barth

Shefford, QC

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I've equipped my 2003 VW Golf with a Blue Ox Baseplate and I have a Blue ox Aventa tow bar. My question is about what I need to do in the car when I'm ready to tow it.
I know that I need to rotate the key one position toward the front in order to unlock the steering. By doing that everything is powered (radio, dash air, dashboard lights, etc..)
Do I need to remove a fuse? Is there usually a main fuse for that purpose?
Thanks a lot for your input.
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docj

Fulltime--Home is where we park it

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As I recall my VW's I thought there was a key position BEFORE all the lights went on. Have you checked your owner's manual to see if it discusses towing the vehicle either for RV purposes or normal towing?
I assume you have a manual transmission vehicle since VW automatics cannot be towed 4-down.
Sandie & Joel
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barth

Shefford, QC

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docj wrote: As I recall my VW's I thought there was a key position BEFORE all the lights went on. Have you checked your owner's manual to see if it discusses towing the vehicle either for RV purposes or normal towing?
I assume you have a manual transmission vehicle since VW automatics cannot be towed 4-down.
Yes of course it's a manual.
I went back and double checked. There is indeed a first position where the steering is unlocked and the electricals in the dash are off.
I guess I went to fast the first time and went pass that position.
So I guess I don't need to pull fuses now?
A friend of mine said that I HAD to remove at least a fuse somewhere.
Is it common practice to be able to tow a car without removing a fuse?
Excuse my simple questions. I'm new at pulling a car. Planning a two weeks trip and I want to do the right thing.
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wny_pat

Western NYS

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barth wrote: Is it common practice to be able to tow a car without removing a fuse? I don't have to remove a fuse on my Focus and know of other vehicles where you don't remove a fuse. I don't ever remember anyone saying you need to pull a fuse on the VW. My biggest concern would be the alarm and locking system! Make sure you have a spare key fob and that is in the motorhome and not the VW!!! Also you have very low clearance for the VW, so be careful on the speed bumps.
And no problem with questions around here. That is what this forum is all about. If you don't know ask and someone will try to help.
* This post was
edited 06/28/11 12:25pm by wny_pat *
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Ultralife

West Coast, USA

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1st - click, all accessories off, in neutral and away u tow!
Where you are is where your at!
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Blue OX tow bar and base plate
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docj

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I have to remove a fuse on my Malibu because there are circuits that are live when the key is in the "first position". There is no "rule" that says you always have to remove a fuse; it depends on the vehicle. This is where information from your owner's manual might provide some guidance. However, since VW doesn't list their vehicles on the Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing list, it is likely they don't provide guidance on this topic. You might try calling VW Customer Support to see if they have any info.
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barth

Shefford, QC

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docj wrote: However, since VW doesn't list their vehicles on the Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing list, it is likely they don't provide guidance on this topic. You might try calling VW Customer Support to see if they have any info.
Ha Ha!
I called VW and their answer was: No! It can't be done! No way! Don't do that!
Their owner's manual says in extreme emergency it can be towed for no more that 50 miles and at speed not exceeding 50MPH.
I guess that all of you towing a VW didn't know that
Joke apart, I've talked to some VW owners in the last couple days and if I put the key in the first position there's no problem.
The Golf and the Bug seem to be good vehicle for towing
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barth

Shefford, QC

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Ultralife wrote: 1st - click, all accessories off, in neutral and away u tow!
Thanks a lot! It's good to know
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wny_pat

Western NYS

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barth wrote: docj wrote: However, since VW doesn't list their vehicles on the Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing list, it is likely they don't provide guidance on this topic. You might try calling VW Customer Support to see if they have any info.
Ha Ha!
I called VW and their answer was: No! It can't be done! No way! Don't do that!
Their owner's manual says in extreme emergency it can be towed for no more that 50 miles and at speed not exceeding 50MPH.
I guess that all of you towing a VW didn't know that
Joke apart, I've talked to some VW owners in the last couple days and if I put the key in the first position there's no problem.
The Golf and the Bug seem to be good vehicle for towing Forget getting anything out of VWoA. Far better off calling VWAG (Germany) if you want a straight answer.
Oh, there are guys towing Jetta TDIs 4 down too.
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