First, I'm new to this whole process, but plan to take an extended road trip later this year. I will be traveling solo and I'm perfectly comfortable with minimal amenities. With that said, here's (one of) the early questions I've run into, and I can't get a definitive answer to a VERY IMPORTANT question.I have a 2010 Golf TDI-standard transmission, which is a fuel-injected turbo diesel. It has lots of torque and plenty of power (as compared to a straight gas model). I’m looking at small, light-weight camping trailers now available and have come across conflicting information. My owners manual says the vehicle is rated to tow up to 1,000 lbs.However, in Europe, (including the UK), the same car is rated up to 725 kilograms - which is 1600 lbs, obviously a significant difference (60%) I’ve also come across reviews, articles and forum posts that list TDI models as being the best towing vehicle for its size in the UK. So my question is ... what explains the difference. I have written (and called) VW-USA and although they're friendly enough, all they will say is that "there's a difference in the 2 vehicles". When I ask for specifics I get basically corporate stonewalling. I have no desire or intention of “maxing out” what I will tow. In fact, I'm focused on keeping the trailer as light as possible. However, the 60% difference is confusing. Does anyone know if there IS a difference between the European and USA versions of the vehicle? If so, what exactly is it?Horsepower?Engine size (displacement)?Breaking system?Suspension?Is it an emissions issue? Bottom line is, all I'm trying to find out is can my US golf pull up to 1000 or up to 1600 pounds?KevinRaleigh, NC

Not sure about Eurpoean models, but you sure dont have a vehicle capable of towing much more than a basic small tent trailer.

I don't know the specifics of your particular model, but US cars generally have to meet different specs than their European look alikes.I think you have to believe the manufacturers ratings for the US model, unless you bought a European model and had it shipped. If you did that, it would have to be modified to meet US specs and your back at 1000lbs. The difference used to be shock absorbing bumpers, full safety glass, and catalytic converters.Which adds quite a bit of weight and lowers the horsepower/ aka tow rating.Since it is a vehicle without a real frame, I wouldn't think about going over the rating. There are a lot of things that go in to the rating besides power and weight.

I think you would be better served by finding a VW forum and ask there. Got to be one someplace on the interweb.You are now at the forum of NOhttp://forums.tdiclub.com/

My GUESS would be lower power on the US model do to emissions regulations and/or different final drive ratio. But either way your model is rated at 1,000 lbs. and that is TOTAL weight of trailer and all your gear, not just the dry weight.

Does is really matter why there's a difference? The manufacturer confirmed that the U.S. version can only handle 1,000lbs - therefore you have a 1,000lb limit. Work within that.It sounds like you're wanting to justify going over that 1,000lb limit and it's going to be a rare day for someone here to say "go for it".

Dry weight dilemma ... from my vehicle manufacturer

donn0128
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2015
Not sure about Eurpoean models, but you sure dont have a vehicle capable of towing much more than a basic small tent trailer.
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
I don't know the specifics of your particular model, but US cars generally have to meet different specs than their European look alikes.
I think you have to believe the manufacturers ratings for the US model, unless you bought a European model and had it shipped.
If you did that, it would have to be modified to meet US specs and your back at 1000lbs.
The difference used to be shock absorbing bumpers, full safety glass, and catalytic converters.
Which adds quite a bit of weight and lowers the horsepower/ aka tow rating.
Since it is a vehicle without a real frame, I wouldn't think about going over the rating. There are a lot of things that go in to the rating besides power and weight.
pitch
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2015
I think you would be better served by finding a VW forum and ask there.
Got to be one someplace on the interweb.
You are now at the forum of NO

http://forums.tdiclub.com/
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
My GUESS would be lower power on the US model do to emissions regulations and/or different final drive ratio.

But either way your model is rated at 1,000 lbs. and that is TOTAL weight of trailer and all your gear, not just the dry weight.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Feb 08, 2015
Does is really matter why there's a difference? The manufacturer confirmed that the U.S. version can only handle 1,000lbs - therefore you have a 1,000lb limit. Work within that.

It sounds like you're wanting to justify going over that 1,000lb limit and it's going to be a rare day for someone here to say "go for it".
RobertRyan
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
dockmasterdave wrote:
I don't know the specifics of your particular model, but US cars generally have to meet different specs than their European look alikes.
I think you have to believe the manufacturers ratings for the US model, unless you bought a European model and had it shipped.
If you did that, it would have to be modified to meet US specs and your back at 1000lbs.
The difference used to be shock absorbing bumpers, full safety glass, and catalytic converters.
Which adds quite a bit of weight and lowers the horsepower/ aka tow rating.
Since it is a vehicle without a real frame, I wouldn't think about going over the rating. There are a lot of things that go in to the rating besides power and weight.

A lot of deliberate downgrading, so people use Pickups instead of SUV's Here the reverse happens US Pickups are downgraded. A lot to with hitch capacity
azrving
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
636 dry weight

More

550 Dry

750

Cheat a little

450 Dry

Toad
rexlion
Explorer
Feb 09, 2015
Google Can-Am RV and Andy Thomson for some interesting stuff about towing with a Jetta TDI.
mdamerell
Explorer
Feb 09, 2015
US vs Europe: Why different tow ratings.

Long piece but gets to the basic heart of the matter.
Europe uses a lower tongue weight (4-7%) and a lower tow speed to compensate for the instability of the low tongue weight. The US travels at higher road speeds and thus requires a 10-15% tongue weight to maintain stability.
tatest
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2015
There is a big difference between Europe and North America in the weight and balance of towable RVs, and the way in which they are towed. The tendency over there is to balance for a light tongue weight, and to tow slowly enough that a trailer so balanced will not reach the speeds at which the combination becomes inherently unstable.

A vehicle manufacturer here, in developing safe tow ratings, has to assume that someone towing a trailer will try to tow at at or above the general speed limit, no matter how high that limit is.

I see that Melissa linked to the relevant article.