The Golf Alltrack's Camper Towing Capabilities Explored

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a four-wheel-drive version of the VW Golf Estate, which offers a higher ride and better ground clearance than the regular model. While the Alltrack is rated for a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds in Europe, the American version has a tow rating of zero due to liability issues. Despite this, some owners have reported towing small trailers and U-Haul trucks with their Alltrack, while others have expressed concerns about voiding their warranty. According to Volkswagen, the Alltrack is capable of towing a wide variety of family tourers, with a legal towing limit of 2000 kg. However, for stability reasons, it is recommended to tow no more than 85% of the car's kerb weight, which equates to approximately 1368 kg.

Towing capacity of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a capable tow car with a maximum towing capacity of 3300 lbs. However, it is important to note that towing at the maximum capacity can damage the vehicle's engine, suspension, tires, brakes and frame. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the 80/20 rule and use only around 80% of the maximum towing capacity, which for the Alltrack is 2640 lbs.

The Alltrack is a four-wheel-drive version of the Volkswagen Golf Estate, sitting a little higher from the road than the regular estate model. It is well-suited for towing, with a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The electronic parking brake and four-wheel drive make for fuss-free starting, even on slopes and in damp conditions.

When it comes to stability, the Alltrack performs well on country roads and at 60 mph in still air. However, when overtaking large vehicles or when passed by fast-moving vehicles, the caravan can tug at the back of the car, affecting stability. This can be mitigated by switching the optional adaptive dampers from 'comfort' to 'sport' mode.

For those looking to tow with the Alltrack, it is recommended to install a factory hitch, as these are designed to handle the stress of towing. Additionally, trailer brakes are advised for improved stability and cooling when towing. While the Alltrack is rated for towing in Europe, Volkswagen's official stance in the United States is that no towing is recommended for the Golf Alltrack, although it will not void the warranty.

Towing with the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in the US

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a capable all-weather tow car with a four-wheel-drive system and a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine. While it is a pricey car, it offers good towing capabilities and is well-equipped for the task. However, there are some important things to note when considering towing with the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in the US.

Towing Capacity

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has a maximum towing capacity of 3,300 lbs, as per the manufacturer's specifications. This is for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 models. It is important to note that towing at the maximum capacity can put a strain on your vehicle and may cause damage to the engine, suspension, tires, brakes, and even the frame. A commonly followed rule is the 80/20 rule, where you only use around 80% of the maximum towing capacity to stay within a safe limit. For the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, this would be around 2,640 lbs.

Signs of Excessive Towing

If you are exceeding the recommended towing capacity, you may notice that the front or rear of your vehicle sags disproportionately. Additionally, there may be premature wear on the shocks, and you may feel a difference in steering and braking. It is important to stay within the safe limits to avoid potential damage to your vehicle.

Hitch and Wiring Options

When considering towing with the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, it is crucial to use the appropriate hitch and trailer wiring. For hitches, you have several options:

• Curt: Class 1, 1.25” - available with or without a ball mount
• Draw-Tite: Class 1, 1.25”
• EcoHitch: Class 1 Hidden, available in 1.25” or 2”
• Westfalia: 50mm ball, rated for 176 lbs tongue and 4,409 lbs towing

For trailer wiring, you can choose from manufacturers like Curt and Tekonsha, depending on the model year and type of tail lamps on your vehicle. It is important to ensure that you have the correct wiring setup to comply with lighting and signaling requirements.

US vs European Specifications

It is important to note that the towing specifications for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vary between the US and European markets. In Europe, the Alltrack is rated for a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, and it is equipped with an OEM trailer module that improves stability and cooling while towing. However, in the US, the towing capacity is listed as zero, and towing may void the warranty. This discrepancy is due to liability concerns in the US, and it is important to follow the specifications for your specific market to ensure safe and proper use of your vehicle.

Towing with the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in the UK and Europe

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a four-wheel-drive version of the VW Golf Estate, which offers increased ground clearance compared to the standard model. While it is not recommended for towing in North America, the Golf Alltrack is rated for towing in the UK and Europe, and is commonly used as a tow vehicle in these regions.

