it if there is no trailer, bicycle rack or similar attached to the ball mount. This is especially applicable if the vehicle's license plate or lighting is obscured by the unused ball mount. Note the countryspecific regulations for using a ball mount → .

Special conditions

Before driving with a trailer, please note that the functions of the assistance and parking systems may be limited.

DANGER

Transporting persons in a trailer can cause life-threatening injuries and may be against the law.

Never transport anyone in a trailer.

WARNING

Using the trailer hitch incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Install and use the trailer in accordance with the instructions provided by the corresponding manufacturer.
Only use the ball mount if it is undamaged and secured correctly.
Do not modify or repair the ball mount. Removal of the coating on the ball mount is permitted if the installation instructions of the trailer manufacturer require this.

WARNING

If the ball mount is swiveled out, there is an increased risk of accidents and serious injuries for pedestrians and cyclists near parked vehicles and if rear collisions occur.

Swivel the ball mount in or remove it when it is not in use.

WARNING

The vehicle has not been designed for "weight-bearing" or "load-compensating" trailer hitches. The trailer hitch could malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.

Never install "weight distributing" or "load equalizing" ball mounts.

WARNING

Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance, increase the braking distance and cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.
Note that trailers with a high center of gravity may tip sooner than trailers with a low center of gravity.
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.
Accelerate with extra care and caution.
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph), or 100 km/h (60 mph) if absolutely necessary, when towing a trailer.
This also applies in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving uphill or downhill.
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.
Overtake especially carefully and reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.
Never try to "straighten out" a swaying trailer by accelerating.
Look out for potential messages and warning and indicator lights turning on in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit because of the increased load for the towing vehicle.

If you have integrated a trailer into the anti-theft alarm system, breaking the connection to the trailer may trigger the anti-theft alarm system (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .

Some retrofitted trailer hitches cover the mount for the towing eye. If this is the case, it will not be possible to use the towing eye to tow other vehicles. Because of this, you should always keep the ball mount from a retrofitted trailer hitch inside the vehicle when it is removed.

Hitching a trailer

Trailer socket

The towing vehicle and the trailer are connected electrically using a 13-pin trailer socket. The pin assignment conforms to DIN ISO 11446.

If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable adapter must be used.

Lift the socket cap and insert the plug.
Rotate the plug clockwise by a quarter of a rotation until it fully engages into the socket.
Release the cap to lock the plug in place.
Check that the entire lighting system is working properly before starting the journey.

If you are not sure how to connect the trailer with the towing vehicle's electrical system correctly, consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Integrating into the anti-theft alarm system

The trailer is integrated into the anti-theft alarm system if the following requirements are met:

If the vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft alarm system and trailer hitch.
If the trailer is connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle.
If the vehicle and trailer electrical systems are functioning correctly and are not damaged.
If the vehicle was locked using the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is active.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer is disconnected.

Trailers with LED taillights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system due to the technology involved.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will not be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer with LED taillights is disconnected.

Securing cables

In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.

Fig. 1 On the trailer hitch: eye for fastening the securing or breakaway cable (general example).

Depending on the model, the eye for fastening the securing or breakaway cable can be located on the neck of the ball head or next to the ball head directly on the base plate of the ball mount → fig. 1 (arrows).

Follow the country-specific regulations for using a securing cable.

Fastening a securing or breakaway cable to the eye on the ball mount provided for this purpose→ fig. 1 :

Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner→ .

WARNING

Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can electrify the trailer and lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as well as accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Have all work on the electrical system performed only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other power sources on the towing vehicle.

WARNING

Contact between the pins on the trailer socket can cause short circuits, overloading of the electrical system, or malfunction of the lighting system, which can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
Have bent pins repaired only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and serious injuries or death.

Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.

NOTICE

If a trailer hitched to the vehicle is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support, the vehicle may lift and lower due to changes in the load or tire damage. This would put great stress on the trailer hitch and the trailer. This can cause damage to the vehicle and trailer.

