Towing capacity of Mk7 GTI

[m10chk]

Although this seems like it should be completely straightforward, searching on the web and here suggests otherwise!

I am in the market for a mk7 (have been longing to get back to the GTI having had a BMW M140i, which was fast but nowhere near as much fun). 

I want to be able to tow a braked trailer occasionally. There is a lot of ambiguous information around.

From what I can gather a lot of GTIs are not type approved for towing at all - this 'seems' to be true from 2017 (Mk7 / 7.5), but not for earlier (2013-2017) versions. And bizarrely the Clubsport 40 does seem to be approved.

The definitive answer is I guess to be found on the VIN plate or similar. I remember my BMW had a great fat 0Kg against one of the numbers - indicating not approved.

Can anyone tell me the definitive story on the Mk7 GTI. Before I get excited and view cars that then wont to do what I want.

Thanks.

[Ej1749]

I don't know if this is any help. Back in 2016-2017 I had a Passat and wanted to tow a track car to and from tracks etc. I seem to remember the towing weight has to be in proportion of the weight of the car. I think GOV.uk has some info... this was 6 years ago, so foggy on what I found out.

[bogwoppit]

Although this seems like it should be completely straightforward, searching on the web and here suggests otherwise!

I am in the market for a mk7 (have been longing to get back to the GTI having had a BMW M140i, which was fast but nowhere near as much fun). 

I want to be able to tow a braked trailer occasionally. There is a lot of ambiguous information around.

From what I can gather a lot of GTIs are not type approved for towing at all - this 'seems' to be true from 2017 (Mk7 / 7.5), but not for earlier (2013-2017) versions. And bizarrely the Clubsport 40 does seem to be approved.

The definitive answer is I guess to be found on the VIN plate or similar. I remember my BMW had a great fat 0Kg against one of the numbers - indicating not approved.

Can anyone tell me the definitive story on the Mk7 GTI. Before I get excited and view cars that then wont to do what I want.

Thanks.

We've got a mk7.5 2019 GTI 245 manual and I think it can tow based on the type plate.
These are the numbers on the plate if it helps:

Gross vehicle weight  1880kg
Gross combination weight rating  3535kg
Gross front axle weight rating  1030kg
Gross rear axle weight rating  900kg

It also has a cut out in the lower rear bumper so a tow bar can be fitted if needed.

Edit:
It looks like it was available as a factory option when new if the 2019 brochure is correct. A £725 option for towbar -swivelling. Available on all versions except the S, GTI TCR, R and e-Golf.

[jv]

The values are shown on the V5C, just need some helpful people to crack out the paperwork 

[bogwoppit]

  Good point, I should have checked.
Our V5C shows:

Braked 1600kg
Unbraked 710 kg

Our other car which I know cannot tow, just has blank spaces on the V5C

[m10chk]

Good point, I should have checked.
Our V5C shows:

Braked 1600kg
Unbraked 710 kg

Our other car which I know cannot tow, just has blank spaces on the V5C

Brilliant thanks for this - exactly the kind of definitive information (as compared with vague stuff online) that I was looking for. I will just make sure I get a look at the V5C of any one I am interested in before making a trip!   This is really good news if it checks out for GTIs generally as I am very keen to get back in one.  Having driven now the M140i and also tried out an M3 I just find a GTI more usable fun! I am going to find one with PP as the differential is a marvellous thing! 

[USGTIinUK]

@bogwoppit, sorry to drag up this old post, but I have some questions re: towing if you don't mind.  I am here in the UK from the US with my US spec 2019 Golf GTI.  I am having trouble nailing down the towing capacity of this vehicle.  Some places say definitively no, and then posts like your leave a glimmer of hope.

Are you towing with your GTI?  What does your owner's manual say about it (mine says don't do it)?

Thanks in advance,

K 

[bogwoppit]

Hi, no we don't tow with our Golf

In our manual (Owners manual Edition 11/2018) on page 200, there are several pages about towing a trailer and there is drawing showing the dimensions that need to be met if a towbar is retrofitted.

At the back of the manual page 305 onwards, all the different engine codes are referred to in individual tables.
Each table states:
-Maximum trailer weight braked, gradients up to 12%
-Maximum trailer weight braked, gradients up to 8%
-Maximum trailer weight unbraked
-Maximum permitted gross combination weight

Unfortunately for my engine code (DKTB 180kW) the table has the data missing and states 'Further figures were not available at the time of publication'

The figures are shown for a DLBA 180kW engine code and they are:
manual gearbox figures (DSG7 in brackets):

-Maximum trailer weight braked, gradients up to 12% = 1600kg (1600kg)
-Maximum trailer weight braked, gradients up to 8% = 1800kg (1800kg)
-Maximum trailer weight unbraked = 690-700Kg (700-710kg)
-Maximum permitted gross combination weight = 3495-3520kg (3520-3550kg)

I tried to look at the online manuals on the VW website, but it doesn't seem to be working at the moment.

I hope this helps

Edited to add the info from a later online manual:

[bogwoppit]

@USGTIinUK

I just tried to send you a PM, but I don't think you have enough posts yet.
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