2015 Sportwagen Tow Rating

CraziFuzzy

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'09 JSW (GoneBack) - replaced with '15 Azera and '16 Fiat 500e.
Any idea if VW is going to publish a tow rating for the 2015 sportwagen? The Euro version with the 2.0 is rated for 1600kg (3500lb), with both the DSG and manual.
 

Caseyb476

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CO
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2015 Golf SE 6spd man
Any idea if VW is going to publish a tow rating for the 2015 sportwagen? The Euro version with the 2.0 is rated for 1600kg (3500lb), with both the DSG and manual.
With DSG? My 2015 Golf manual explicitly says no towing with the DSG. The 5/6spd man and 5spd TSI Auto are listed as 'not available at time of printing'.
 

JBizz

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South California
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2015 vw golf tdi
Im putting a hitch in my around 20k miles.. Looking to tow two kayak or small teardrop sleeper.

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CraziFuzzy

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'09 JSW (GoneBack) - replaced with '15 Azera and '16 Fiat 500e.
With DSG? My 2015 Golf manual explicitly says no towing with the DSG. The 5/6spd man and 5spd TSI Auto are listed as 'not available at time of printing'.
That's what it says, not sure if it is a different tranny in europe, but I doubt it. This is more a function of VWoA being an american company, and being afraid of anything smaller than an F-350 towing something.
 

Caseyb476

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That's what it says, not sure if it is a different tranny in europe, but I doubt it. This is more a function of VWoA being an american company, and being afraid of anything smaller than an F-350 towing something.
Supposedly the DSGs just can't handle the added heat from towing.
 

WiszMaster

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'02 Jetta TDI - Silver, '06 Golf TDI, '06 MB 320 CDI
Supposedly the DSGs just can't handle the added heat from towing.

Could one add a secondary trans cooler? Many of the Eurovan crowd add a trans cooler as the EV trans are problematic, especially when towing.


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redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
The DSG will do as well as the manual since it is not a troque converter transmission.
Look up the specs on the UK VW site.
I regularly tow with my 2009 JSW with DSG and it tows just fine.
The start even upgrade is smooth with very little if any clutch slipping. As a matter of fact I am certain that the DSG does a much better job than 99% of the expert manual transmission devotees.
The clutches are oil cooled with the spray from the high pressure oil pump and this pump is the only power "wasting" item in the transmission and I doubt that the cooling provided is entirely sufficient as the UK site suggests.
They rate it good for 3500 lbs starting up (I think I remember correctly) a 5% grade.
I think that the failure mode of the DSG transmission would be relatively the same as the likelyhood of a failure driving down the road unloaded.
If the OEM wiring kit by Westfalia is installed then it automatically adjusts the various CPUs that control the fueling, cooling DSG lock up etc. to optomize the car for towing along with activation what VW Calls T-ESP stability control.
The VW has been chosen tow car of the year many times in the UK and I think the Golf wagon is it for this year as well.
 

CraziFuzzy

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Yeah, I'm not sure where the heat generation argument is coming from. A DSG doesn't generate any more heat than a manual, except from the clutches when in slip, which is a very short time on the DSG. There's far more heat build-up in my Armada's transmission when towing and the torque converter is not locked up.
 

redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
In my opinion the DSG transmission is well suited for towing. The clutch operation and cooling is computer controlled and also the "lockup" or slip is measured. The torque rating is also designed to handle the engine.
Where I think you can get into trouble is if you have a tune that increases tht engine torque higher than the transmission rating and tuning.
I have had no power issues towing with my 2009 TDI JSW and when I "upgraded" the DPF I chose to have the .5 tune done for that reason. There are DSG tunes available, but I don't know how they might react with the towing.
Also if you install the Westfalia wiring kit (OEM) the car's computers make adjustments to the transmission, cooling, engine fueling map, stability system and brake control.
The trailer stability system will accelerate, brake and give steering wheel cues for proper damping of swaying. The system will brake individual wheels and modulated them along with adding power (or removing power) to and individual wheel (Controlled by braking a wheel under power I suppose).
All in all it seems to be a very active and comprehensive system and VW has credited with saving many lives preventing loss of control while towing.
 

showdown 42

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naples,FL
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2016 TDI touareg
Sounds like you can do it up to the limits mentioned,but if you have a prob lem with the DSG don't expect to get a lot of help with a warranty problem with the tranny. Manual says no towing.
 

redbarron55

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I tow with my 2009 TDI JSW with DSG and I would not look for warranty with 220,000 miles on it any more than I would any other car and transmission.
I towed my 16" Scamp from Dallas to Houston to mobile in 104 F heat with no problems of any kind. In the hill country and interstate 62 - 65 mph averaging 25 mpg and I had no worries.
While I don't have the apps to measure the actual temps nothing seemed hot and if the transmission were to overheat the thing would shut itself down.
No torque converter th heat up the fluid, wet clutches with cooling spray.
Seemed to work good and pulled easily and never seemed to labor.
With an increase in fuel usage from 40 mpg to 25 mpg the additional HP used pull the trailer through the air) would be relatively little more hp lost in the the transmission.
All transmissions can fail and automatic transmission with torquw converters are probably more likely to fail from the additional heat and slipping on the clutches than the DSG without the converters and with wet clutches.
I guess we will see how well it holds up. They seem to work OK in the UK where they are not a big deal towing.
 

