Community Forums

RVNewbie101 · 01-09-2021, 11:37 AM

My wife and I want to tow a VW bug behind our RV this coming summer but don’t know what is involved to do so. Eg. what kind of dolly, etc. If you tow a VW bug, could you advise us please?

Thank you.

Wayne Barnes
cwaynebarnes@icloud.com

GOLDWINGER2 · 01-09-2021, 01:00 PM

Original bug or the re-vamped one?
J

YGoHom · 01-09-2021, 07:15 PM

If you mean the new Beetle, it depends. Check your owner’s manual to start. If it says yes, then eTrailer is a great resource. Typically you’ll need a base plate, tow bar, magnetic lights- or wire up the car’s lights, and a supplemental brake system. Or a tow bar with brake built in, such as the Ready Brute Elite.
https://www.etrailer.com/question-323665.html

If you mean an original Beetle, it couldn’t be easier or cheaper! You just need a tow bar, chain, and some magnetic lights. The early Beetle is so light that it doesn’t need a supplemental brake. However, some states require it if more than 1500 lbs. If you have a Super Beetle, that uses a different tow bar as the front suspension is completely different.
https://www.jbugs.com/product/3127.html

OlYeller · 01-10-2021, 07:53 AM

For the New Beetle VW doesn’t recommend recreational towing. After consulting with my mechanic and several who do tow VWs, they are certainly towable 4 down. I have towed my 2007 New Beetle over 11,000 miles in the 2 years I’ve had it with no problems. I must add that the only Beetle that can be towed 4 down is one with a manual transmission. Automatic Beetles can be towed only using a tow dolly with the front wheels up or on a car trailer.

To setup for towing you will need a tow bar, a base plate, wiring kit for lighting, a break away switch, safety cables, and the cable to connect the toad wiring to the RV. You will also need a braking system. I use a Brake Buddy.

Unplanned Tourist · 01-10-2021, 08:21 AM

My 1937 SS100 Jag kit car is on a bug chassis. Pulls great with the $130.00 tow bar.

theroc · 01-10-2021, 07:52 PM

You can take a look at what I posted HERE in a recent thread. It's essentially what OlYeller is saying.

Just remember, an older "New Beetle" -2011 to about 2014-- with FWD (front wheel drive) can be flat towed behind your motorhome if it is a manual transmission with a clutch pedal (not a DSG). If you have to have an automatic/DSG, then you'll be required to use a dolly to tow it behind your motorhome (A DSG transmission was used in the New Beetle and it's essentially an automatic or what they call a direct-shift dual-clutch manual (or in more simple terms, an automatic ...it can shift automatically and also can be shifted directly but has no clutch pedal) or in German "Direktschaltgetriebe."

Nothing will be addressed in the owner's manual nor will any VW be listed on any year dinghy towing guide but, again, it can be flat towed with a manual transmission or dolly towed with an automatic/DSG.

eta: We're only talking about the FWD New Beetle here (again, 2011 to about 2014). If you're referring to an older classic Bug with a rear engine, then that's another story so let us know if that's what you're inquiring about.

FIRE UP · 01-11-2021, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theroc

You can take a look at what I posted HERE in a recent thread. It's essentially what OlYeller is saying.

Just remember, an older "New Beetle" -2011 to about 2014-- with FWD (front wheel drive) can be flat towed behind your motorhome if it is a manual transmission with a clutch pedal (not a DSG). If you have to have an automatic/DSG, then you'll be required to use a dolly to tow it behind your motorhome (A DSG transmission was used in the New Beetle and it's essentially an automatic or what they call a direct-shift dual-clutch manual (or in more simple terms, an automatic ...it can shift automatically and also can be shifted directly but has no clutch pedal) or in German "Direktschaltgetriebe."

Nothing will be addressed in the owner's manual nor will any VW be listed on any year dinghy towing guide but, again, it can be flat towed with a manual transmission or dolly towed with an automatic/DSG.

eta: We're only talking about the FWD New Beetle here (again, 2011 to about 2014). If you're referring to an older classic Bug with a rear engine, then that's another story so let us know if that's what you're inquiring about.

Actually the "New" Beetle is from '97. But, the same game plan is in place, stick trannies only. I still wish I had both my '03 and '04 Bugs with the diesel in them. Never went below 42mpg, no matter what load was in/on them. And, I could have towed them.
Scott

theroc · 01-11-2021, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Actually the "New" Beetle is from '97. But, the same game plan is in place, stick trannies only. I still wish I had both my '03 and '04 Bugs with the diesel in them. Never went below 42mpg, no matter what load was in/on them. And, I could have towed them.
Scott

Yes, absolutely correct. I have no idea why I kept typing 2011. It's funny as DW wanted one back in 2004 so we purchased a used 2001 but only kept it for a few months as I later wanted to tow a Subaru instead so she relented.