Towing 25' TT with Jetta TDI

[Snowman9000]

OK, in our CG there is a rig consisting of an older Jetta TDI and a Coleman Caravan that looks like this web photo:


That cannot be within the car's capabilities, not to mention published limits, can it?

[John___Angela]

I doubt the TDI pulled that but it's true that European tow ratings are a lot higher than here. Case in point, our little smart car diesels are rated for zero towing on this side of the pond. In Europe 660 pounds and 60 pounds of tounge weight. More than adequate for out tent trailer and kayak. Tows with zero problem and stops on a dime.

[blt2ski]

One can get a 2" trailer ball that is good to 10K lbs. 2 5/16 typically can be found upwards of 15-25K lbs. I've even seen some 2 5/16 as low as 5K rated! All depends upon the shank size frankly!

Many trucks with motors of the Jettas specs are rated to tow upwards of 5-6K lbs. Other than the frame strength, I personally do not see the issue with this jetta towing the trailer. For all you screaming bloody murder about it......you may not like it, "IT IS A LEGAL SETUP!!!" Now from a manufacture warranty stand point......that is a whole nuther issue!

Marty

[Road_Ruler]

Snowman9000 wrote:
OP here. The hitch ball on the VW looks to be a 2" one, and I'd be pretty sure the TT uses 2-5/16.

For sure that Jetta/TT set up needs a WDH to be right. If you are just seeing a ball that is not enough. Hopefully they are not pulling it without a WDH.

[dodge_guy]

If you can, can you let us know when they open the blinds to look around outside? maybe you can let us know if they only come out at night and take the garbage to the dumpster "ala the 'Burbs' (the Tom Hanks movie). :B

Maybe they`re paranoid of people trying to talk to them and ask about towing with the VW?

[Francesca_Knowl]

Snowman9000 wrote:
OP here. Still have not come across anyone at the site. I now think they towed the trailer in with a truck. Just a hunch. The hitch ball on the VW looks to be a 2" one, and I'd be pretty sure the TT uses 2-5/16.

Thanks for keeping us updated...we're all curious, or I am, anyway. Good observation on the hitch ball!

[popupcamping]

Snowman9000 wrote:
OP here. Still have not come across anyone at the site. I now think they towed the trailer in with a truck. Just a hunch. The hitch ball on the VW looks to be a 2" one, and I'd be pretty sure the TT uses 2-5/16.

I wouldn't be very impressed if you were loitering on my site enough to see what my ball size was. Of course they towed it with something else. Kind of a no-brainer

[Snowman9000]

OP here. Still have not come across anyone at the site. I now think they towed the trailer in with a truck. Just a hunch. The hitch ball on the VW looks to be a 2" one, and I'd be pretty sure the TT uses 2-5/16.

[mpierce]

We have a Jetta TDI. We pull a clamshell motorcycle trailer. Rating on ours, with the auto tranny, is 2000#. Trailer with bike in it is a little under that. Handles it great. Have been from ND to FL with it a couple times.

[Road_Ruler]

PaulJ2 wrote:
It would be similar to me when towing my 20ft trailer with my Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep is 3000+ and towing a trailer that is 4000+ lbs. Power is not the issue, handling is. The wind from passing semi's tends to push it around a bit.

Sorry, not a good comparison.

Many of us tow with cars like, or similar to the Jetta because of the outstanding handling, comfort, and stability. The Jeep Chero is at the other end of the equation.

The towing Guru here in Ontario has driven every combination you can imagine reported the best handling vehicle he has ever towed with is his Jaguar sedan.

[APT]

Lessmore wrote:

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.

You should check out the 2012+ Passat TDI. Similar engine, much larger interior, and a little nicer appointed. I love mine, 25k miles now with 38mpg lifetime average with aggressive driving.

In the US, VW only rates the cars at 1000 pounds with manual trans and no towing with the DSG (auto). Many TDI owners tow small utility, bike, etc trailers with them, though.

[PaulJ2]

It would be similar to me when towing my 20ft trailer with my Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep is 3000+ and towing a trailer that is 4000+ lbs. Power is not the issue, handling is. The wind from passing semi's tends to push it around a bit.

[Bedlam]

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-winnin...

The Passat with same drive train is higher:

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice/choosing-and-buying/choosing-a-towcar/towcar-award-winnin...

[Lessmore]

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.

[Francesca_Knowl]

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!