Brian_B

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Aug 26, 2004
Who is selling the hitch now? My dealer doesn't have one yet and I want to get one asap
 

redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
Check my listing under OEM Euro towbar in enhancements (other than engine) in the top section. The US dealers would not have this, I bought my last one from Germany.
By the way I think the Audi transmission cooler will fit the DSG. This would help cool the transmission, but the transmission uses the engine coolant to cool the transmission, probably to get the thing warm faster for smooth shifting in the morning.
Also available are air cooled radiators, but I am not sure that this is necessary.My understanding is the most heat is generated during"burnouts" from misguided track day fanatics. After the car is moving and the clutches are fully engaged there is little heat buildup.
Also my understanding is that the transmission limits the torque to the clutches to control the slippage and this is the reason I have neither had the engine power appreciably increased (.5 Malone tune for DPF) nor the DSG tuned to allow for more power. The car has enough for my needs. (2009 JSW).
 

Mike_04GolfTDI

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Richmond, BC, Canada
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Mine: 2019 Golf R DSG, Wife's: 2015 Golf Comfortline TDI
I don't have the manual in front of me, but I believe it eludes to towing possibly damaging the emissions system, and that is their reason for saying you shouldn't tow with the TDI.

I guess the extra load would generate more soot and/or more heat in the DPF and maybe that could lead to plugging, cracking, overheating, etc...

Next time I get a chance to look at the manual, I could confirm what it says, unless someone beats me to it. It's a Canadian Golf TDI with DSG, so the manual may be worded differently from the American ones.
 

Mike_04GolfTDI

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Mine: 2019 Golf R DSG, Wife's: 2015 Golf Comfortline TDI
So, here's what the Canadian edition of the manual says about towing:

Towing a trailer of any kind with a vehicle that has a diesel engine as well as a DSG automatic transmission will cause overheating and expensive engine as well as other damage to your vehicle hat will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Never install a trailer hitch on one of these vehicles.
So they aren't saying it will damage the transmission specifically, but in fact they specify that it will cause engine damage. I fail to see how, but those are their words. When they say engine, I suspect they mean the DPF because that's the part that I could see possibly overheating under heavier load.

Also, it's a bit ridiculous to say never to install a trailer hitch. Some people use trailer hitches to mount bicycle racks, which are clearly not trailers and could not be considered towing.

The preceding several pages explain how to tow a trailer.
 

redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
I wonder how the rest of the world gets by using the TDIs to tow? The UK site still shows (I think) either 1600 or 1800 KG towing rating. How are those TDIs different?
Does anyone really know?
The German towbar site I bought my Westfalia hitch for my 2015 didn't show the 2 liter TDI in their listing for towbars. I wonder why?
It shows the TSi s.
The VW Germany site shows the TDI hitch available from the factory at ~870 euros.
 
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gmcjetpilot

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The VW TDI Golf/Wagon is not a "tow truck"... but lets get real.... despite no tow rating there is a GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Spec.... The "SPEC" for TDI Golf/Wagon gives about 1150 lbs MAX total payload (GVWR - Empty car weight). I use that as a guide. A Class I hitch is rated to 200 lb hitch load and 2000 trailer gross. You can tow a lot with half that, 1000 lb, a half ton.... what more do you want. It's a compact car... I wouldn't exceed 2000 lb combine total payload, inside car + total trailer weight, and I'd stay in fairly flat lands....

Two people driver/passenger + small 600-800 lb pop-up camper would be a great combo, even with modest gear, you can even tackle some small mountain passes.... Load vehicle up with 4 big adults, full cargo compartment with bags + roof rack + 2000 lb trailer, drive up mountain passes on a hot day...... No. Again compact car, not made for towing, but it can be done within reason and no significant strain on car....

My wagon has 69 cu-ft cargo area. When I have filled the inside of the car, likely near or above the 1000 lb payload limit, the car sits much lower (looks cool), feels fine power wise, but it handles poorly. Taking freeway on-ramps is scary loaded, if you try to drive it like you do solo and empty....

If I ever get a Golf, a hitch will go on it, to go with a small folding utility trailer... Those micro mini T@B teardrop travel trailers interest me, but they are 1700 lbs empty and 160 lb hitch load. I think that is a tad (t@b) too much.
 
