kVox42
Member
I'm planning to take an extended road trip later this year and want to pull a SMALL camping trailer. 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 with a standard transmission.
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 articles and forum posts that list TDI models as being the best towing vehicle for its size in Europe, (although that's not info from VW itself). 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 reluctance, (which I find a bit odd).
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? Actually, I'm hoping to stay below 1000 but there are some attractive options in the 1200-1300 pound range.
Kevin
Raleigh, NC
I have a 2010 Golf TDI with a standard transmission.
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 articles and forum posts that list TDI models as being the best towing vehicle for its size in Europe, (although that's not info from VW itself). 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 reluctance, (which I find a bit odd).
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? Actually, I'm hoping to stay below 1000 but there are some attractive options in the 1200-1300 pound range.
Kevin
Raleigh, NC