I posted this on the Casita Forum, but someone suggested I also post here:

I am looking at the little 13' Casita. I'm trying to find out if anyone has ever used a VW Golf TDI (manual transmission) to tow one.

I'm actually considering this because I'm moving in a few months from the East Coast to AZ. I have 2 cats to take with me and the idea of taking them in and out of motel rooms along the way is not something I look forward to. So, I thought if I bought one of the Casita trailers, I could also get a separate pop-up screen room for the "girls" in which they could burn off some energy and I would have a secure place to sleep and shower. I would much rather stay in an RV park than a motel (and the additional charges for pets is sometimes very expensive).

Also, I have no definite plans on permanent housing once I get there, so I may need a couple of months to find something. I can stay in the Casita while I look, although the cats will NOT be happy . I may have to board them for a little while - don't want to leave them alone in the trailer at all.

Then, once I'm settled in a new home, I can take the trailer on little trips as needed since I'm moving to a fairly rural high desert area and any major shopping will require quite a bit of mileage and overnight stays.

So, I'm just at the beginning of this process. I don't understand the "hitch weight". I know about the maximum weight I can tow, VW manual says 2,000 - but whenever I ask someone at the VW dealer about this, they freak out a little.

Thanks for any and all info.

I would think that would be similar to towing with a 5 speed Subaru Forester (mine is rated for 2000 lbs.) Since it sounds like you'd be moving with all your possessions you might be pushing things with a Casita, even a 13 foot.

Hitch weight, or tongue weight, refers to how much the trailer tongue weighs down your hitch. But in a two-wheel trailer that isn't huge, it is easily changed by how you load the trailer. Mine was a bit light so I carry heavy items towards the front of the trailer. But changing the overall trailer weight is harder- you can drive without carrying water in the tanks, for example, and a trailer that is just the basics would be lighter than one with all the bells and whistles- but I think you are probably still going to find most full sized 13 foot trailers are a bit heavy for your car.

THere are photos of a 13 footer and a new beetle tow vehicle. somewhere in this thread i think Here

I know someone who pulls a 13' Scamp with a diesel powered beetle.

My VW Golf is only rated to tow 1000 lbs. Unless you tow below that weight, you are opening yourself up to working the rest of your life for someone else. A lawyer could make you look so bad if you had an accident while towing overweight. There are a lot of discussions on this forum on towing weight. Don't even think about it.

Jeez, I have a big OOPS!

My VW Golf TDI has a 1,000 lb towing limit. I was reading the section that was giving the weight for the car itself. DUH!

So, now I have to reformulate all my plans. I can't afford a new car. So I don't know what I will end-up doing. I really like the idea of the little 13' Casita.

I hadn't planned on taking a lot of "stuff" with me - was going to store most and ship some to destination.

I couldn't find the post with the VW Beetle in it - I checked all 22 pages!
But since I am really stubborn, I will go to some VW sites and see if anyone is towing anything like the Casita w/VW. I have to give this idea one last try to see if there is any possibility.

My only alternative is getting a small motor home and towing my VW. Not something I think is preferable, but maybe my only option.

Thanks

if after you do all your calculationd and your tow vehicle weight rating numbers are getting close Here is a good thread about risk and liability to ponder. Take care.

EDIT : I see we posted at the same time and you found your weight rating so never mind about this reply then. IF we can help you out with anything else just ask. Lots of great folks on this forum here. IF anyone has that photo of the BLue VW new beetle and blue 13 foot trailer painted to match please post it.

I am not a salesman for little guy but here is an alternative:

http://www.golittleguy.com/cms/

Your VW should be able to haul one of these. Just do a search on "teardrop trailers".

Ken here are some pics:

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Terry

Okay, now I'm really confused! If the VW Bug can pull a Casita, why can't my Golf? It is the same frame, just a different body (or so I'm told by VW salesman).
My VW is a diesel, with 5 speed manual transmission. And I think my hatchback is heavier than the "bug".
VERY CONFUSING

Also, I'll have to check again, but I didn't think the teardrops were much lighter than the smallest Casita (and - no "facilities"). But I have looked at them and will do so again.

wonderful, thanks terry! those are the ones. Maddy might have thought i was wacky ha ha. I could not hunt them down either.

