camp-n-family wrote: See, even with a Porsche, he's holding up traffic!
A Porsche pulled Caravan has the current speed record for Caravans at 120mph on a Autobahn. I saw a Caravan pulled by a European Van going past us at 80mph on a British freeway. Speed Limit for them is supposed to be 50mph!!
I saw this as well:
Quote: Guinness World Records: Mercedes Benz S600 driven by Eugene Herbert reached a speed of 139.113mph towing a standard caravan on 24 October 2003.
Read more http://www.kgbanswers.co.uk/can-you-tell-me-the-land-speed-record-for-a-car-towing-a-caravan/2510262#ixzz21paXHOi1
* This post was
edited 07/26/12 02:54pm by RobertRyan *
Terryallan wrote: Here is the deal guys. He is going to take it to Cam Am RV, and they are going to rebuild the Jetta. They are going to rebuild it, so that it CAN tow. And it will do fine. and it won't be illegal, Wouldn't be any way. But it will tow until the little motor gives up.
Thanks for all the input and advice, it's appreciated and I found it very interesting and kinda expected the reply's I got,lol.
The reason I am sticking with the Jetta VR6 high output five speed as a tow vehicle is that I have totally rebuilt the whole car to better than new.
The whole suspension,engine,brakes,cooling system,exhaust,hoses belts,clutch ,fly wheel,timing chains & guides, valve job,all bushings, both water pumps, both radiators,condenser,evaporator, transmission oil cooler,chrome moly synthetic gear oil and motor oil, bearing's,tires ect.
You name it and I fixed/replaced it. Preventative maint.
I don't think I could sell it and get what I put into it in parts and labor so that is what I am going to use.
As far as power is concerned, I have plenty of that with the rebuilt high output VR6 six cylinder engine.
The clutch is heavy duty as is the fly wheel so no problamo there.
The only weak part might be the transmission. When that goes I have a brand new one still in the crate in my brothers garage, and can be shipped anywhere.
As far as a trailer is concerned, I have decided on a 70's Argosy Minuet single axle since it's perfect for me.
Light weight, easy to tow, power brakes, well balanced,aerodynamic
cheap ($2,500).
As far as living I need very little gear. My tools,clothing, survival gear, laptop,bike, one plate, one fork,knife,spoon,soap, ect. I should have less than 800lbs total in cargo.
The trailer will be parked the majority of the time and will only be on the road when moving from state to state.
I only have this to say.
Make sure you get a GOOD roadside assistance plan.
And have plenty of room on the credit card.
Repairs on the road are not cheap.
Huntindog
2010 Palomino Sabre 30BHDS TWO bathrooms...No waiting!
MICHELIN XPS RIBS LRE
2011 Silverado Big Dually 3500 4x4 CC D/A
EQUALIZER Hitch 100% BOONDOCKING
Check out Rusty and her pups at www.bluecollarbrittanys.com
Some discussion and brochures of the Argosy Minuet are shared on that web page.
From reading a few internet threads about the Jetta, it appears the towing capacity is somewhere between 1000 -> 2000 lbs., depending on how the vehicle is set up.
The OP's basic plan of towing the Minuet between states with a Jetta and living in it full time would be characterized in my neck of the woods like "going to Duluth by way of Mankato". To think that fuel economy is going to enter into the equation is a real stretch.
I'm not one to slam someone on the internet about their ideas, I usually don't post and move on. This plan, however, deserves a response because my family will possibly be sharing the road with the OP, if his plan goes forward. It may be that the OP leads a totally charmed life and can survive without incident to his destination but I'm doubting it. Physics cares not at all about plans.
To the OP:
I've already voiced my opinion, I'm sure you don't need to read it a second time.
Keep us informed as to how the purchase of the trailer goes, how well (or poorly) it tows behind the VW etc. And definitely keep us updated as to your "trip". (Quotes used because it's hard to call a 5-year excursion like this a simple trip.)
boosTT wrote: Hitches in europe are different than american hitches. They attach to the rear axle, not frame.
Ether way, what you plan to do in the USA is highly illegal and dangerious. I highly highly doubt your stock clutch could move something heavy without slipping.
Why don't you look into a class C. It would be much easier to find a low cost class C, rather then go to can-am and locate an used TT that meets your requirements.
attach to the rear axle?.....don't think so...most cars in eu don't even have a rear axle...
Terryallan wrote: Here is the deal guys. He is going to take it to Cam Am RV, and they are going to rebuild the Jetta. They are going to rebuild it, so that it CAN tow. And it will do fine. and it won't be illegal, Wouldn't be any way. But it will tow until the little motor gives up.
Thanks for all the input and advice, it's appreciated and I found it very interesting and kinda expected the reply's I got,lol.
The reason I am sticking with the Jetta VR6 high output five speed as a tow vehicle is that I have totally rebuilt the whole car to better than new.
The whole suspension,engine,brakes,cooling system,exhaust,hoses belts,clutch ,fly wheel,timing chains & guides, valve job,all bushings, both water pumps, both radiators,condenser,evaporator, transmission oil cooler,chrome moly synthetic gear oil and motor oil, bearing's,tires ect.
You name it and I fixed/replaced it. Preventative maint.
I don't think I could sell it and get what I put into it in parts and labor so that is what I am going to use.
As far as power is concerned, I have plenty of that with the rebuilt high output VR6 six cylinder engine.
The clutch is heavy duty as is the fly wheel so no problamo there.
The only weak part might be the transmission. When that goes I have a brand new one still in the crate in my brothers garage, and can be shipped anywhere.
As far as a trailer is concerned, I have decided on a 70's Argosy Minuet single axle since it's perfect for me.
Light weight, easy to tow, power brakes, well balanced,aerodynamic
cheap ($2,500).
As far as living I need very little gear. My tools,clothing, survival gear, laptop,bike, one plate, one fork,knife,spoon,soap, ect. I should have less than 800lbs total in cargo.
The trailer will be parked the majority of the time and will only be on the road when moving from state to state.
Since you have apparently made up your mind, all I can say is good luck to those driving around you and please, please don't visit New Mexico.
Chris and Jane and two boys (and a DDIL) who prefer tents
2013 Open Range Journeyer JT337RLS
2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 4x4, Crew Cab, DRW, 5.9 turbo diesel
1996 Harley Davidson Electraglide
If he has Can Am set it up and just pulls a 2,200lb minuet, I don't think it will be THAT bad. It's not like he's putting a 38' 5th wheel on a Ram 1500 and driving the interstates with no concern because it's a truck and outa be able to do it. That's alot worse in my book.
Can Am's abilities and advise on building it for towing along with your driving habbits would mean alot more than the replacement parts you have put into the VW over the years.
OP, please keep this thread updated when or if you get set up and tow EVEN if it doesn't go so well for whatever reason. Don't be another one of those that talks big about towing outside of conventional recomendations then dissapears into the woodwork.
2008 Keystone Sprinter 299BHSS
2003 Ram 3500 CC DRW 4x4
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