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nti06 · 01-30-2011, 07:51 PM

I was coming home from doing some shopping for a few basic items, and I rode past the Flynn's Inn Campground in South Augusta. I noticed this unmistakable shine coming from the back of the campground. I turned around to get a closer look. I took a ride to the back of the park. It was a 1960's Bambi. Had a nice polish on the shell and was being towed by a red Jetta with Florida tags.

Would I be describing anyone on this forum?

Fyrzowt · 01-30-2011, 09:33 PM

You mean anyone willing to admit it???

**Stefrobrts** · 01-30-2011, 09:53 PM

Actually it doesn't sound that crazy, old Bambi's are very light - like around 2000#, and some Jettas are rated for that. Depends on the year and all that. Might not be as bad as it sounds.

I looked at a Jetta forum to see what they said, and check out the picture about halfway down, of a guy's 'homemade trailer' - it's quite a distance away, but it looks Airstream inspired.

Best guess towing capacity new Jetta - TDIClub Forums

Fyrzowt · 01-30-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

Actually it doesn't sound that crazy, old Bambi's are very light - like around 2000#, and some Jettas are rated for that. Depends on the year and all that. Might not be as bad as it sounds.

I looked at a Jetta forum to see what they said, and check out the picture about halfway down, of a guy's 'homemade trailer' - it's quite a distance away, but it looks Airstream inspired.

Best guess towing capacity new Jetta - TDIClub Forums

Steph, that was you in the Jetta wasn't it??

**Stefrobrts** · 01-30-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

Steph, that was you in the Jetta wasn't it??

Not me! The only other car I've owned is a Miata, and I don't think anyone would dare tow with one of those!

**blmitch5** · 01-31-2011, 02:39 AM

Probably from CAM AM! They did a Jetta set up.

Road Ruler · 01-31-2011, 06:52 AM

The smaller Airstream has a lot going for it as far as the trailer goes.... aerodynamics, low centre of gravity, quality independent suspension, etc.

The Jetta too has many of the same qualities as far as a TV is concerned.

Bird's Nest · 01-31-2011, 08:10 AM

I'll have to get my husband to check that out while he's out and about today. If a Jetta can pull a Bambi maybe we can ditch the GMC 2500 and use my VW GTI.
Do you think my "Fast" will get upset about the extra weight?

YouTube - VW GTI Fast / Streamlined

nti06 · 02-04-2011, 04:23 PM

i went and took a quick picture today. it seems my phone camera is really crappy. i should have coverd my billet defrost vent to get rid of that reflection.
their setup looks a little like this>

dkottum · 02-04-2011, 09:44 PM

I have a similar Jetta TDI stick shift (excellent torque, braking, and stability) and believe it could handle that Airstream with ease. The question would be factory towing spec's, which are not given for Jetta's sold in America. At least not in my manual. But go to the European spec's and, without knowing for sure the weight of this Airstream, looks like it would work.

The other question would be an adequate hitch, which would have to be built. Are we still inventive enough as Americans to do this? Or do we have to procure one from Europe, or have it built in Canada.

Doug K

**Stefrobrts** · 02-05-2011, 12:35 AM

I think a vintage Bambi has a dry weight of just under 2000lb.

mutcth · 02-05-2011, 12:55 PM

IIRC, the Jetta has a towing capacity of 3300 lbs in Europe. Even though European trailers have (much) lower tongue weights than here, they still typically are rated for about 10% of the max trailer weight. Those numbers, as well as CanAm's experiences with various Jetta TDIs, suggest a Jetta TDI certainly could handle a Bambi, with the proper hitch and set-up.

If gas prices go through the roof, I'd be tempted to get a TDI wagon and ditch the minivan for towing our Minuet.

female.nomad · 02-11-2011, 04:08 PM

That would be my Bambi and my car you photographed and posted.

JitneyBead · 02-11-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by female.nomad

That would be my Bambi and my car you photographed and posted.

Good on you for pulling it with a Jetta and don't let armchair "experts" imply otherwise. Your TV is better powered and better equipped and safer than virtually anything produced in 1962 besides the heavier trucks.

It's beautiful.

Jitney

Myrtle lynn · 02-11-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nti06

I was coming home from doing some shopping for a few basic items, and I rode past the Flynn's Inn Campground in South Augusta. I noticed this unmistakable shine coming from the back of the campground. I turned around to get a closer look. I took a ride to the back of the park. It was a 1960's Bambi. Had a nice polish on the shell and was being towed by a red Jetta with Florida tags.

Would I be describing anyone on this forum?

Busted! Lol.

mutcth · 02-11-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by female.nomad

That would be my Bambi and my car you photographed and posted.

Congrats! That's a good looking, and I'm sure fun, combo!

Tom

female.nomad · 02-11-2011, 05:19 PM

I usually get around 20-25 miles per gallon while towing with the Jetta. The only problem I have encountered so far is some bad hitch scraping on steep inclines or very uneven surfaces at campgrounds since it is already so low to the ground. There are only a few inches of clearance. I suppose it is a little unconventional and might be funny looking, but I have done my homework on what my car can handle and it has passed the tried and true road test. Can't beat the fuel economy for a TV either!...

Road Ruler · 02-11-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by female.nomad

That would be my Bambi and my car you photographed and posted.

Nice looking rig.

Hope you are enjoying your car/airstream combo as much as we are enjoying ours.

Ike T · 02-12-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by female.nomad

I usually get around 20-25 miles per gallon while towing with the Jetta. The only problem I have encountered so far is some bad hitch scraping on steep inclines or very uneven surfaces at campgrounds since it is already so low to the ground. There are only a few inches of clearance. I suppose it is a little unconventional and might be funny looking, but I have done my homework on what my car can handle and it has passed the tried and true road test. Can't beat the fuel economy for a TV either!...

I have a 2003 Jetta TDI and would never tow an Airstream with it. You have a later year model, which is more stout of a vehicle.

If you don't mind me asking, which engine and transmission does your car have? Also, did you make modifications (upgraded brake system, suspension, etc, etc)? I am just curious.

TinLoaf · 02-12-2011, 09:43 AM

I don't understand the negativity toward towing with a smaller vehicle. Let's look at some numbers.

The door sticker on my F-150 shows a cargo carrying capacity of 1372 pounds. My little Jaguar X-Type has a cargo carrying capacity of 1356. That's a difference of only 16 pounds!

The little Jaguar is rated to tow 4,500 pounds and has better performance all around. So what's the problem with a small car pulling a trailer well within it's limits?