Maddy, the issue here is not what it can do but what it is allowed to do by law.
There is a forum on desert ATVs I read which I cannot find at the moment. He linked to this forum somewere. One of their members had an accident with his toy hauler and someone was killed. The State Police weighed his trailer with contents and discovered that his Ford truck was not rated to haul that heavy a load. The guy lost his house, his wife divorced him, he is going to jail, in other words his future is ruined. I admit that there are persons who haul overweight, I hate to admit I did it myself in my salad days, that is what those VW/Egg pictures show. They might get away with it for years, but it's like getting hit by a train, it only takes once. Try coming back to these posters who tell you you can do it when you get into trouble. They will just shrug their shoulders and walk away, but you are in big trouble from following their advice.

Be careful -- Just because it CAN pull it a ways doesn't mean it SHOULD pull it!

VW spent some time considering what the maximum tow capacity is and you are almost doubling it, esp when you start loading moving stuf into it.

You not only have to pull it, you have to be able to stop it and to steer it under adverse conditions, plus the body has to be strong enough that you don't rip the trailer hitch right off it...

Okay, I get the problem. But it sure is tempting.

And I don't totally trust VW about anything, although I'll concede on this one for safety's sake. If the load limit is 1,000, then I can't pull much of anything

By the way, I don't intend to load any moving stuff into a Casita or any other towable. I was just going to take necessities, store most of it and ship the intermediate stuff to the new destination.

Ken C.: didn't think you were wacky, I just couldn't find them. They are too tempting - getting me into trouble already.

Roger, I refreshed my memory on the teardrop trailers and went back to a couple of mfrs' sites. Way too claustrophobic - might as well sleep in the hatchback. My only real alternative is a Tentrax. But that is just a tent trailer. No refrig., no facilities - just a bed. The weight restriction with the VW is a killer.

Aliner and chalet popups are an idea. Aliner makes some small models. the smallest towed by goldwing motorcycles.

Actually, it's right here in the Paint Jobs topic. Wait for it to load and it will take you right to the picture.

I wonder if a Little Joe would work? If so, it's better than laying down to pull on your pants like in a teardrop. Weis Craft Trailers - Little Joe

Maddy, as other have said, just cause you can, doesn't always mean you should. Please consider the fact that durning travel out west you will be traveling over some very steep Mountains, then you got to go down the other side with a trailer that is pushing on you the whole way down. I sooooooooooo get that your idea is a wonderful idea in theory, but in real life it may not be, especially if it means you or anyone on the road with you is hurt while your creating your idea. Now that being said, there may be a trailer or trailer option that will meet your towing weight. But I don't think a Casita is it. You say you would only be packing the essentials but you talk about a screened in room, that alone is adding weight. You also have to understand that your car may say you can tow a 1000 pounds, but you need to see if it allows for weight in the car besides you. Think about your suitcases when you fly, mine top 50 pounds almost everytime. Some vehicles will allow towing up to a certain weight but thats if the vehicle is empy of weight. Just get the facts so that your safe on your journey. Have you thought about one of those Motor cycle pop ups? I have seen them, they are cute, a little dressing area and a little bed, Your fur babies would be able to walk around in it. And a motor cycle is able to pull it so you should have no problems. Unfortunatly there is no kitchen, bathroom in them, but it would be a bed. Just another idea,


Just google pop up for motor cycle and a bunch come up. Maddy it's not that we don't want another Egg friend, it's we just want everyone to be safe! I just looked at a few different options and saw one trailer as lite as 300 pounds, I don't know what this one I am post a pic of weights. Good Luck! Robin

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the info. I just emailed about the Little Joe to see if some customization can be done to bring it into my weight limit. It may be a possibility. With all my research and Googling, I have never come across that item before - Thanks.

I will check out the items made for motorcycles, but I think I have looked at them in the past and wasn't comfortable with the idea and size. Like Donna said, buying something where you have to be "laying down to pull on your pants" is not something I want to invest $ in.

As far as a tent trailer, they are nice, but I want something a little more secure. I had looked at the Tentrax and others in the past, but I would like a "hard shell" around me, if possible. I am not a tent person - maybe would have been when I was younger, but I am not younger anymore. And I believe that some of the RV parks won't accept them. I was hoping to do this trip slowly. I have moved cross-country twice and always in a hurry - would like to enjoy this one.

