tbeck
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by tbeck on Apr 20, 2013 18:36:20 GMT 10
Hi everyone,
I have been on the hunt for TOO LONG for another car to tow my little caravan with. It is only small, and weighs approx 600kg empty, and was wondering if anyone could offer any info regarding towing with a VW beetle. I am looking at the newer version of the beetle (2000 model). I plan on getting brakes fitted on the van, and the info i have found myself suggests that the beetles have a braked towing capacity of 1200kg. I was also looking at Honda CRVs but these have the same specs, and a beetle is more my style. Considering I do not have a family to transport, I really do not want a large car if i can get away with it. Cheers!
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Post by DC3Td on Apr 20, 2013 19:32:20 GMT 10
Hi.When i first got the teardrop i towed it around the block a few times out of curiosity to see how my `74L twin port 1600 would handle it. Up hills,twists & turns etc. Didn`t know it was there really other than maybe upgrading the brakes. Being that a 2000 model is somewhat more refined (bmw technology) can`t see you having any problems. There have been a couple or more (early) beetle drivers here who`ve had no dramas either.Good luck with your choice of tow vehicle. gordon  |
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Post by shesgotthelook on Apr 21, 2013 8:37:23 GMT 10
I don't see why not. I used to drive a Renault 16, very similar engine capacity I believe? anyway, here's a great pic of one   |
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Post by Roehm3108 on Apr 21, 2013 17:39:29 GMT 10
A Beetle may well be able to tow 1200kg braked weight, but have you asked the maximum ball weight allowed? Would I be correct in presuming that a 2000 model would be a FWD version?? There would be a heap of difference between towing a TD versus towing a full height van. Your Beetle DC3td would be a RWD, and have no windage, when towing a TD.
Hopefully you will get some professional advice before attempting the tow.
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Post by penny61 on Apr 21, 2013 17:54:54 GMT 10
Comparing a new Beete to an old one when it comes to towing capacity doesn't quite work as they are two totally different vehicles. The new one is more similar to a Golf, and I wouldn't think there would be much of a problem towing a 600kg when empty caravan with it... altough I wouldn't go anywhere near te same weight with my 1970 model Bug.... although when we have rebuilt the motor we have a proper tow baar to fit so I can tow Penny with her....
Checking the ball wight of your van vs. what a New Beetle can tow is definately a good idea.
I like the idea of twing a vintage van with a new Beetle... good luck!!
Vanessa.
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Post by greedy53 on Apr 21, 2013 21:27:26 GMT 10
people forget that old cars were used long before modern vehicles came along,I can remember when dad hooked up a van on the fj and go up the coast to Foster and further up never wondering if it would make,
I can remember riding in the van,get strung up for it now,but back to your question yep no worries probley tow a classis 16 footer
happy vaning
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Post by Roehm3108 on Apr 22, 2013 13:00:32 GMT 10
Hey greedy. I still remember back in the early 70's meeting a towed van coming downhill towards me, developing the wobbles and nearly losing it. Luckily for me he controlled it just before we passed, as I had nowhere to go.
Today, with lightweight cars and FWD, you still need to be very careful about what you choose as a towing vehicle.
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Trish_M
Full Member
1950's Home Made Bondwood "Bettie Moonya"
Posts: 275
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Post by Trish_M on Apr 22, 2013 14:26:52 GMT 10
tbeck... add us and come Glamping!!  |
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Post by greedy53 on Apr 22, 2013 19:05:04 GMT 10
yep wobbles were a problem then as now when the van is loaded wrong.
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Post by shesgotthelook on Apr 22, 2013 21:37:59 GMT 10
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Post by sutcac on Apr 24, 2013 15:29:31 GMT 10
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Post by penny61 on Apr 25, 2013 18:35:22 GMT 10
Niiiice..... drool....
Towing a kombi (cara)van with another Kombi is on the "you're not supposed to do it" list.... But I know plenty of people who have, including my boyfriend (who does know better) and my mechanic (who also knows beter). It can be done but not too often or for too long distances, they're just a bit too heavy... But gee I like that!!!
One day I want an Eriba Puk..
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Post by ripper on Dec 6, 2013 16:30:13 GMT 10
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dayno
New Member
Posts: 22 
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Post by dayno on Aug 25, 2014 17:50:28 GMT 10
I towed a 900kg fully loaded camper trailer with an early 90s subaru liberty fwd. I didn't have an issue at all. if your ball weight is correct, van balanced and rear suspension set up for towing there is no reason you can use a fwd. When I bought my Caravelle I towed it back with a toyota Camry totally stock standard. Not a problem Tbeck as as long as your tow vehicle has the tow capacity to tow your van go for it. |
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