Golf SportWagen TDi 2010 : How much can we pull finally?

Swatch

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May 29, 2010
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Hi there!
I'm new on the forum and I will receive my Golf SportWagen TDi 2010 (named Jetta Sportwagen in usa) in few weeks.

A hidden hitch will be installed and I would like to know how much this car can pull. I searched on the web and on the forum and it seems like it could only pull 1000 lbs (or 1650 lbs depending on the threads I've read?).

I know that some people pull a lot more. But what really says the manual? Is this limitation du to power engine or others limitations (brakes, transmission, etc.)? If the trailer has brakes, can we could pull more? Is this information provided in the manual?

I don't want to pull 5000 lbs but considering the weight of a trailer, 1000 lbs is not much.

Thanks for your help :)
 

ToeBall

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Apr 24, 2010
Location
Houston, TX
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2010 VW Jetta Wagon TDI
My hitch is rated at 2000 lbs., 200 lb tongue. In Europe people tow in excess of 3k lbs with these things, I'm told, though don't quote me on that.
 
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Swatch

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ToeBall: thanks for the info. But even if the hitch says 2000 lbs, doesn't mean the car can pull that because on my previous car, the car was not "able" to pull 2000 lbs even if the hitch was sated at 2000 lbs.

I guess 2000 lbs is not a problem then, and that would be enough. DO you know how much weight did you tow in the past?

Thanks!
 

ToeBall

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Houston, TX
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2010 VW Jetta Wagon TDI
I don't have trailer wiring, I've got a receiver for a bike carrier. I haven't even reached that 200 lb tongue weight yet. Actually, once you get the wiring figured out, let me know. My brother and I were toying with building a kit to allow safely splicing into the factory wiring by using op-amps or maybe a can-bus interface, but if there's a solution I could just buy, would be a lot easier.
 
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Swatch

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The weight you gave is the weight of the car, not the weight it can pull and the tongue weight is not the weight it can pull neither but the weight you can put directly on the hitch, like a bike carrier.
 

Swatch

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The dealer called me back to confirm that 1000 lbs is the maximum weight the car can pull, from their recommandation of course.
 

vw_leadfoot

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Apr 8, 2010
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GTA, Ontario
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2010 Golf TDI Wagen
Swatch said:
The weight you gave is the weight of the car, not the weight it can pull and the tongue weight is not the weight it can pull neither but the weight you can put directly on the hitch, like a bike carrier.
Sorry dude but you have no idea what you're talking about. You had better do some more research pal.....My numbers are correct.
 

Swatch

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Sorry but you are wrong. Don't really know how you can disagree with me while i'm just pasting the infos. Go back to the site and it's written:

Trailer load limits:
Manual: 75 kg
DSG: 75 kg

Unladen weight
Manual:1495
DSG: 1521

Please don't tell me that the car can only pull only 75 kg ;-) This must be the tongue weight, which make more sense but the site doesn't give the real weight that the car can pull. The unladen weight is the weight of the car when empty.

Anyway, VW called me back to tell me that the maximum that the car can pull (from their recommandation) is 1000 lbs and it's written in the owner manual also.
 
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Mike_M

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Sep 23, 2003
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Phoenix, AZ
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Black 2002 Jetta GLS
Swatch said:
Unladen weight
Manual:1495
DSG: 1521
Unladen weight is the curb weight of the cars themselves, not the towing limit.

Neither of the figures you listed is the towing limit. The 1000lbs they called you back with sounds right. I think I read it in the manual as well.
 

Swatch

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BUYBACK : Golf Sportwagen TDi 2010
Mike_M said:
Unladen weight is the curb weight of the cars themselves, not the towing limit.

Neither of the figures you listed is the towing limit. The 1000lbs they called you back with sounds right. I think I read it in the manual as well.
Absolutely, that's exactly what I said :)
 

dubStrom

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2003 A4 Jetta (sold), 2010 JSW (sold), 2013 Passat 6MT traded for 2014 JSW with 6MT-TOTALED in November 2016, 2003 ALH 5MT conversion (sold), wheezing 2015 GSW/DSG and a new 2021 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 p'up
Swatch said:
Sorry but you are wrong. Don't really know how you can disagree with me while i'm just pasting the infos. Go back to the site and it's written:

Trailer load limits:
Manual: 75 kg
DSG: 75 kg

Unladen weight
Manual:1495
DSG: 1521
Odd, but "trailer load limits" of 75kg (about 180 lbs) must refer to tongue weight?, and yes, unladen is typically just the car. So that table is puzzling. Maybe the unladen weight actually IS the load on the trailer. Uh, including the trailer?

If so, 1521 kgs for a DSG towing capacity (2.0L TDI), is well over 3000lbs. That is hard to believe (really high). And it would obviously surpass the hitch specification, and 3000 lbs is a lot to tow. It's heavier than the car, isn't it? IF the car were loaded, that would stablize the trailer, but really stress the hitch mounting. I wouldn't do it! I need a clarification... if that is really the trailer GVW (over 3000lbs), it makes me feel better about hauling Class I capacity (2000lbs).

A moderate load is dangerous if you have to drive fast (control), or if you swerve recklessly (control), or if you have to drive across Kansas (tough on the drive train). Even small (16'-18') boats on their frame-only trailers usually fit under the limit. 20 bags of cement? Doable. I just make sure the load puts only 200lbs on the tongue, and keep it all over the axle. Then drive slow, and not far. And don't try to pull on uneven pavement, around buildings, through potholes. It should be no problem.

I just ordered a Curt Class I for hauling a utility trailer and for a pop-up camper. Light duty. I wouldn't ever haul more than 2000lbs more than 45mph or over 10 miles. But hook up my 16" boat or pop up camper, and I'll drive it to Alaska confidently.
 