The screen room that I wanted to take with me is just one of the lightweight, pop-up types. It is for the "girls" to run around in and be "outside" after a day's traveling. I will have to fashion a floor and figure a way to secure it. Both of my cats are escape artists and will be looking to get out. They are now allowed to go in and out whenever they want - this will be a BIG change for them - should be a good way to drive me nuts at the same time I am doing as much planning for them as for myself. What a sucker!

I will continue to work on this. As I think I mentioned before, I may have to buy a small motorhome and tow the VW. Will cost more and the gas mileage will be horrible, but may be my only way of doing this.

This has become a project to be conquered. But I truly appreciate all the info. Glad I came onto this forum.

Trade your Golf in on a Toureg:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWxMestl824

LOL

ADDITION:

Even the pop-ups are too big for a Golf. I found the source for teardrops:

http://www.campingearth.com/teardrop/

Good luck.

Another alternative - Sharon H. tows with a VW Eurovan that has a V6 engine. 4000lb towing capacity. Much better on gas than a Touareg & less expensive to buy. The Touareg is more sexy though.

The Toureg was rated one of the most unreliable SUV's on the market, ending up around the Range Rover's in quality. In fact it brought down the overall quality rating for Volkswagen for the first couple of years after it was launched.

couple o things- i towed a 13 ft trilll with a jetta tdi for years. the challenge is not really towing but the stopping.
big mountains will cause you trouble!! the lil machine will over heat ....for sure

my tow vehicle now is the jeep liberty DIESEL..which has a rating of 5k lbs tow...i love it an it was reasonably priced...so you just need to take the plunge and live life! it is only money; go to work and make more.

tb

I know. I looked at them. I was only kidding. That is the reason for the LOL. They are over $40K.
But if you look at the link, they can tow a 747!

I am looking and only the smallest teardrops weigh under 1000 lbs.

I tow with a Eurovan. I beg to differ with the comparison of the Eurovan and the Toureg The Toureg is short and dumpy. The Eurovan is tall and macho. My daughter wants a Toureg; my husband drives the Eurovan. The Eurovan back seat makes into a queen-size bed. Enough said

CindyL

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

To me, $25000 is much more beautiful than $39000.

Looks like this is the latest Eurovan (Caravelle). You can't get it here. Ours is the last year they were sold here, 2003.

CindyL

go for the little Joe! i have a lite house ( almost the same as little Joe) and they rock! super big on size for how small they are. I'm 6' tall and don't even come close to hitting my head inside. and the bed is HUGE. its actually bigger than a queen. good luck on your search.

But is it appropriate to advise her to "go for the Little Joe" when her car can only tow 1000 pounds maximum? How much does a loaded Little Joe weigh? An empty Little Joe?

Raya

This could be an option.

They take a honda element and make it like an old westfalia.

and I think they can tow a 13' egg.

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm

I've got an email in to Little Joe mfr. I think it comes close in weight, I asked if I could do some customization (removing things) to get it as light as possible. If I don't get an email today, I will call.

I may have to go with the pop-up tent trailer if all else fails. Not my first choice, but I cannot start to think about replacing my car now with everything else going on. I'm juggling quite a bit of major concerns right now. I'm trying to simplify, not add to the mix.

Maddy, another trailer you might want to check into is the POD by Pelsue Manufacturing out of Colorado. They build fiberglass trailers for utility companies... like AT&T. They maybe able to make you exactly what you want and need and at a decent weight. POD by Pelsue.

We had a discussion in General Chat going about the Lil Joe and POD. The manufacturer of the POD stopped by in the discussion too: Mystery Fiberglass Trailer.

Hope you find something to suit your needs. Please keep us up to date on the doings

Maddy, The little Joe is pretty striped down to start with. Not to say they aren't workable for you, cause I don't know what they weight, but there wouldn't be a lot of options to take out. They are a perfect trailer for people who are looking for a alternative to other lite trailers and those who are taller who need a lite weight trailer. As Curtis said, they have a lot of room for their size. And the height is as he said! I walked right in with no dunking down. But I still have to question, is it too much for your car? Were you able to find out, if the tow capability is lessened with the amount of weight in your car? Meaning if you have 200 pounds of weight in your car that it would lessen the amount of weight your car can pull? I also wonder what will happen to your poor car, when on one of the many 6% grades you will have to cross coming out west you car will struggle to pull up the incline and who knows what it will be like on the down side.

