Will my Touareg TDI pull this no problem?
08-09-2011, 05:46 PM
#31
Track Day
I also have a TDI Touareg and I am thinking of towing an enclosed car trailer. I have towed 16’ enclosed snowmobile trailer, but it is probably only 3000 lbs fully loaded. Here are specs on the older TDI T-regs in case you are not familiar with it:
• V10 4.9 L turbo diesel
• Horsepower: 310 hp @ 3750 rpm
• Torque: 553 ft-lbs. @ 2000 rpm
• Curb weight: 5825 lbs
• Wheel base: 112.4 in.
• Maximum towing capacity: 7716 lbs.
So, it has the engine for it and it weighs more than my old truck, but it does have a short wheelbase. It also has self-leveling air suspension. It has a towing control module that will energize the trailer brakes independently if it detects sway.
Can I tow a 7000 lb rated 18’ or 20’ enclosed trailer safely? The 987 is about 3000 lb and the trailer is about 2000 lb, plus 1000 lb other stuff. I am assuming e-brakes on both 3500 lb axels.
• V10 4.9 L turbo diesel
• Horsepower: 310 hp @ 3750 rpm
• Torque: 553 ft-lbs. @ 2000 rpm
• Curb weight: 5825 lbs
• Wheel base: 112.4 in.
• Maximum towing capacity: 7716 lbs.
So, it has the engine for it and it weighs more than my old truck, but it does have a short wheelbase. It also has self-leveling air suspension. It has a towing control module that will energize the trailer brakes independently if it detects sway.
Can I tow a 7000 lb rated 18’ or 20’ enclosed trailer safely? The 987 is about 3000 lb and the trailer is about 2000 lb, plus 1000 lb other stuff. I am assuming e-brakes on both 3500 lb axels.
08-09-2011, 06:01 PM
#32
Before I started towing a wiser, more experienced guy gave me what I have found to be excellent advice:
1. Dont tow more than 80% of your tow capacity
2. Just because you "can" tow it doesn't mean you should.
3. Dont buy a tow vehicle for what it will tow, buy it for how it will handle the load when all goes to hell.
I would not touch 7K with 7700 capacity and a short wheel base.
1. Dont tow more than 80% of your tow capacity
2. Just because you "can" tow it doesn't mean you should.
3. Dont buy a tow vehicle for what it will tow, buy it for how it will handle the load when all goes to hell.
I would not touch 7K with 7700 capacity and a short wheel base.
08-09-2011, 06:44 PM
#33
Rennlist Member
Tow Vehicles
Have decided based on all these comments to stay with what I have for now. I don't want to change out my Touareg since it is such a great daily driver and does a nice job towing the open trailer. Sorry Christian, I'd like to help you out, but the ex cleaned me out, so I don't have that kind of play money available. 
08-09-2011, 07:48 PM
#35
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
That is the trade off - a big rig is great for towing large enclosed trailers but are terrible for daily drivers with low mpg and very difficult to park almost anywhere crowded. Keep the VW and tow with open trailer if you need to actually use the tow vehicle for daily driving duty.
08-09-2011, 09:17 PM
#36
Track Day
Before I started towing a wiser, more experienced guy gave me what I have found to be excellent advice:
1. Dont tow more than 80% of your tow capacity
2. Just because you "can" tow it doesn't mean you should.
3. Dont buy a tow vehicle for what it will tow, buy it for how it will handle the load when all goes to hell.
I would not touch 7K with 7700 capacity and a short wheel base.
1. Dont tow more than 80% of your tow capacity
2. Just because you "can" tow it doesn't mean you should.
3. Dont buy a tow vehicle for what it will tow, buy it for how it will handle the load when all goes to hell.
I would not touch 7K with 7700 capacity and a short wheel base.
The capacity of the T-reg is limited by its hitch and frame I think, best not to test it.
By the way, the V10 TDI gets 26 mpg when not towing.
Last edited by stevek-o; 08-09-2011 at 09:19 PM. Reason: not g00d at spelling
