TDI sportwagon towing a beetle?

[gnukner]

Ok, I haven't been on in a few years but still a VW fan... and a lurker. I am possibly relocating in the near future. I know that the owners manual for my 2011 TDI manual transmission says 1000 lbs... BUT... I am looking at flat towing my 1959 beetle ragtop that weighs in at a paltry 1622 lbs... EMPTY (less fuel). It is my baby and I don't want to sell it. I have been told to get a class 2 hitch and piss into the wind. I am sure that the engine is fully capable (read/seen euros towing heavier items/cars) of towing my baby but what about the chassis? Will it be ok so long as I am easy on the pedal? I have a couple months to prepare for the move. I have flat towed many beetle long distances and have no concerns for that... just the sportwagon. Suspension is stock as is the rest of the car (although I have ST's still in box and want some 19" 3SDM 0.05 when released.. another story)

Ultimately will the car be fine with a 1500+ mile trip with a VW beetle in tow, some house hold goods, bikes on the roof, and my kids so long as I am careful?

The 2 offenders:

crummy cell phone pic.

[Code3VW]

IIRC the capacity for towing is 1650 lbs.

[goldn]

my manual is in the car, but this link from etrailer claims you can tow 2000lbs pending the tongue weight is 200lbs or less.

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_V...Golf+Wagon.htm

i would certainly do a test run without passengers to see how the car feels pulling a load like that.

be sure to leave ample room for stopping etc.

ultimately, it is your decision on the safety of your family and toys.

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Yeah, all the added weight and wind resistance needs to be considered as well.

[Aonarch]

*SportWagen

[Aonarch]

Yeah, all the added weight and wind resistance needs to be considered as well.

This I would say no, especially since you want to go 1500 miles. 100-300 miles sure be careful. 1500 miles with other cargo? No.

[GreaserSr]

I have an 03 jetta tdi 5spd sedan and tow a 99 Golf to the track all over the west coast. And I have tools and support stuff for a weekend with me. Way over 1500 lbs. But I tow direct with a towbar. Drop my axles and drive at night with cool air weather and slow driving.

But that is a risk with kids. Look on craigs list ride share and post for someone who is going your way, and they are moving or looking for someone to share fuel cost. You may find someone who has a nice pickup and is willing to tow if you pay 1/2 fuel cost. I post all the time when I drive my 02 F350 powerstroke for any distance. Get riders and sometimes pull a uhaul trailer with the owner following behind in a compact car with family. The larger the window of departure and post with route details, dates, and basic info, the better your chances are to hook up with someone willing to help.

My stepdaughter was moving from Dallas TX to Portland OR and had a bunch of stuff to move, here car is as Honda Hybrid and she didn't think renting a Uhaul truck and tow dolly was a good idea due to rent cost, fuel and her ability to drive that truck. So she placed a post in DFW Craigs List for someone to pull a uhaul trailer from Dallas to Portland. She ended up paying $150 to a couple who had sold their Class A motorhome to friends in Portland. They agreed to tow the trailer and she followed behind. The best part was, she ended up sleeping and eating in the motorhome with them and saved a ton of money on food and motels. Everyone was happy. BUT you have to have your eyes open and do things safe and sane.