Show us your small Tow Vehicle set-up

[Kevin245]

<<Mod Mode>>

We are reopening this thread after removing argumentative materials. This isn't the place to argue semantics, theories, or pontificate about the virtues of empirical data. The OP asked for examples of TV/TT combinations is use by our membership relative to small(er) TV’s and we owe him the benefit of appropriately worded and toned replies.

Those wishing to argue the merits of cars versus trucks as it relates to TV's can take their case to a new thread, or elsewhere. Regardless, let's keep it nice going forward.

On Behalf of the Site Team

[ALANSD]

Thanks Kevin. I really was hoping to see photos and hear about the experiences of those who actually tow with smaller vehicles. Like the Jetta, Golf , Chrysler 300, others etc. Yeah that Taurus is interesting,,,too

[ALANSD]

Does anyone here know what years VW was afflicted with the flywheel problems?

[Andrew T]

Have you seen any reference to flywheel problems with the DSG transmission. Supposodly the computer corrects the problem. Also the 5 speed had a much taller first gear ratio which required much more judisious use of the clutch than the current 6 speed. At them moment our 2010 Jetta has 70,000 miles on it with a substantial amount of that towing with no issues.

Here is a picture of it at Alumapoluza a 3 years ago. The other picture is our 2006 Jetta (we put 90,000 miles on it) with a 24 Argosy next to a Saturn Aura with a 25 FB.

In a new VW the Jetta is NOT the vehicle to get, go with the golf or a Passat.

Andrew T

[ALANSD]

Thanks, so it looks like 2010 and later are clear of that issue...gtk

[ALANSD]

Another Jetta question- how is the 2.5L Gasser? Automatic most likely.

[Andrew T]

So far we have not done a 2.5 but I think the diesel is the way to go.

[ALANSD]

Thanks again. I appreciate it

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by ALANSD

Another Jetta question- how is the 2.5L Gasser? Automatic most likely.

The 2.5L base engine VW has been using for several years now has been disappointing all around. I don't know about towing specifically, but its specific performance is pretty low and its fuel economy is nothing to get excited about either. VW is in the midst of ditching it throughout the model range in the US as models get refreshed.

[dkottum]

Didn't VW also ditch that crummy twist beam rear axle suspension they put on the Jetta when they cheapened the model in 2010, returning to independent rear suspension in 2014? I haven't seen the new 2014 but read something about it.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Didn't VW also ditch that crummy twist beam rear axle suspension they put on the Jetta when they cheapened the model in 2010, returning to independent rear suspension in 2014? I haven't seen the new 2014 but read something about it.

Yes, and even VW knew it was junk all along because they put multilink suspension on the GLI and left the less-expensive ones with the buggy suspension until 2014, now the multilink is on the whole range.

[Alphonse]

You have all seen it a hundred times before but I just couldn't help myself! Forgive me

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Didn't VW also ditch that crummy twist beam rear axle suspension they put on the Jetta when they cheapened the model in 2010, returning to independent rear suspension in 2014? I haven't seen the new 2014 but read something about it.

They did. God only knows what they were thinking when they turned a really quite good car into crap in 2010.

[ALANSD]

Just came across this:
Camper towing;
Hyundai Elantra:

No, this is not a typo. The Elantra offers 3,086 pounds of towing capacity when trailer brakes are used (without the brakes, it tops out at 1,000 pounds). That's not much by truck standards, but for a budget-priced compact sedan, it's exceptional. Note that this is 1,000 pounds more than full-size sedans like the Cadillac DeVille and Mercury Grand Marquis are rated to carry.
"

What say ye?

[andreasduess]

From what I recall, the 3000lbs number came, originally, from Hyundai's UK website. In the US, it the official line has always been "not recommended for towing".

A similar thing happened with the Toyota Yaris. Until, I believe, 2012 it was listed in the UK with a towing capacity of around 2600lbs, in Canada 700lbs and in the US as "not recommended for towing". In recent years, Toyota has not supplied any towing data for the Yaris. This was the same car, by the same manufacturer, just sold in different markets.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by ALANSD

Just came across this:
Camper towing;
Hyundai Elantra:

No, this is not a typo. The Elantra offers 3,086 pounds of towing capacity when trailer brakes are used (without the brakes, it tops out at 1,000 pounds). That's not much by truck standards, but for a budget-priced compact sedan, it's exceptional. Note that this is 1,000 pounds more than full-size sedans like the Cadillac DeVille and Mercury Grand Marquis are rated to carry.
"

What say ye?

Just goes to show the value of "tow ratings", eh? Marketing, marketing and more marketing.

[rostam]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

From what I recall, the 3000lbs number came, originally, from Hyundai's UK website. In the US, it the official line has always been "not recommended for towing".

A similar thing happened with the Toyota Yaris. Until, I believe, 2012 it was listed in the UK with a towing capacity of around 2600lbs, in Canada 700lbs and in the US as "not recommended for towing". In recent years, Toyota has not supplied any towing data for the Yaris. This was the same car, by the same manufacturer, just sold in different markets.

I did some research on this a while back. The same car by the same manufacturer can have different specs in different market, hence the different ratings. For example, 2013 Forester is rated to tow 2400# in the US, whereas in UK it is rated to tow 4400#. The UK forester has rear self leveling suspension, whereas the US Forester does not. There were a couple of other differences (as related to towing) which I have forgotten.

A Forester in US starts at $22K. A Forester in UK starts at $41K. The UK version has a bunch of goodies that are missing in the US car. In the US we are lucky that we get cars at a fraction of price elsewhere. However, most cars are very stripped down (Foresters else where have diff locks, not in the US).

[Andrew T]

Thanks for pointing out the suspension change on the Jetta. I had not realized they put the independet rear suspension back on. I think they removed it initially to create price differential between it and the larger Passat.

Just priced out a lease on both on the Canadian website, the Jetta is $50 a month less on a 25000 annual km lease. The lease is the best deal at the moment. For the $50 a month you get a 6" longer wheel base and 2" wider stance. Myself I would likely go to the Passat, it is a very nice running car. Though I would add the Sport Package for $10 a month.

The Mercedes C class introducing in the fall will likely get their excellent 2.15 Litre diesel and 7 speed automatic. I has substantially more power however at quite a price premium.

Andrew T

[ALANSD]

I'm still in info mode, hope I am not driving anyone crazy--

The Jeep Liberty diesel sounds like a good choice, and is in my price range ( used,,,about a 6 yr old one) ... It supposedly gets 14mpg towing. ???

[Andrew T]

The Liberty Diesel is ok, the handling is ok but not great, a little noisy. It was not nearly as sophisticated as the new diesels are. You could get one of the 3.5 Litre V/6 gas sedans and get the same fuel economy better handling, much quieter and smoother and less expensive to maintain.

In a used sedan there are some great values out there. 4 years ago we had a 2006 Impala traded in with 40,000 miles on it. We added the hitch, wiring, brake control, transmission cooler changed the rims to 17" with 55 series tires and replaced the shocks. All told we have 10,000 invested in it. We have 95,000 miles on it now and it still runs like clock, gets amazing mileage and tows a trailer like yours very well.

The second best value in a car we have bought in the last few years was a 2011 Taurus SEL that I got for my Daughter. We picked it up for 20K with 14,000 miles on it. The trunk of the Taurus likely holds twice as much as the cargo area in the Liberty. I just had a customer get a 2013 with 11,000 miles for 23,000.

Just another way to go.

Andy