Seat Ibiza: Trailer towing

Seat Ibiza Owners Manual

What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?

Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equipment. If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see.

Connectors

Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection between the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is available from any SEAT dealer.

Trailer weight / draw bar loading

Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients. The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.

Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit. The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒ Section “Technical data”.

Distributing the load

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them moving.

Tyre pressure

Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.

Exterior mirrors

Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.

WARNING

Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.

Note

• Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.

• Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your country.

Ball coupling of towing bracket

The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the tool box

The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the ball coupling of the towing bracket.

WARNING

The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing injury.

Note

• By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed and it obscures the number plate.

Driving tips

Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.

Weight distribution

The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight distribution.

Speed

The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when driving downhill. You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed. Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to slow down the vehicle.

Heating

At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the coolant.

Electronic Stabilisation Program

Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.