Towing 25' TT with Jetta TDI

Campfire Time wrote:
Most likely they are local folks staying long term. We see that a lot, people who live less than an hour a way tow the trailer in then take the truck home and use a less expensive vehicle for the rest of their stay, which is often several weeks. Usually they are running back and forth to go to work, family obligations, etc. In fact we've done this ourselves just to use the trailer when I didn't have a lot of vacation time available.

Maybe you're right. We are in your northwoods, at the NHAL State Forest. 98% of the campers are from WI, including the subject Jetta owners.

Francesca Knowles wrote:
When you see the Jetta actually hooked up to the trailer, I'll believe it.

I understand. If I see someone adult at the site, I'll just ask. The reason I even posted it is that I do know that some folks apply Euro towing specs to their VWs and tow heavy by our standards. But this combo would not seem to even fit in that scenario.

the trannys just barely are enough to drive the car forward. I don't think it is a car to pull a TT of any size, not even a utility Trailer let alone a 25 ft TT. who knows you might see him on the side of the road broke down on the way home. be sure to honk on your way by. it still amazes me how some people live as long as they do for as stupid as they are.

Any body also around back int he 50's and 60's with what those cars towed?!?!?! flatt head 6 cylinders with maybe 75-100hp, and equal amounts of torque! That Jetta probably is more likely in the 200/300 range if a diesel. Along with 5-6 gears........

While it may not be my first choice as a tv, believe it or not, it IS legal in 99.9% of the jurisdictions of the USA! Now from a manufacture warranty side of things.....all bets are off!

Marty

I had an 02 TDI, while it was a pile of poop. It did make good power. Not sure I would have towed with it but, I am sure some of you have seen the Prius thread, so I suppose anything is possible.

Our TDI has towed 2000 lbs easily, but usually we keep the trailer between 1000-1500 lbs. Our trailer does not have brakes and relies on the Jetta to stop.

Francesca Knowles wrote:
When you see the Jetta actually hooked up to the trailer, I'll believe it.

Jetta's seem to popular TV's in these parts. Feedback from owners towing TT's are positive. I think the key is to connect them optimally.

Road Ruler wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
When you see the Jetta actually hooked up to the trailer, I'll believe it.

Jetta's seem to popular TV's in these parts. Feedback from owners towing TT's are positive. I think the key is to connect them optimally.

My skepticism is specific to this particular combo...hoping to hear back from the O.P. if he gets a chance to talk to the folks at the site!

I took out a 2012 VW Jetta with the turbo diesel engine. If I recall it's rated at 236 lbs. ft. of torque..

I enjoyed driving it with that engine. I short shifted it and loved that rich torque band...low/mid range torque is great for a small engine.

The Jetta...though...too small inside to seat me comfortably (I'm a big guy)....the interior didn't suit me and I wasn't crazy about the styling.

But that's me. Others may love it.

So the torque is real good....but what are the brake size, can the chassis + suspension components handle the weight of a good sized trailer ?

Maybe on a flat prairie run....but what happens when you take a trip to visit the relatives in Vancouver and have to cross the Rockies ?

Most importantly what does VW rate the TDI Jetta to tow ? I would say they're the last word.

Jetta TDI with 2.0 engine and DSG transmission: 2700 lb towing capacity with 165 lb tongue weight

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice/choosing-and-buying/choosing-a-towcar/towcar-award-winning-choices/towcar-of-the-year-awards/tested-towcars/volkswagen/volkswagen-jetta-sport-20-tdi-dsg

The Passat with same drive train is higher:

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice/choosing-and-buying/choosing-a-towcar/towcar-award-winning-choices/towcar-of-the-year-awards/tested-towcars/volkswagen/vw-passat-estate-sport-bluemotion-technology-20tdi