Community Forums

FINS · 05-13-2016, 05:04 PM

I'm looking for experience others have had with dolly towing a auto trans, 2012 TDI.

Positives/negatives.

BFlinn181 · 05-13-2016, 06:19 PM

Towing a front wheel drive vehicle on a dolly is very common, nothing special about a Passat or diesel. Make sure the straps are tight and check on them frequently. A car with an air dam in front can sometimes be hard to load, be sure it clears the ramps as you run it up or back it off the dolly.

USA-RVNomads · 05-14-2016, 04:25 PM

I have a Master Tow dolly and have been towing it for the past three years. At first we toted around a Saturn Ion and recently we replaced it with a Honda Accord. To prevent the lower front end from hitting the dolly I simply place a 2x6 under each ramp end. That gives enough clearance for the front end to clear the dolly. the 2x6x12 are easily stowed in the basement of the bus or in the trunk of the car.

Just keep track of your towing mileage so that you rotate the front tires on the car to the rear to ensure even wear.

DeeGee · 05-17-2016, 11:32 AM

I have a 2012 Passat TDI, but elected not to try to tow it because I don't want to use a dolly. I bought a Wrangler Unlimited. Still have the Passat - can't sell it now, even with only 30K miles on it.

Johnitis · 05-17-2016, 01:47 PM

Are you going to keep your Passat? VW is buying back 2009s - 2015s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINS

I'm looking for experience others have had with dolly towing a auto trans, 2012 TDI.

Positives/negatives.

DDDonkey · 05-17-2016, 02:50 PM

I have towed my wife's Jetta sport wagon tdi with no issues other than it is low. I use an American tow dolly with the removable ramps. I also like the deluxe straps just a little better than the regular ones imo.

Jlkorneg · 07-17-2016, 11:46 AM

Hi, I'd like to ACME dolly tow my automatic VW Passat TDI with keyless entry. I'm not sure if I should put it in neutral and disconnect one of the battery terminals or do I need to unlock the steering wheel somehow. If so, I can't figure out how to do that? Help needed! Thanks.

BFlinn181 · 07-17-2016, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlkorneg

Hi, I'd like to ACME dolly tow my automatic VW Passat TDI with keyless entry. I'm not sure if I should put it in neutral and disconnect one of the battery terminals or do I need to unlock the steering wheel somehow. If so, I can't figure out how to do that? Help needed! Thanks.

I assume you're putting the front (drive) axle on the dolly. Put it in Park to lock the wheels from rolling. Leave emergency brake off. (it works on the rear axle) You'll have to check your manual or ask at a VW dealer about the steering unlock function. You might have to leave a fob in the car since it's range is only 1.5 m or so from the car. I don't think you require unhooking the battery unless turning on the car to accessory position.