I have to agree with Raya, I don't think we should encourage any trailer. It reminds me of a story here in Colorado, where a rv dealer assured a buyer that their SUV would pull this trailer they wanted to buy. Well first trip out, the oversized trailer took control during a downhill decent and there was a horrible wreck, their child was killed and the parents were seriously injured . In my opinion the fun of rv-ing no matter what size rv you are pulling, driving, etc is not worth anyone and I mean anyone getting hurt.
Also you asked the VW dealership this same question and said their answer wasn't positive. Please think long and hard about putting your self and others in danger. I am sorry I am one of the negative Nellie's of the bunch, cause like I said in a previous post, we love new Egg friends but I honestly would rather you were safe than an egg owner. Robin

I now have lots of information as to weight limitations and other variables. I am tryiing to find a viable solution, not push the envelope. I have no intention of overloading either a trailer or car. I understand the cumulative effect of weight in both vehicles.
Regarding the email to Little Joe mfr, they may have an alternative to their standard product - may be something made for another situation that might work. It never hurts to ask. If it doesn't work out, then so be it. I have always found it is better to do as much research as possible instead of just accepting defeat immediately. There are always surprises. I have many instances in my life (business and personal) that changed, for the better, because I didn't accept "can't be done" for an answer. Like I said, that may end up being the case, but why not find out for sure.
I can't get another car, I am juggling so many things right now, that would be the breaking point. I don't need even one more change right now. Not an option.
The problem with getting any info from VW is that my dealer always has a problem with anything that does not originate with VW or makes money for them. I don't have the utmost faith in anything the dealership tells me. They get upset when I have my intermediate tune-ups (oil/filter change, water separator drained etc) done by a diesel mechanic that is not VW. This is not rocket science.
I will figure out what is best, even if that means a tent trailer or a small motorhome to drag the VW behind. So, no more horror stories, please. I am not an irresponsible person. I am just gathering info and will sort it all out.
Thanks

yea, don't tow out of your load capacity. i just like them. i tow way under towing. my litehouse is 900 empty and i tow with a Tacoma and hitch rated at 6000 lbs. what about one of these. http://www.autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolinaGrandTour.php this was another route i was looking at. they make a thick walled version that is very warm.

Maddy, If any one understands not accepting the "can't be done" canned answer it's me! But again, I just don't want any suggestion given here by all of us well meaning egg enthusiast to get you or anyone else hurt. So thats why I have to stand up and be the negative Nellie or at the very least, Get the all the facts Nellie. I truly hope you find a great alternative for your situation. Safe Journey! Robin

New Golf 2.0 TDI, 5 speed manual, 110HP towing data from Poland:

Maximum trailer weight with brakes at 12% / 8% hill is 1500 / 1700 kg (3300 / 3740 lb)

Maximum trailer weight w/o brakes is 660 kg (1452 lb)

Maximum hitch weight 75 kg (165 lb)

VW_PL

UK data shows 1299 kg (2858 lb) with manual transmission.

VW_UK

If the maximum hitch weight is 165 lb (10%) the trailer shouldn’t be more then 1650 lb in accordance to appropriate trailer weight distribution. It seems we either have more lawyers then EU or simply are more cautious.

George.

George,

I don't know if this is the sole reason, but I have read that European trailers are typically set up a bit differently in terms of tongue weight in relationship to camper (axle), and that this is part of the reason for the typical difference in towing capacities between European and American versions of the "same" car.

Another difference could be that axle ratios are different, or that differences in emissions equipment or tuning computers means that the end result car is not the same. Another possibility is that, for example, North Americans like a slightly cushier ride, so the suspension parts are slightly different.

It may just be lawyers, but there could be other factors as well.

Maddy you are right to not take the dealer's word as gospel. They typically know little about towing -- their focus tends to be on selling and servicing the vehicle they sell you, as you found out.

