Towing with VW Jetta TDI - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-23-2013, 09:54 AM   #1
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Towing with VW Jetta TDI

I have a Trillium 1300, weigh around 1600 lbs when loaded. Can a 2009 VW Jetta diesel tow this?

Thanks
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Old 07-23-2013, 10:00 AM   #2
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Your manual for the car should tell you what the car is rated to safely tow.
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Old 07-23-2013, 04:45 PM   #3
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Thanks Carol, the manuel says 1700lbs. I guess what I'm looking for is real life experience, does anyone tow with a Jetta? And how does it tow?

Thanks
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Old 07-23-2013, 04:48 PM   #4
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I suspect you are looking for justification to exceed the maximum tow limit. Won't get it from me.
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Old 07-23-2013, 05:00 PM   #5
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Don't forget to check for max tongue weight in the manual too! It can be the more limiting factor than tow limit for some vehicles.
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Old 07-23-2013, 05:35 PM   #6
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I suspect you are looking for justification to exceed the maximum tow limit. Won't get it from me.
He has a 1700 pound tow rating and a 1600 pound trailer. What is the problem?
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Old 07-23-2013, 05:55 PM   #7
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I suspect you are looking for justification to exceed the maximum tow limit. Won't get it from me.
I didn't ask you.
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Old 07-23-2013, 06:07 PM   #8
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Some Canadian 2009 TDI owners apparently received an owner's manual supplement lowering the towing capacity to 1000 lbs. I'm not clear if this applied only to the DSG transmission or the manual one as well.

A brief discussion on the TDICLUB forum appears here...2009 TDI Towing Capacity - TDIClub Forums
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Old 07-23-2013, 07:13 PM   #9
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There has been some debate as early owners' manuals stated no towing with a DSG. But since then that recommendation has changed to allow towing.

Either transmission still will require brakes for your trailer. I believe VW still limits you to 1000lbs without brakes.

I have a 2005 Golf (same basic chassis) that says 1000lbs unbraked and 2000lbs with brakes. IMHO my car easily handles an EggCamper very well. I second GPJ and head over to TDIclub.com where this model has been discussed in great detail.

Just went out and re-read my owner's manual - main warning in there is not to interfere with the 5mph bumper. Guess what the factory hitch replaces. Yup, the 5mph bumper.

Jason
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Old 05-24-2014, 08:24 AM   #10
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Smile VW jetta tdi towing Scamp 13

This much I can tell you, I towed Scamp 13 2014 Fully loaded from Backus to Southern CA with VW 2010 Jetta TDI, DSG Sportswagen. VW tow this Scamp smooth and without hesitation. DSG performed superb and fun to drive if you know how to drive it.
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Old 05-24-2014, 10:28 AM   #11
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I think that questioning the motive is valid because the OP is "Guessing" his trailers weight, and we often are only fooling ourselves at that....

And several suggesting that they have...the same car... should also be ignored. Check with VW of Canada and get the final scoop on towing limits. If the factory issued a supplement that lowered towing ratings it was, no doubt, for a good reason.

And, what someone did (Post #10) has no bearing on what should be done, especially with the warning "If you know how to drive it" included.



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Old 05-24-2014, 11:30 AM   #12
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TDI towing

On last year's trip to Canada we met a couple towing an Alto with a VW TDI. They had their VW set up at Can AM RV. Their experience to that point was positive with good mileage and gobs of low end torque.

Can-AM has used a couple of TDIs to tow Airstreams with great success and have published a string of videos, articles and comments particularly on the Airstream forum.

They are successfully towing trailers heavier than your trailer with no issues. I also believe the Alto is heavier than your trailer as well.

Personally I have no actual experience with the VW TDI series, however I am considering the TDI to replace our Honda CRV to tow our Scamp 16, 2400 pounds plus 200 on the ball.

If I were considering a VW I would definitely look at the experience of Can-AM RV. I have read every article from them I can find. The words and experience of Can-Am's Andy Thompson are worthy of any RVer's time and consideration.

If you Google VW Towing you'll find more information then is available here.

Wishing you well,

Norm
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Old 05-24-2014, 12:01 PM   #13
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As oft discussed and dismissed hereabouts, there are a very few hitch fabricators out there that consider themselves smarter than all of the auto manufacturers engineers and accident chasing lawyers in the world.

As mentioned, this is an oft discussed suggestion, with all of 3 or 4 supporters, and one will find little support on this site in doing such antics as towing a 4500 lb Airstream with a vehicle designed to tow 2000 lbs or less.

