Anyone tow with the VW Atlas

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Gene

When someone rear ended our SUV, we were given a rental Atlas for two weeks. The seats were very uncomfortable—not just to our old butts, but to the young guy from the rental company who picked us up. Also, VW usually has poor reliability ratings from CR. It did have a lot of power and always shuts off when stopped for a light or traffic. Kind of disconcerting, but apparently soon standard on all vehicles.

Gene, all VW products tend to have more firm seats and handling so it might be an acquired taste. That said, Motorweek gave the Atlas their Drivers Choice Award the year for the second consecutive year.
https://www.torquenews.com/3769/seco...week-suv-award

Same for the VW Tiguan:-). My wife loves her 2018 Tiguan.

[Gene]

I'm sure the rental Atlas was not a premium model and have no idea whether the seats are the same. Our aged butts may be more sensitive than others, but RV owners are often old too. I'm sure the Motorweek testers were not all that old and neither was the kid who picked us up or dropped us off. I didn't think the seats in our Tundra were that comfortable either, so we put cushions on them.

[gopher.sk]

Originally Posted by Prettygood

Big summer trip is complete: 1,500 miles from San Diego to Grand Canyon to Zion and home. Atlas pulled so well across the high passes, and I averaged over 14 mpg. Braking was completely confident, and never saw the temp climb even though a/c was running and it was often 95-105* outside. Fully recommend for a TV at the sub-5k weight class.

For the trip last year, did you use Weight Distribution Sys or Sway Control?
Thanks!

[Prettygood]

Originally Posted by gopher.sk

For the trip last year, did you use Weight Distribution Sys or Sway Control?

Thanks!

I use a friction sway bar and it has worked beautifully. Since the Atlas is leased, I wanted to 100% stay within guidelines. We just bought a 2019 SEL-P to replace the one pictured, and I plan to have the hitch reinforced at the frame. At that point I will likely but an Andersen WDH and won’t go crazy on transferring weight to the front. The Atlas is definitely capable, no issues at elevation climbing hills while towing.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Yep...DW's MB would toe "Cloudsplitter" just fine, IF we left half the stuff that we love to take with us in the garage.
Bob
🇺🇸

No thanks...Love to fish, TETO

[Prettygood]

Quick update for any other Atlas owners. I reinforced the hitch just to add some strength and torsional rigidity. This is due to the fact that I’m close to the tow weight limit, and at the tongue weight. Also, since VW does not support weight distribution hitches, and I have an Andersen where I am primarily interested in the sway and bounce control with a touch of weight pushed forward, it made sense to error on the side of overbuilt.

In short, I had two plates added to the subframe, and 2” square tube drop downs and cross member welded in. Also have a flat bar connecting the bottom of the receiver to the cross bar. Should really strengthen the back end, and ensure the vehicle is able to handle any and all stress thrown at it from towing.