MK2 golf as a tow car

[Stu.750]

Do you think a mk2 golf with the right changes would be able to tow a 205 gti and trailer or is it time to get a bigger dub ?

[DubFan]

I once towed a big box trailer (twin axle) from Nottingham to Brighton and back, with my old Mk2 1.8GL, and that was fine, bit it wasn't heavily loaded. Managed to get up to 70 with a push, although technically with a trailer you're restricted to 60.

The main issues with towing are firstly power, and then secondly the weight of the towing car. If your car isn't heavy enough, the weight of the trailer/caravan/etc will tip the car up and stop you getting grip, which is why 4wd cars are popular for towing, cos you can get more grip.

With a Mk2, you'd be able to tow a small caravan or maybe a trailer with a car the size of a mini on it, but a 205 might be too heavy on the trailer.

I know you won't like it, but go to the newsagent, and pick up one of the caravan magazines and look at one of their car reviews, that'll give you a good idea of what makes a good towing car.

Generally estates are better aerodynamically for towing, the towing car needs to be a certain amount heavier than your load.
A twin axle flatbed trailer will be better for towing because the weight will spread over the 4 wheels rather than pushing down on the back of the towing car.

If you still want to tow with your Mk2, get a tow bar fitted (mine cost about £100 for the bog standard one), the go to a trailer place and rent one to see how it copes before you go out and buy an expensive trailer for the car.

If you're going to go for a bigger VW, try a Passat.

hth

[Neaty]

my mates dad used to tow a fair sized caravan with a mark 1 golf gti (1.6) seemed to be quite comfortable with it aswell! so you should be alright mate

[DubFan]

A car will be heavier for towing and you won't be able to do much about balancing the weight out.

A general rule suggests that your load should not weigh more than 85% of the weight of the towing car. (I think this is also the legal maximum)

If you take a Mk2, weighing 940Kg, so 85% of that is 799kg, which is about the same weight as a Pug 205, but you then have to add the weight of the trailer.

Check out this: http://cars.virgin.net/index.jsp?guide=guides&page=buying&id=4&pg=4

Look at this for the legal issues: http://www.caravan-sitefinder.co.uk/features/touring/legal.php

[jte]

Every car has an offical maximum towing weight which is usually given in the handbook.

One tip though, never, ever try towing a Mazda RX-7 on a trailer using a 1984 Vauxhall cavalier 1.6.

[Fielder]

Time to buy a Passat me thinks 

[Organisys]

Passat Estate 1.9 TDi 110 or 130 Dude.
 

[Stu.750]

What about a Mk3 golf estate with a VR6 engine ? that would work , the pug will be prepped for circuit racing so it should be a touch lighter than normal .

[DubFan]

With a VR6 you should have plenty of power. Make sure you don't lower it too much, and beef up the rear suspension to cope with the weight.

Diesels are good for towing because they have more torque but a decent petrol engine is fine, although it won't be quite as efficient.

[Organisys]

A Vr6 will drink a sh1t load of petrol when towing.