In the UK and Europe, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is rated to tow a braked trailer weight of up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) for the 2.0 TDI Alltrack model, and 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) for the 1.8T Alltrack model. These ratings are the same for both manual and automatic (DSG) transmissions. It is important to note that these numbers are for braked trailers, and the hitches used are typically not 1.25" hitches.

For unbraked trailers, the maximum towing capacity is 750 kg (1,653 lbs) for the 2.0 TDI Alltrack, and 750 kg (1,653 lbs) or 670 kg (1,477 lbs) for the 1.8T Alltrack, depending on the engine size.

When towing with the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, it is recommended to follow the 85% rule, which suggests towing no more than 85% of the kerb weight for optimal stability, especially if you are new to towing. For the Golf Alltrack, this would equate to a recommended maximum towing weight of around 1,368 kg.

Additionally, when towing with a Class 1 hitch, which is commonly available for the Golf Alltrack, it is recommended to not exceed a tongue weight of 91 kg (200 lbs) and a total weight of 907 kg (2,000 lbs) for safe towing.

To enhance stability and cooling while towing, the Golf Alltrack can be equipped with an OEM trailer module, which is a common feature in the UK and Europe. Furthermore, trailer brakes are also recommended and are widely used in these regions.

When considering the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack for towing, it is important to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer, as well as the laws and regulations specific to the region where you plan to tow.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack's towing capacity compared to other models

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a four-wheel-drive version of the VW Golf Estate, offering a higher ride than the regular estate model. While the Alltrack is a capable all-weather tow car, Volkswagen does not recommend towing with the Golf (including the Alltrack) in the United States. This is due to the absence of an OEM trailer module, which is available in the UK and Europe, and provides improved stability and cooling when towing.

The 2017, 2018, and 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack models have a maximum towing capacity of 3300 lbs. While the exact figures vary, this is comparable to other models in the Golf range, such as the Golf SportWagen 4Motion. However, it is recommended not to tow with the Golf Jetta SportWagen as it may void the warranty, increase service visits, and be dangerous.

In the UK and Europe, the 1.8T and 2.0 TDI Alltrack models are rated for towing loads of up to 1500 kg and 2000 kg, respectively. These figures are for braked trailers and it is important to stay within these limits for safe towing.

With its 2.0-litre diesel engine and four-wheel-drive system, the Alltrack has ample pulling power for towing a variety of trailers and caravans. However, its performance when towing may vary depending on road conditions, terrain, and the weight of the load being towed.

Hitches and wiring for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a four-wheel-drive version of the VW Golf Estate, which sits a little higher from the road than the regular estate. It has a towing capacity of 3300 lb and a kerb weight of 3351.00-3422.00 lb.

When it comes to hitches and wiring, there are a few options available for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Here are some of the most popular choices:

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver

The EcoHitch is a custom-fit trailer hitch that is designed for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It has a 2-inch receiver and a weight rating of 2,000 pounds for towing and 300 pounds for tongue weight. The EcoHitch boasts a fully concealed design, with only the receiver visible when not in use, which maintains the sleek appearance of the vehicle. It features a powder-coated finish for durability and is made with recycled and recyclable materials. The EcoHitch also allows for seamless integration of towing and bike rack accessories, without the need for separate adapters.

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver

The Draw-Tite Sportframe is another custom-fit trailer hitch option for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It has a Class I, 1-1/4-inch receiver and is rated for 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight. This hitch features a dual-coat finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance.

CURT Class 1 Trailer Hitch

The CURT Class 1 trailer hitch is also a custom fit for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and has a 1-1/4-inch receiver. It is rated for 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight. This hitch features a dual-coat finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for rust, chip and UV resistance. The CURT hitch provides a standard receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack.

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness

The ZCI wiring harness is a recommended option for trailer wiring for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It installs without requiring any splicing and provides a 4-pole flat trailer connector, as well as tail lights, turn signals and brake lights for safe towing.

CURT Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

The CURT trailer hitch ball mount is designed to fit the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and provides a standard 1-1/4-inch shank that can accommodate a trailer ball of your choice.

These are just a few examples of hitches and wiring options available for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It is important to note that the weight ratings of these hitches may be higher than the towing capacity of your specific vehicle, so it is always recommended to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for factory tow weight ratings and to not exceed those ratings.

Frequently asked questions