Towing a VW GTI

Short backstory - our plans got messed up due to Coronavirus and we're finding ourselves needing to take both of our vehicles from FL to CA. We packed both up to the brim when we came to FL, so there isn't much space to work with. Our original plan was to ship our VW GTI to CA, but I was looking at the option of towing since that plan included us flying to CA and a relative driving our Taco to CA.

I looked at renting a trailer on U-Haul (type attached in image) to tow our VW and it seemed like it's doable. We have a 2017 TRD OR 6M 4WD. I've never towed anything before on the Taco so I wanted to check with TW to see if there is any advice you could give me and if it'd be possible to do. Curb weight of the GTI is about 3,200lbs upon looking online. Tow capacity is 6,400lbs for the Taco, so I think it should be ok even if the truck and car are loaded with our belongings (tonneau cover so no camper shell).

 

Probably looking at 5200 lbs between car and trailer alone. Probably be ok if you were experienced at towing, but your pushing it.

 

Best advice slow and steady and give yourself lots of room

 

It’ll tow it. Plan on 10-14 mpg. Don’t be afraid to run 2500-3500 rpm. I assume you’ll be heading across the south so won’t have to climb or descend the mountains.

 

Our original route plan was through Dallas/Albuquerque which would take us through the hills I believe, but I hadn't considered that as much. Staying south through El Paso/Phoenix I don't think would hit any hills until LA but only a couple there.

Do you have to stop at any weigh stations towing a trailer like that?

 

Going across northern New Mexico isn’t bad. I pulled a camper across there a couple times and had no issues if I stayed in 5th at about 75 mph. If I slowed down, I wasn’t high enough in the power band and had to drop to 3/4 gear.

The climb up to flagstaff from Phoenix kinda sucks but coming from the west it’s not a big deal.

I’ve been all over the country and I’ve only had to stop once and that was on I-80 across Nebraska when they were weighing everything with a trailer.

I would recommend carrying 5-10 gallons of spare fuel just in case. I usually saw 200-250 miles per tank.

 

Since the GTI is fwd, why not use a dolly? It’ll save a lot of weight.

 

Personal preference to have it sit entirely on trailer - gives me a little more peace of mind.

That being said, we're going to have it shipped like our original plan was. We'll just be driving the truck separate. If it was a shorter distance and/or I had experience towing I might do it, but too much could go sour and I am not prepared/equipped to fix those things myself. I do appreciate the insight...will bear this in mind if I end up needing to tow!

 

Glad to see this thread, I actually was wondering the same thing, except with my Chevy Volt. I may even need to tow my 2017 VW GTI as well!

Thanks OP for this thread! Glad I searched before asking.