Pulling a trailer with a 1.6 NA: Is it possible?

[overdrivegear]

I got a little trailer for my 1.6 NA diesel cabriolet.  Mind you, this has a Performance Diesel built IP and injectors and also has the AGS diesel transmission.  The rear springs have been upgraded and the trailer weighs 200 lbs and can hold 800 lbs.  Can pulling a trailer with a 1.6 NA actually be done?

Check out my application:

http://picasaweb.google.com/markzoller/CabrioletTrailer?authkey=Gv1sRgCJz2256To4qkSQ&feat=directlink

[Wayland]

I haven't tried exactly what you are thinking of, but I would think it would be no problem. The trailer is very small. I towbarred several Vw beetles (1800lb) behind my Vanagon w/ stock TD motor, and it was just fine, so you should have no prob, especially since you're running a Giles pump.

[maxfax]

There's an older local fellow that is toting a small trailer with a small (18 hp?) garden tractor on it with a bone stock '79 Rabbit 4 door (N/A 1.5 and a 4 speed)..  He's done this since it was new in '79, however he just putts around local with it.. Not much mountain climbing or highway driving... Personally I think you'd be fine, although I would probably try to limit the use of 5th gear since they tend to be a bit weak...

[mystery3]

If there are no hills involved I think you'll do fine. Not having enough brakes are what's more likely to get you in trouble when towing.

[R.O.R-2.0]

its your car, if you kill it, its your fault.. i would avoid it tho. VWs are FRIGGEN LITTLE..

unless the trailer is equally FRIGGEN LITTLE, i wouldnt tow with a VW.

[Wayland]

its your car, if you kill it, its your fault.. i would avoid it tho. VWs are FRIGGEN LITTLE..

unless the trailer is equally FRIGGEN LITTLE, i wouldnt tow with a VW.

Did you look at the picture? Trailer looks FRIGGEN LITTLE to me.

[clbanman]

No problem.  I've had more weight in the back of my N/A Golf than what you're likely to put in that trailer.  As previously stated, just make sure that your brakes are good.

[R.O.R-2.0]

oh wow, sorry i didnt look at the picture..

that is a FRIGGEN LITTLE trailer, and its kinda cute..

looks like you could fit more stuff in the back of a hard top rabbit.. lol..

usually i think trailer, im thinking a trailer, not a toy.. that is a tonka toy trailer, lol.

should be fine towing something that little.. but a turboD cabrio would tow it better, haha...

(WTF does the forward end of the hitch bolt to? all my rabbit hitches were bolted to the bumper and the rear axle beam. looks like that one is just sitting against the spare tire well?)

[theman53]

If you lawn mower can pull it then your Rabbit should pull it like a 1 ton.

I like that thing. It would be perfect for little stuff. As short as it is it maybe hard as can be to back it up, but as small as it is you could just unhook and walk it back then hook back on. With a normal clutch it wouldn't be bad, but with mine I don't like reverse at all with my 6 puck.

[R.O.R-2.0]

If you lawn mower can pull it then your Rabbit should pull it like a 1 ton.

I like that thing. It would be perfect for little stuff. As short as it is it maybe hard as can be to back it up, but as small as it is you could just unhook and walk it back then hook back on. With a normal clutch it wouldn't be bad, but with mine I don't like reverse at all with my 6 puck.

EEEEWWW! i totally forgot how bad VWs are in reverse.. they should have had half as tall of a reverse gear in them.. reverse is about as tall as second!

i just did a new 16v PP/8v Disk in my GTI, and reverse got pretty harsh. but it hooks the tires to the pavement real good now.

and yea, dont even try and back that trailer up, its just gonna bash the corners of your car.. unless you are really good backing up a tiny little trailer..

[8v-of-fury]

careful on that Reverse gear kEvo, they are brittle

I have hauled a lot of weight in my 1.6 Jetta. 5 adults, 3 of whom are 18-190lbs and two who are 225+ so that's 1/2ton right there.. and then we had the trunk packed full. 4 24's, 2 coolers full of ice and some small duffel bags tucked in the sides. On top of a full tank of D-fuel. had to be close to 15-1600lbs extra than normal day-to-day driving.. Eastern Ontario is verrry hilly, had to drop to 3rd for some hills it was struggling..

I doubt you'll ever haul 3/4 ton though..

YOU'LL BE FINE! people underestimate these little cars Good clutch and brakes and your golden lol

[R.O.R-2.0]

careful on that Reverse gear kEvo, they are brittle

ive already blown up one reverse idler, im one of the biggest preachers of the GLASS reverse idler gear. 

[vanbcguy]

Jezebel does great with a small U-Haul...



The trailer was loaded with vintage bicycles in that picture, probably about 350 lbs worth.  Another few hundred pounds in the trunk / back seat too.  She BARELY noticed it really, about the same acceleration and everything as normal.  I would say though that the turbo definitely came in to play on some of the hillier parts of the highway, and was definitely my friend on the onramps!

NA would probably do fine too, just give yourself lots of room when merging.  If it's just around town then I can't see any problem whatsoever.  Brakes are DEFINITELY a big deal though.

[2strokesmoke]

I'm still laughin' at the "FRIGGEN LITTLE"  skit,you all had goin on..great stuff.
15 years ago,my brother had an 81 rabbit,with 1.6NA 5spd.
He frequently towed his 16 foot bowrider to the boat launch ramp.
When he told me about it..I had to see it for myself !
I went with him ,one weekend.
I had images of a rabbit under water..in my head LOL
But he did tow the boat and trailer ,backed down the boat ramp and launched the boat flawlessly.
The funny part was,when I asked him "How the hell do you get the boat out of the water ?" " Do you like..hit the trailer doing 20 knots or something?" lol
He said.."nah.you just have to get the tires good and hot..and  she'll pull  the boat right up the ramp"
I had to see it to believe it !
He backed down the launch ramp,set the emergency brake,loaded the boat.. then revved the 1.6 NA right up to max and dumped the clutch..when the right front tire started bellowing smoke,he released the emergency brake.
And up the ramp went rabbit and boat.
That crazy SOB ! If it were me trying that..I would have had a drowned Rabbit !
As you can imagine..there were many speculaters applauding.
100% true story.
I can tell you..He pounded the daylights out of that Rabbit for over 300 k miles..and it never died.
Same reason I drive one agian.
Cheers !

[GEE-BEE]

I did a road trip to Sacramento in my caddy to pick up a purchase of a Kawasaki jetmate watercraft

I was pulled over for 97mph on the way and the CHP asked me , Do you know how fast you were going?

I replied no officer my speedo doesnt show past 85 , wrote me for 80 mph

My caddy pulled the 900 lbs trailer up the grapevine pass in forth no problem, egt's were 925 and water was 215

No problem...

GB