Often those that do support this belief, resort to PM's to the O.P. to bypass criticism of what is thought to be a really bad idea.

As has been suggested before, talk to your insurance company and your lawyer before even thinking about venturing in that direction.

What others do doesn't necessarily make it a good idea.



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Old 05-24-2014, 12:11 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by honda03842 View Post

.

Personally I have no actual experience with the VW TDI series, however I am considering the TDI to replace our Honda CRV to tow our Scamp 16, 2400 pounds plus 200 on the ball.
,

Norm
I looked at the diesel sportswagen. VW's reliability wasn't impressive compared to the Japanese vehicles but the ground clearance at 5.4 inches was the deal breaker. I'd bottom out on the local roads and I'm not sure I would be able to open the rear hatch with my trailer there. Raz
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Old 05-24-2014, 01:01 PM   #15
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We are on our second VW Tdi.. First was the 1.9 Jetta 4dr and now the Sportswagon. The recommended tow rating in the newer one (2013) is not to tow but if you do not to exceed 1000 pounds. We tow a teardrop trailer which sits behind it quite well. Mileage dropped from 60 mpg Cdn to 45 and that's a 500 pound trailer, 2 people and gear. We were never tempted to hitch up the 13 Scamp, well not tempted enough anyway. Aerodynamic shape of the trailer is not going to help much with the size of your trailer vs the low profile VW - one big parachute behind.
To the best of my knowledge VW Canada does not sell a VW brand trailer hitch or offer it is an option. Your dealer will no doubt install one for you and it is a good option due to the fun of the wiring harness however no matter where you get it installed be prepared for sticker shock at the quote. You are not going to see a $300 installed out the door quote.

Long ramblings answer to say I wouldn't do it with a Jetta, Golf, Passat etc. A Tiguan or Toureg only.
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Old 05-24-2014, 01:22 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Miller View Post
As oft discussed and dismissed hereabouts, there are a very few hitch fabricators out there that consider themselves smarter than all of the auto manufacturers engineers and accident chasing lawyers in the world.

As mentioned, this is an oft discussed suggestion, with all of 3 or 4 supporters, and one will find little support on this site in doing such antics as towing a 4500 lb Airstream with a vehicle designed to tow 2000 lbs or less.

Often those that do support this belief, resort to PM's to the O.P. to bypass criticism of what is thought to be a really bad idea.

As has been suggested before, talk to your insurance company and your lawyer before even thinking about venturing in that direction.

What others do doesn't necessarily make it a good idea.
Bob :The OP's original post is "CAN" I tow with a VW TDI not "SHOULD" I tow with a VW TDI . IMHO .They are 2 different questions , I "CAN" tow my 17 ft Casita with a small 4 wheeler , "SHOULD" I is a totally different answer. I would never attempt to tow anything that is that close or possibly over my TV's tow rating but we each have our own set of values . As you have pointed out many times , In Europe you can tow anything with anything and the vehicle's owners manual is only there to take up space in the glove compartment .
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Old 05-24-2014, 01:29 PM   #17
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Me thinks that Steve is being somewhat tongue in cheek about towing in Europe, where weight limits, towing speeds and even trailer hitches themselves are much more closely regulated & monitored than in the U.S. and Canada.

In most of Europe only government approved hitches are allowed and just fabricating a trailer hitch is prohibited.



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Old 05-24-2014, 02:21 PM   #18
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Raz,

Thanks for your comment about VW reliability. It is a concern for us. Our CRV with it's many flawless miles (225,000) has spoiled us I'm sure. It's been a great tow vehicle. With that said, we do need a reliable car because our Honda is our only vehicle and anything that needs repairs becomes a pain rather quickly, particularly on the road (now happily in Newfoundland).
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Old 05-24-2014, 03:03 PM   #19
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Last year there was a good show on the tube with David Suzuki and his daughter who traveled across Canada from the East to West coast. David being an environmentalist chose the Golf TDI as a TV for its very low fuel consumption.

He also wanted an aerodynamic trailer that would also improve the fuel usage factor so he located Can AM in Ontario to put together a rig for him. Since Can AM had lots of experience with this kind of rig they felt it would work great for him, as it did.

Guess the big CBS corporate lawyers didn't see a problem with it. They were off without a hitch.......LOL...... did I say that!
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Old 05-24-2014, 03:08 PM   #20
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Wayne,

What fuel consumption did he get?

Norm
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