Note that a trailer that is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support should not remain hitched to the vehicle.

If the engine is stopped and accessories on the trailer are on while there is an electrical connection through the trailer socket, then the 12 V vehicle battery will drain.

The electrical connection to the trailer will be automatically disconnected if the charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery becomes too low.

Loading a trailer
Driving with a trailer
Trailer stabilization
Swiveling out the ball mount
Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a trailer hitch

Loading a trailer

General information

Always ensure that the vehicle and trailer are well balanced. Do not load the trailer unevenly by putting more weight at either the front or the back. Always store heavy objects as close as possible to or above the axle. Always secure the load on the trailer properly → .

If the vehicle is approved for trailer mode, note applicable local rules and regulations for driving with a trailer and the use of a trailer hitch.

If the gross vehicle weight rating or the axle load of the rear axle is exceeded, the maximum permissible speed for trailer mode is approx. 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph). This also applies in countries where higher speeds are permitted.

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.

A permissible exceedance of the vehicle load ratings is recorded in the vehicle registration. If no exceedance is recorded, it is possible to drive at approximately 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph), provided this is not in violation of local laws.

Trailer load and tongue weight

The trailer load is the weight that the vehicle can tow.

The trailer tongue weight rating is the load that presses down vertically from above onto the ball mount of the trailer hitch.

Volkswagen recommends always using the maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating . An insufficient trailer tongue weight rating negatively affects the handling of the vehicle and trailer. The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating of the trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must not be exceeded → .

The actual trailer tongue weight rating increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the possible load in the vehicle.

In some countries, under certain conditions, a higher trailer tongue weight rating can be used. Follow the local specifications and regulations.

Towing weight

The towing weight consists of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle and the loaded trailer.

In some countries, trailers are divided into classes. Volkswagen recommends consulting with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about suitable trailers. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Tire pressure

The tire pressure for the tires on the trailer is based on the recommendation of the trailer manufacturer.

When towing a trailer, inflate the tires on the towing vehicle to the maximum permissible tire pressure (→ Tire pressure) .

WARNING

Sliding loads can considerably impair driving stability and trailer safety and increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries or death.

Always load trailers correctly.
Always secure cargo with suitable and undamaged cords or tensioning straps.

WARNING

If the gross axle weight rating, trailer tongue weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating or towing weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded, accidents and serious injuries or death can result.

Never exceed the specified values .
Never exceed the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating on the front or rear axle.
Never exceed the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the front and rear weight of the vehicle.

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:

Press and hold the brake pedal.
Engage gear D/B.
The electronic parking brake is disengaged
Press and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.
Release the brake pedal.
Start driving slowly.
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.

Trailer stabilization

If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle and it begins to sway, the trailer stabilization can detected this and countersteer.

Trailer stabilization is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

If the system detects that the trailer is swaying, the trailer stabilization will automatically countersteer to the reduce "vibration" of the trailer.

Trailer stabilization requirements

The trailer hitch must be installed at the factory or a compatible trailer hitch must be retrofitted.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) must be active. The or indicator light in the instrument cluster must not be on.
The trailer must be connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
The driving speed must be less than 60 km/h( 37 mph).
The maximum tongue weight must be used.
The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
Braked trailers must have a mechanical overrun protection device.

System limitations

The trailer stabilization may not respond or may have a limited response in the following driving situations.

The trailer stabilization switches off when ESC is deactivated.
Trailer stabilization may not always detect if a light trailer is swaying and stabilize it.
When driving on slippery roads with poor traction, the trailer can still jackknife despite the trailer stabilization.
Trailers with a high center of gravity can tip before you notice any swaying back and forth.
If there is no trailer hitched to the vehicle but there is a connector in the trailer socket, for example from a bike carrier with lights, sudden braking maneuvers may occur automatically in extreme driving situations.

WARNING

The trailer stabilization is not a replacement for the driver's attention and works only within the system limitations.

This means that the trailer stabilization cannot detect all driving situations and may not react, or may react with a delay, or may react in a way that is not desired. If you are careless, there is a risk of accidents, serious injuries and death.

