VW Toureg Towing Questions

[DirtRider]

A Toureg is a unibody vehicle. There's no traditional frame under it. My experience with unibody vehicles and towing is that there isn't a good way to mount a hitch. So you end up with an "oilcan" noise as the hitch puts stress on the unibody.

I wouldn't want a setup like that. I simply wouldn't trust it, and I'm a risk-taker.

[move on]

True. A Toureg is a unibody and the hitch is only rated at about 600 lbs. A half ton is only rated for a 500 lb hitch load without a WD hitch, but the body on frame construction can support a WD hitch.

[lamokadave]

Originally Posted by move on

A Toureg is a superb tow vehicle. Much sturdier than a 1/2 ton pickup. Compare the axle ratings.

I don't doubt it's a decent tow vehicle for a smaller trailer, but with it's short wheelbase, meager 1239# payload and GVW 800# less than a typically half ton, it's no match for a 1000# tongue wgt 7k# TT

[move on]

Originally Posted by lamokadave

I don't doubt it's a decent tow vehicle for a smaller trailer, but with it's short wheelbase, meager 1239# payload and GVW 800# less than a typically half ton, it's no match for a 1000# tongue wgt 7k# TT

I wouldn't tow a 1000 lb tongue weight trailer with either one. I'd step up to a 3/4 ton truck.

[Persistent]

Originally Posted by DirtRider

A Toureg is a unibody vehicle. There's no traditional frame under it. My experience with unibody vehicles and towing is that there isn't a good way to mount a hitch. So you end up with an "oilcan" noise as the hitch puts stress on the unibody.

I wouldn't want a setup like that. I simply wouldn't trust it, and I'm a risk-taker.

Some uni-body vehicles are designed for towing. Some are not. Some frame under bodies are designed for towing. Some are not.
Uni-body designs can have higher capacity than frame under bodies in that they are lighter and more rigid than under body designs.


The technology to build large uni-body vehicles has not usually been put together. Uni-bodies require huge investment in building and handling equipment. The physical size and investment in such equipment is high. The volume of units produced is not large enough to justify the investment.

Uni-body towing structure requires mounting features at the rear of the body. A Toyota Camry has such a structure. Hitch equipment has been designed for the Camry. It works well as long as the user does not exceed design capabilities. I towed an appropriate TT all over the US and Canada for ten years. I never had any problems due to towing.


I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by Persistent

Some uni-body vehicles are designed for towing. Some are not. Some frame under bodies are designed for towing. Some are not.
Uni-body designs can have higher capacity than frame under bodies in that they are lighter and more rigid than under body designs.


The technology to build large uni-body vehicles has not usually been put together. Uni-bodies require huge investment in building and handling equipment. The physical size and investment in such equipment is high. The volume of units produced is not large enough to justify the investment.

Uni-body towing structure requires mounting features at the rear of the body. A Toyota Camry has such a structure. Hitch equipment has been designed for the Camry. It works well as long as the user does not exceed design capabilities. I towed an appropriate TT all over the US and Canada for ten years. I never had any problems due to towing.


I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!

Good points--there can be a lot of variability in how they implement all that. Most people wouldn't go out and purchase something like this specifically to tow. But once you have it, and don't want to take the depreciation hit--might as well try it.

[Loudram]

The Toureg has very similar tow ratings and wheelbase to the 2011 Grand Cherokee I had. Both in the low to mid 7k tow range and 114' wheelbase. I feel a 28' trailer is too much trailer for a 114' wheelbase suv. That's the reason I upgraded to a full size Ram even though the Jeep had a Hemi to. Like the Jeep it's a great tow vehicle for smaller trailers but I would limit the trailer to 25' at most and even that it pushing it.

This is just my opinion based on my experience with a similar sized suv. Take it for what it's worth.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by DirtRider

Good points--there can be a lot of variability in how they implement all that. Most people wouldn't go out and purchase something like this specifically to tow. But once you have it, and don't want to take the depreciation hit--might as well try it.

Or just buy a smaller trailer. The OP says “looking into towing” the Lance. So given that he already has the Touareg I’d say the thing to do is drop some length and GVW of trailer to be safe, have less stress, and probably an overall more enjoyable camping experience. Lots of options out there.

[BPTS]

You can tow a Peterbilt tractor with a 1 ton tow truck, I know for a fact because I have done it. It doesn't mean that was the wisest thing to do. But that was also an emergency situation where I had to get a highway opened up.
You are ALWAYS better off with a bit too much tow vehicle than not enough.

Brings to mind one of my dad's favorite sayings: "Don't let your brain write a check your a$$ can't cash."

[rockriver]

i've towed some boats with low center of gravity and pointy front ends.
it seems that
a boat or a low boy loaded with 2x6's would tow differently than a travel trailer with high sides and a big flat surface up front.
just a thought about weight capacity. i like the idea of a lighter trailer.

[GT928]

I have been towing a 29'6" TT with a Dry Weight of 4735 and a GVWR of 6500 with a Grand Cherokee for the past 3 and a half years. Probably has the same towing capacity/hitch weight limitation as a Toureg. In fact we were looking for a Toureg before we found our GC. It pulls, stops and handles like a dream. Sounds like everyone is selling pickup trucks. Don't buy. From my experience and in my opinion it should do well.

[Carefree]

We have owned a Touareg Gasser and a Diesel and towed Trailers that were on the verge of the Touaregs posted towing limits. It is one of the best tow vehicles you will find - way better than a 1/2 ton pick-up. We NEVER had any problems with sway or being under powered. Granted our diesel had air suspension which made quite a bit of difference, esp. with trucks pushing you around when they pass you but I would not hesitate towing your setup with the regular suspension (I don;t think VW offers air suspension any more in the US).