Towing with a TDI

On Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 9:23:20 PM UTC-8, wrote:
On Friday, February 13, 2015 at 12:40:07 PM UTC-8, vontresc wrote:
Looking at getting a new vehicle this spring, and am currently looking into a Jetta Sportwagon TDI. Any of you guys use one to tow your ship? Good or bad?

Peter

I'm pretty sure the DSG transmission doesn't allow towing. I'm sure it WILL tow, but with a hitch on the back you may have warranty issues. If you're not under warranty, I wouldn't want to have to repair that transmission......I can't imagine how much that thing costs to repair.

I have a 2013 tdi wagon and love the car but have 5k left on the powertrain and it's making me nervous, and I don't tow.

When you say "new" do you mean new to you or brand new? If you're talking brand new, or relatively new, for that amount of money you can buy a much better used tow vehicle.

Peter got my attention right away. I'll look at the VW TDI AWD wagon if it's ever released.
Looking for one vehicle with great fuel economy, AWD, tow capable and International standard trailer lighting capable. Unfortunately Audi USA is very slow at getting the 2.0TDI engine into their Allroad, which has been very popular in Europe. Believe the 2.0TDI is only in FWD A3s. Incidentally the A3 will tow single seaters well.
The VW Tiguan TDI is unavailable in USA.
So is the Subaru Forrester TDI.
And of course Audi Allroad TDI.
All are available and used for towing gliders elsewhere.

Sorry about the hurried earlier post, my flight was about to leave: The fiberglass top Cobras have been discussed many times before regarding the aerodynamic qualities of the fin.
But it seems mostly C/G that will make a trailer difficult to tow.
Jim

On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 7:11:26 PM UTC+13, JS wrote:
Peter got my attention right away. I'll look at the VW TDI AWD wagon if it's ever released.
Looking for one vehicle with great fuel economy, AWD, tow capable and International standard trailer lighting capable. Unfortunately Audi USA is very slow at getting the 2.0TDI engine into their Allroad, which has been very popular in Europe. Believe the 2.0TDI is only in FWD A3s. Incidentally the A3 will tow single seaters well.
The VW Tiguan TDI is unavailable in USA.
So is the Subaru Forrester TDI.
And of course Audi Allroad TDI.
All are available and used for towing gliders elsewhere.

I know a few people here in NZ who have Korean SsangYong Rexton W SUVs with 137 kW (184 hp) Mercedes 2.7l turbo diesel engines and transmissions. I've driven one and ridden in a couple of others. They're no Audi, but they're roomy and comfortable, good power and acceleration, very good fuel economy, tow well (recommended maximum 7000 lb, 3200 kg). And cheap at NZ$48k (US$36k) with AWD
or NZ$40k (US$30k) with part time 4WD.

On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 1:11:26 AM UTC-5, JS wrote:
Peter got my attention right away. I'll look at the VW TDI AWD wagon if it's ever released.
Looking for one vehicle with great fuel economy, AWD, tow capable and International standard trailer lighting capable. Unfortunately Audi USA is very slow at getting the 2.0TDI engine into their Allroad, which has been very popular in Europe. Believe the 2.0TDI is only in FWD A3s. Incidentally the A3 will tow single seaters well.
The VW Tiguan TDI is unavailable in USA.
So is the Subaru Forrester TDI.
And of course Audi Allroad TDI.
All are available and used for towing gliders elsewhere.

Sorry about the hurried earlier post, my flight was about to leave: The fiberglass top Cobras have been discussed many times before regarding the aerodynamic qualities of the fin.
But it seems mostly C/G that will make a trailer difficult to tow.
Jim

Mercedes GLK-250 BlueTec is available in the USA with 3500 lbs towing capacity and great mileage. It tows very well an 18 m trailer.

Very good.
I've looked at the GLK250 Bluetec. Great specs including economy, feels solid.
Jim


On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 2:00:51 PM UTC-8, Andrzej Kobus wrote:
On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 1:11:26 AM UTC-5, JS wrote:
Peter got my attention right away. I'll look at the VW TDI AWD wagon if it's ever released.
Looking for one vehicle with great fuel economy, AWD, tow capable and International standard trailer lighting capable. Unfortunately Audi USA is very slow at getting the 2.0TDI engine into their Allroad, which has been very popular in Europe. Believe the 2.0TDI is only in FWD A3s. Incidentally the A3 will tow single seaters well.
The VW Tiguan TDI is unavailable in USA.
So is the Subaru Forrester TDI.
And of course Audi Allroad TDI.
All are available and used for towing gliders elsewhere.

Sorry about the hurried earlier post, my flight was about to leave: The fiberglass top Cobras have been discussed many times before regarding the aerodynamic qualities of the fin.
But it seems mostly C/G that will make a trailer difficult to tow.
Jim

Mercedes GLK-250 BlueTec is available in the USA with 3500 lbs towing capacity and great mileage. It tows very well an 18 m trailer.

On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 6:25:20 PM UTC-5, JS wrote:
Very good.
I've looked at the GLK250 Bluetec. Great specs including economy, feels solid.
Jim


On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 2:00:51 PM UTC-8, Andrzej Kobus wrote:
On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 1:11:26 AM UTC-5, JS wrote:
Peter got my attention right away. I'll look at the VW TDI AWD wagon if it's ever released.
Looking for one vehicle with great fuel economy, AWD, tow capable and International standard trailer lighting capable. Unfortunately Audi USA is very slow at getting the 2.0TDI engine into their Allroad, which has been very popular in Europe. Believe the 2.0TDI is only in FWD A3s. Incidentally the A3 will tow single seaters well.
The VW Tiguan TDI is unavailable in USA.
So is the Subaru Forrester TDI.
And of course Audi Allroad TDI.
All are available and used for towing gliders elsewhere.

Sorry about the hurried earlier post, my flight was about to leave: The fiberglass top Cobras have been discussed many times before regarding the aerodynamic qualities of the fin.
But it seems mostly C/G that will make a trailer difficult to tow.
Jim

Mercedes GLK-250 BlueTec is available in the USA with 3500 lbs towing capacity and great mileage. It tows very well an 18 m trailer.

You will not get wrong with this SUV. I bought one in September and I love it. I will not say here what I get for mileage towing an ASH-26E in an 18 m trailer, no one will believe!

Hey Pete -

Forget the pickup - get a full size conversion van. Then you won't have to sleep in that tiny tent of yours

MNLou wrote:
Hey Pete -

Forget the pickup - get a full size conversion van. Then you won't have
to sleep in that tiny tent of yours

Maybe Steve Leonard has a spare "Stalker Van" he could part with ;-)

Peter

Originally Posted by MNLou

Hey Pete -

Forget the pickup - get a full size conversion van. Then you won't have to sleep in that tiny tent of yours

You better believe it!!! Speaking from experience .....