Before the journey
Trailer stabilisation
In this manual: Before the journey
~1min read
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings
Trailer stabilisation is a subsidiary function of the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC). The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to lurch from side to side.
If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
- ESC is active. The indicator lamp
or
in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
- The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h.
- The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
- The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
- Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents. - Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
- Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly. - Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
- Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
- A trailer might still jack-knife on a slippery surface with little grip.
- Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
Test yourself
A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
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