took the trailer out for a load of gravel. total weight about 1700 lbs. pulled away no probs even easier than my BEW Golf. with a 160 hp engine. accel from 80 kms to 100 etc wasnt bad either, fuel consumption up a liter per 100
first outing pulling a trailer
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eatpasta
Veteran Member
have you added a tranny temp gauge to keep an eye on how hot it's getting? Im planning on adding a hitch and a small trailer to start moving my motorcycles around....I doubt I would ever be pulling more than half a ton though
Bobmws
Veteran Member
My trailer with the sidecar rig loaded is ~1500#. The TDI pulls it much better than my former 4 cyl. Camry. Haven't towed it any major distance (don't really plan to) but I don't feel it will be an issue if I have to.
SilverMerkur
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2013
- Location
- Austin/Round Rock, TX
- TDI
- Now: 2014 Passat TDI 6M; Then: 2009 Jetta TDI 6M - Loyal Edition
Interestingly, 1000 lbs....
VeeDubTDI
Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2000
- Location
- Springfield, VA
- TDI
- ‘18 Tesla Model 3D+, ‘14 Cadillac ELR, ‘13 Fiat 500e
ScanGuage should be able to display transmission temp.
Also, I would recommend towing in Sport or Manual mode for anyone towing with the DSG, as Drive tends to slip the clutch quite a bit.
50pascals
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2013
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- TDI
- 2014 A6 3.0 TDI Prestige, prior was a 2013 TDI Passat SEL Plus
Towing 1700 pounds in a 3700 pound car using a trailer with no brakes. Sounds legit...
Mark SF
Veteran Member
You could put 5 adults with luggage in the car, and they would weigh that much. Do people come with brakes fitted?
Justinw303
Veteran Member
Mark SF
Veteran Member
Yes, it's worse.
RandomGuy
Well-known member
The only thing making 1700 pounds the maximum I've towed with my Passat is the trailer's capacity, not the car. Much heavier than that and I'd want some brakes on the trailer.
Thought about putting airbags in the rear shocks (definitely sag when maxed out) but will wait to ensure that I'm keeping the car (I'm pretty certain I am).
740GLE
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2009
- Location
- NH
- TDI
- 2015 Passat SEL, 2017 Alltrack SE; BB 2010 Sedan Man; 2012 Passat,
I wouldn't be concerned about the shocks, but more of what those bolts are connected to for your hitch.
I'd only be doing that kind of towing with the Euro Bossel (SP?) hitch that has way more robust connection to the car.
I'd only be doing that kind of towing with the Euro Bossel (SP?) hitch that has way more robust connection to the car.
Jedadiah
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2010
- Location
- Central Kentucky
- TDI
- Former: '15 Passat TDI SE 6M, '15 Golf S 6M and '10 JSW
Only problem is that there is no Bosal or Westfalia hitch for the NMS 
Do the unibody frame rails even have the mounting holes in the sides? I haven't had any of the rear panels off my 2015, and you can't see the rails without removing something.
My JSW is my tow rig.
Do the unibody frame rails even have the mounting holes in the sides? I haven't had any of the rear panels off my 2015, and you can't see the rails without removing something.
My JSW is my tow rig.