Always stay attentive and do not rely solely on the system. The driver is always responsible for control of the vehicle.
Observe the system limitations → System limitations .
Accelerate carefully on slippery roads.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal when a system is actively regulating.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions

Swiveling out the ball mount

The ball mount of the trailer hitch is located in the bumper. The electrically releasing ball mount is swiveled out mechanically for use and cannot be removed.

Fig. 1 On the left side of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball mount.

Releasing and swiveling out the ball mount

Park the vehicle .
Open the trunk lid.
Briefly pull the → fig. 1 (1) button in the luggage compartment.
The ball mount is electrically released and swivels out automatically. The indicator light in the button flashes.
Swivel the ball mount further until you can hear and feel it engage and the indicator light in the button comes on continuously.
Close the trunk lid.

Swiveling in the ball mount

Park the vehicle .
Detach the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. Also remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
Open the trunk lid.
Briefly pull the → fig. 1 (1) button in the luggage compartment.
The ball mount is electrically released.
Swivel the ball mount under the bumper until you can hear and feel it engage and the indicator light in the button comes on continuously.
Close the trunk lid.

Meaning of the indicator light in the button

The indicator light in the button → fig. 1 is illuminated continuously and the trunk lid is open: The ball mount is securely engaged in its position (either swiveled in or swiveled out).
The indicator light in the button is blinking: The ball mount is not yet securely engaged or the ball mount is damaged → .
The indicator light in the button goes out approx. one minute after the trunk lid is closed.

WARNING

Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and serious injuries or death.

If the diameter of the ball at the smallest point is less than 49 mm( 1.9 inches), never use the trailer hitch.
Only use the ball mount when it is engaged properly and there are no malfunctions in the electrical system or trailer hitch itself.
Make sure that no persons, animals or objects are in the swivel range of the ball mount.
Never intervene in the swivel procedure of the ball mount with aids or tools.
Never press the button while a trailer is hitched or a luggage rack or other attachment is connected to the ball mount.
If the ball mount cannot be installed or if the electrical system or trailer hitch has malfunctioned, have the ball mount checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Improper vehicle cleaning can cause damage to the seals or wash out the grease needed for lubrication.

Never direct a high pressure cleaner or steam jet directly toward the swiveling ball mount or the installed trailer socket.

In the case of extremely low outside temperatures, it may not be possible to swivel the ball mount. In this case, simply move the vehicle to warmer areas, such as in a garage.

Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a trailer hitch

Fig. 1 Dimensions and mounting points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.

The correct dimensions → fig. 1 must always be used when retrofitting a trailer hitch. The value must not fall short of or exceed the smaller specified dimension from the center of the ball mount to the road surface (D) . This also applies when the vehicle is fully loaded including the maximum tongue weight.

Mounting points.
1157 mm (approx. 45.2 in)
Min. 65 mm (approx. 2.6 in)
350 to 420 mm (approx. 13.8 to 16.5 in)
361 mm (approx. 14.2 in)
581 mm (approx. 22.9 in)
994 mm (approx. 39.1 in)
998 mm (approx. 39.3 in)

Volkswagen recommends having a trailer hitch retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. For example, modifications to the cooling system or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Mount the trailer hitch in accordance with the instructions supplied.

A retrofitted, non-removable trailer hitch must not cover the label or the lighting system on the rear of the vehicle.

Note the country-specific regulations for using a ball mount.

Depending on the country, the vehicle may not be approved for trailer towing due to legal and technical requirements.

If this is the case, no trailer hitch may be retrofitted.

Please contact suitably qualified professionals if you have any questions about retrofitting a trailer hitch. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as well as accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources.
Only use suitable connectors to connect the trailer.
If retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries or death.

Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer.

Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Troubleshooting

Ball mount of the trailer hitch not secured

The yellow indicator light turns on.

Do not use towing bracket. Check towing bracket catch (→ Electric ball mount) .
If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.