I understand how it is to be in a situation where one more change feels like it will break the rope that you are already at the end of, but OTOH, perhaps changing vehicles wouldn't be much more disruptive than buying a motorhome and tow dolly setup The nice thing about a trailer is that you are not having to purchase and maintain two engines, one of which may tend to sit for periods, which they are never fond of.

I don't think Robin and I were reacting to you, or your judgment or capability, when we were talking about the dangers of towing overloaded as much as we were to suggestions that might have implied that you should that you go ahead and do it anyway. Also, we know from experience that trailers are very likely to weigh more in real life than the mfgr thinks they do, even lightly loaded. (Especially) since you are new here I think we wanted to balance those views with a more conservative one to be sure you had both sides to consider.

I tow with a 4-cylinder car, so I'm not one of the people who thinks you have to have a 3/4 ton truck with a V-8 just to hook anything up - far from it.

Researching is good!

Raya

so whats her maximum tow rating? can anyone find it for the us version?

Maddy stated earlier in the thread that it is 1,000 lbs. What we don't yet know is if any of the weight in the vehicle needs to be subtracted from this, or if there is any recommendation for trailer brakes at a certain weight point. Nor if there is a max. tongue weight specification.

Raya

Back in a former life, I pulled a Coleman Colorado pop-up (600 lbs) with a Saturn (1,000 lb tow limit) and it was a good combination, although the mileage dropped considerably. Sadly, Coleman doesn't make them anymore.

Please don't be one of those "I can substitute will power and attitude for mechanical deficiencies" persons who not only risk their own vehicles and lives but those of others on the road...

Didn't mean to sound so touchy. The horror stories were getting to me.

I find it interesting about where the VW is bought. The differences are puzzling. My car was manufactured in Brazil. Where are the Euro VWs mfrd? Anyone out there who used to work for VW that can shed a little light on this? I think I should go to the VW forums and see if anyone knows what this is all about.

I wonder if other brands of cars are different for U.S. vs Euro models?

And if you, Raya, are towing with a 4 cyl., what is so different for the VW? See, this is why I'm digging into all of this so much. Nothing is set in concrete. The numbers fluctuate all over the place.

I am putting out feelers for a small motorhome in my area and may have a lead on one. I know who owns it (compulsive about taking care of things) so if the price is right, and they can wait till I have a contract on my house, that may be the end result. They haven't posted it anywhere for sale yet, someone was at dinner with them and it was mentioned then, and I know they don't need to sell it ASAP. So, I may be able to get something. I should hear this weekend.

If I'm not thrilled with it after I get to AZ, I'll sell it. As long as it gets me to Arizona in a nice leisurely pace and continues to hold up well for a couple of months, in the event that I have to live in it till I secure a permanent residence. I have a target town/neighborhood, but need to set foot on individual properties before deciding.

One of the reasons I don't want to sell my car is that (I think I mentioned this) it gets almost 50mpg, I have no problems at all with it, and it's great for running around and carrying stuff - while still being easy to manuever and it's "zippy". And if I only do trips occasionally, it would be crazy to get rid of a car that serves me exceptionally well 95% of the time.
The last car I had was a Honda Prelude, and had it for almost 20 years till the engine blew - mechanic forgot to change the belt during servicing. Another reason I don't trust dealers or mechanics. I have to know what needs to be done and make sure it happens. You can imagine what a pain I am when I do take my car in for anything

Just had a call from Casita Trailers after looking at one locally a few days ago. Very nice people - we were trying to figure out weights with/without certain things. Still not good, but I think I'll stop by their facility on my way West. I may want to get one in the future if I ever do change my car.

I know that a lot of people buy old fiberglass "eggs" and refurbish them. Anyone know of someone who has one semi-ready to be completed that would be super light? I could only put in the bathroom, A/C and necessities and leave the rest pretty bare (I can sleep on an Aerobed). If I'm staying in RV parks along the way, then I don't need to carry a lot of water or have a lg battery/generator - I'll just hook up each night.

One last question/thought: If the trailer itself (any brand) has brakes on it, doesn't that remove most of the problem of pushing the car when going downhill?