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Swatch

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Thanks Chris for the pdf. It means that in Europe the load limit is more than in America from what I understand. Weird...

Think I'll also get a Curt hitch, they seems to be well built and more rust resistent then Hidden Hitch from what I've heard. My second choice is SRG.

I'm now trying to find a trailer that is not to heavy, which seems very difficult to find. Might be something like 4'x8' (interior) with 13" tires and 2000 lbs. Don't want to install brakes on the trailer, too much expansive (don't know how exactly) for what I'll do with it.

Thanks!
 
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Chris9611

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Nov 22, 2009
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Madison, Wi
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2009 Jetta Sportwagen
Swatch said:
Thanks Chris for the pdf. It means that in Europe the load limit is more than in America from what I understand. Weird...


I've just always assumed that was because they figure that us in North America would start hitting everything in site while towing heavy loads, and if not killing ourselves in the process would then sue Volkswagen. So they just decided to lower the towing limit here instead.

As far as I know there is no difference in the cars in Europe and N.A that would create a difference in towing ability. I also find the numbers that I qouted above to be extremely high, but I also have never towed anything before so I have no basis or experience to go by.

(Edited for spelling)
 
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rickwol

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Feb 6, 2003
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Buffalo,NY
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2003 Jetta GL TDI retired, 2010 Jetta TDI 6MT
Towing Questions

I have a 2010 Jetta TDI 6sp sedan. Anyone know if I would be able to tow 2 jet skis and trailer, payload cap. of each ski is 529 lb with a dry weight of 715. My place is about 2000 yds. from the launch and I have an SUV for longer towing distances. If it is possible any idea on which hitch to get would be great.
 

JetPuf

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White '98 Bug, Gray 2010 GL350
You guys need to spend some time reading all the towing threads for the mk4's. I've towed 2500 pounds with my beetle several times. 2000 ally more than that. I believe with brakes and the correct hitch the mk4's are able to tow close to 3200.

I've towed up and down mountains. In downtown cooridors. All over the place. 500+ mile trips. All with my beetle. No problems.

Yes. The new cars are a completely different platform, however looking how the hitches install, 2000 is very safe.
 

vw_leadfoot

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2010 Golf TDI Wagen
JetPuf said:
You guys need to spend some time reading all the towing threads for the mk4's. I've towed 2500 pounds with my beetle several times. 2000 ally more than that. I believe with brakes and the correct hitch the mk4's are able to tow close to 3200.

I've towed up and down mountains. In downtown cooridors. All over the place. 500+ mile trips. All with my beetle. No problems.

Yes. The new cars are a completely different platform, however looking how the hitches install, 2000 is very safe.
Yup I agree....I just received my Westfalia hitch for my Golf Wagen, and had one on my Passat too, and will soon install it once I get my ECS pieces......1500kg (braked) is the max amount (yes my numbers were slightly off) = 3307 pounds is therefore doable (amazing for a 4-banger).....but perhaps not the smartest idea if you're heading across country......my hauling is purely utility and distances are short......
 

JetPuf

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I get the impression that European tow amounts are generally somewhere between the curb weight and gross weight of the tow vehicle.
 

cevans

TDIClub Enthusiast, TDI Parts Ninja Vendor , w/Bus
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Sep 24, 2002
Location
Hingham, MA
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2015 Beetle Conv. TDI 6-Speed & 2006 E320 CDI
Tow amounts are based on a bunch of calculations. What the hitch itself can hold, what the frame of the car can hold, what the suspension can handle, what the brakes can handle and what the engine & transmission can handle.

In comparing a hidden hitch or UHAUL hitch to a Bosal or Westphalia the HH or UHAUL will have significantly lower tow ratings. The hitch design is poor, the quality of the hitch is not great and it attaches to sub-optimal places on the body (sheet metal, not frame). Thus the 1000 lb ratings. Unfortunately, those are the primary choices in the US.

Bosal or Westphalia meanwhile use much stronger (and heavier!) hitch designs that attach DIRECTLY to the frame. These two companies often cooperate with OEMs to ensure frame-hitch compatibility. This better design and quality results in much higher ratings, 1500kg for the Bosal and Westphalia. Thats 3x what the US options are rated for. (though the US options are 1/3 the cost...)

So, properly equipped, the vehicle can tow 1500 kg. The system is only as strong as its weakest component, so DO NOT attempt to tow 3000+ pounds with a hitch rated for 1000 pounds. Just because the CAR can does NOT mean your hitch can, and you will damage your hitch, car and be a hazard to others on the road.
 

wjfyfe

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2006
Swatch said:
Thanks Chris for the pdf. It means that in Europe the load limit is more than in America from what I understand. Weird...

Think I'll also get a Curt hitch, they seems to be well built and more rust resistent then Hidden Hitch from what I've heard. My second choice is SRG.

I'm now trying to find a trailer that is not to heavy, which seems very difficult to find. Might be something like 4'x8' (interior) with 13" tires and 2000 lbs. Don't want to install brakes on the trailer, too much expansive (don't know how exactly) for what I'll do with it.

Thanks!
We have been towing a Chalet LTW for about 6 months now with our 2001 TDI Jetta. Manual transmission. The car tows it wonderfully with no problems so far. We will pass most other RV's on the hills. And grinning because we still are averaging 35 MPG. This lil camper goes up, or folds down, in a minute or less. Lotta fun! Sure beats a tent!

http://www.chaletrv.com/folding_ltw.php

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon
 

WVU TDI

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Got my Curt hitch installed on the 2010 Golf today. Great set up! Much better than drilling into the truck like my '01. . .

Pretty sweet that it came with a receiver too, I had one, but this one is nice and shiny :D







 
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