Towing with a 2015 Passat??

cruisin · Jun 11, 2018

We have a 2015 Passat TDI with the automatic transmission. Is it advisable or not to tow with it? Our hope is to trailer our Can Am Spyder (~1100lbs) on a 5 x 8 trailer. I had nephew recently tell me there are certain VW transmissions that are no good for towing. How do I determine what mine is and whether or not to pursue the towing of the Spyder?

Trade Wind · Jun 11, 2018

Owners manual.

jrm · Jun 12, 2018

your ok with 1100, some chicks weigh that

Honestly though, just avoid driving slow at 5mph and below and avoid steep ground takeoffs as that's when the computer slips the clutches.

roni024 · Jun 13, 2018

I'd be more concerned with tongue weight than with total weight. The rear end suspension on the Passat is not beefy, at all. My car becomes a low-rider with a couple hundred pounds of tools in the trunk.

jaberoo · Jun 13, 2018

cruisin said:
We have a 2015 Passat TDI with the automatic transmission. Is it advisable or not to tow with it? Our hope is to trailer our Can Am Spyder (~1100lbs) on a 5 x 8 trailer. I had nephew recently tell me there are certain VW transmissions that are no good for towing. How do I determine what mine is and whether or not to pursue the towing of the Spyder?

So, with a 350 lb trailer, you're talking ~1500 lb. Tongue weight somewhat depends on where you set the trike in the trailer. I've towed an Lee-sure Xcel camping trailer (<800 lb loaded) all over the country, including the Rockies, with DSGs in several VW models without issues. I just take it easy and use the Tiptronic when appropriate.

Towing with a 2015 Passat??

cruisin

Active member

Trade Wind

Veteran Member

jrm

Veteran Member

roni024

Veteran Member

jaberoo

Veteran Member