Again, sorry if I sounded _itchy

trailer brakes wont "fix" the problem. your motor will strain, torque ratings will be lower, hill climbs could get out of hand. etc. with 1000k tow rating you would get into a mess. its not just the rating that will be an issue. because your car is light and very short wheelbase it could get out of hand fast. if sway started and you were close to your cap it could get really scary really fast. i think searching for a small egg is going to be near imposable for something under 1000k with a bathroom etc. as a fellow cat lover i understand your issue with not wanting to cart the cats into hotels etc. i think the best bet is going to be ether renting a motor home or buying a motor home that can pull your gti. my lite house weighs 900 lbs empty and i cant see pulling it safely with a small gti. and it has no bathroom or ac. go for the safe route don't risk your safety. a motorcycle pop up or small pop up will work but keep in mind you have to set it up every time you want to get in it. this may also be difficult with the cats. i don't know how "trained" yours are but my cats are a pain anytime there surroundings change. i can see a cat escaping and doing the " I'm lost so I'm going to run off thing ". with a motor home you could just stop and only have to worry about the cats getting out when you get out. If you wanted to go into town for supplies you can leave the cats in the motor home and take the gti. look into how much it would cost to rent a motor home that way if it breaks down you can just call and have it fixed asap. i hope you can figure it out i know how hard it is just getting my cats in their crates.

When traveling with cats, ALWAYS have two doors between the outside and the cats. Don't want to lose them or worse yet, have them get out and something eat them!

I have a 4 cylinder Saturn Vue and so am very restricted on what I can tow too. Right now, it is a teardrop basically.

I don't like the idea of a tent trailer - I can just imagine putting it up in the pouring rain - wet beds for sure.

What we have (needs an alternator) is an old VW Westfalia camper. We found it took care of all of our needs. Two beds, stand up room and a place for our potty. Plus, we could sit in it in the rain and not have to worry about wet beds getting set up.

If you find something that works, let me know because I definitely would be interested.

The more I get into this, the more I think it's going to be a motorhome (small, please!).

My cats are pretty good. I take them in the car all the time for short day trips. When we did go on a 12 hr drive to NH last year, they were OK till it got dark. They REALLY wanted to get out and hunt. Lot of yowling, and me yelling back. I almost got both of them into my cousins house until they saw her son. For some reason, they freak out around guys. Well, one of them screeched and jumped off me and ran. But she meowed for awhile and got scared and when I offered her food, I was able to grab her. It was annoying and time consuming, but after all, they are just "scaredy cats"! I will probably have them chipped, if that is done for cats. But, they have never tried to get out of the car. They usually hide under the seat or under the back cover - they think we're at the vet. Even when we do go to the vet, I just carry them in and they sit on the counter while I check them in.

Anyway, back to towing etc. If I do the motorhome thing, I will have to tow my VW. So, I will get a car trailer for that - don't want to just lift one end and tow. I understand VW's aren't good on being towed (is there anything VW is good for ???). I think it will be trickier to drag the car. And the size of a motorhome does not seem as comfortable to manuever as a little camper.

Who know, I may come across some wonderful kind of old Jeep style car (I like vintage, not antique) and change everything around, but right now it looks like a motorhome.

I did check into renting one and I'm going in the opposite direction of the one-way rentals. Naturally, I'm always swimming against the tide.

This is becoming a novel - maybe I should think of a title "The trials and tribulations of towing with a VW". Probably wouldn't sell!

Raya,
I was typing when you posted, so I may have rehashed some stuff. Just saw your post. All too true. But good info! I should have bought a Honda SUV, too late now.

you should see if you can have a hitch put on the front of the gti and just tow it. similar to all the other cars i see towed behind motorhomes. id rather have the car on its own two feet as they say. putting it on a trailer works fine but if you can have a front hitch put on it spares the cost and hassle of loading it on and off of the trailer. it will be more stable that way also because it will be lower to the ground. the only wear will be wheel bearing and tires. as for driving it i think you would be suprised at how well a car tows behind a motorhome. those little 13 footers can be a pain to back up sometimes because they are so short, they like to start turning fast. With a hitch on the gti you can just unhitch it and then back the motorhome into the spot.

Here's part 1 of my VW specs re: towing.
I will have to do this in 3 parts.
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