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redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
What we need is a GCWR or gross combined weight rating for car and trailer.
The UK listing for the Golf Estate with 150 HP TDI all in Kilograms
Empty weight 1288
Gross Weight 1800
Payload 587
Front Axle 960
rear axle 890
Trailer 12% grade 1600 KG
trailer tongue load 80 kg.
So as I figure it the GCVWR would be 3300 KG with 80 of those Kgs adding to the rear load.
Of course this here is not the rest of the world and your decisions may vary.
Here is a link to the UK specifications.
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/golf-estate-vii/which-model/engines/overview
You will have to scroll to the right to get to the TDI you are interested in.
Of course this is the Euro Zone where there are actually rules and regulations that apply. In this country the manufacturers just put what they want on the specs and cannot decide to conform to the SAE standard (Yet).
 

ibsam2005

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Mobile, AL
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2011 Jetta TDI 6M
Sorry to hijack real quick, but redbarron you're just up the road. I live down here in Mobile.
I am holding out on a GSW for the towing options to start showing up. I need an all around car to tow my kayaks. I really wish it would have a high enough tow rating to tow a small camper like around 16'-17'... I'm a dreamer...
 

redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
I am a dreamer as well and I tow a 16' Scamp with mine.
Drop by Satsuma and you can take a look at my Scamp and VWs.
My 2009 has had a Westfalia hitch for years and the "new" 2013 has the setup waiting in the garage for the 36,000 mile warranty to expire (yesterday) and for me to get the garage cleared from the WIP on the Scamp to have room to work in the air conditioning.
I have a rear view camera and Westfalia hitch to install and if you want to know how it is done drop by to help with the beer and cursing. (actually it is not that bad of a job).
I PMed you with my phone number.
 

habsfan

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toronto
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mkvii sportwagon
Hidden Hitch model installed on 2015 TDI Sportwagen

The Hidden Htch model 60632 was installed today on my 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TDI Highline by a local shop north of Toronto (King City Trailers). They said that it took them a bit longer than expected. I only got delivery of the wagon on Monday. I note that EcoHitch came out with a nice design and announcement yesterday about a compatible hitch fit the 2015 Sportwagen, but wait time to get it to Canada was going to be almost a month and I would also have to pay shipping costs and import duties to have it delivered from Washington State. Using it for a hitch mounted bike carrier this coming weekend.
 

habsfan

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toronto
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mkvii sportwagon
Used this past weekend

Have any pics? What do you think of it? So it seems the hitch for the hatch will fit the wagon?
Don't know how to upload pics, but it was great, snug 1.25 receiver firmly gripped the Bike carrier, far better than the UHaul hitch receiver that I had on my prior sportwagon (2012 TDI highline). No issues with 'bottoming' on steep ramps or curbs.
 

showdown 42

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naples,FL
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2016 TDI touareg
Do you ever suspect the Euros get different cars? I think so,just to play with the yankees. VW has all sorts of stuff in their models we never see. I think a rebellion is needed.
 

gmcjetpilot

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Memphis TN
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2010 JSW TDI DSG Matalic Grey
Do you ever suspect the Euros get different cars? I think so,just to play with the yankees. VW has all sorts of stuff in their models we never see. I think a rebellion is needed.
It's no secret, what is in Euro market vs. USA... overall when talking TDI, the basic engine and Trans are the same. I don't think there is "all sorts of stuff"... In many cases a whole model is just not sold in USA... or delayed for a year or never made available. There are some minor items that are just not allowed in USA.... The TDI clean diesel was made to for California standards, "50 state" legal diesel, so they could sell it here. Also final assembly may be in different locations. Many US VW's are assembled in Mexico. Many parts like Engine and trans assys.... are made and assembled in Europe no matter what market they are sold.

Subaru has a "Boxer" Diesel.... available in several models in their car lineup... but not in USA.... The reason? USA emission laws? Market research?
 
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CraziFuzzy

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'09 JSW (GoneBack) - replaced with '15 Azera and '16 Fiat 500e.
Subaru has a "Boxer" Diesel.... available in several models in their car lineup... but not in USA.... The reason? USA emission laws? Market research?
It's a bit of both. There are different safety and emissions regulations from country to country, so the decision to modify or convert a design to be brought into a new country is done on a model by model, and sometimes, option by option basis.

Regarding the jetta tow rating, it is likely a combination of two things. One, market research shows that people just don't care about towing with cars in North America. Second, the addition of the tow bar removes the 5 mph bumper that is required in the US.
 

redbarron55

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2012 Touareg TDI Executive
I understand that some years ago the 5 mph requirement was changed to 2.5.
There is little difference in the stock bar and the OEM hitch bar. Perhaps 1/2" of rubber between the bar and the steel bars.
 
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