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Mon Jul 07, 2025 12:48 pm

Any one towing with their TDI conversions? I have one utility trailer when fully loaded with all my stuff is well under 1000 lbs that I will use when I go camping by myself but wife wants more sleeping space than is available the vanagon when she goes with me because 1) we have a huge dog and 2) she is used to sleeping on a King bed. 3) She also wants something for grand kids. I know one of us could sleep up and one down but that still doesn't much space for the huge 75-80 lb dog. I know some of you tow small popups, boats and other things. Are you over 1000lbs? Not looking to cruise at 70+ mpg, don't do that now and probably will never see any steep mountain passes. Hayden

Mon Jul 07, 2025 2:37 pm

I know this trailer is 700 pounds empty. We were able to stop at some scales on the way back (less stuff in it) from Syncro Solstice one year and it was around 3000 pounds. It's been over mountain passes, but not quickly. It's probably not great for my transmission either. But it can tow it. You probably wouldn't feel 1000 pounds back there that often, especially if you aren't driving over mountains!

Mon Jul 07, 2025 3:20 pm

Subaru EJ25 conversion, 165hp.

I think the trailer is 1100lbs. The bikes are 450lbs, 250lbs, and 500lbs. So probably 2300lbs. Towed it without issue although the van went down to stock 2.1 levels of acceleration/speed.

I don't think your TDI motor is an issue, if anything, the wear to the trans is a consideration. I kept it at 60mph when towing that much weight.

Mon Jul 07, 2025 9:29 pm

Instead of the hassle of dealing with a trailer, another option would be to swap to a Weekender/passenger GL interior layout and get into a larger bed. Sure you lose some cabinets and storage space, but the full size bed is where it's at! Less stuff, larger bed..win win.

Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:53 am

Member AndyBees towed a trailer to Alaska and back with his TDI powered Vanagon.

When traveling I’ve thought of how a small camping trailer might change how we travel and camp. The idea of a base camp we could take trips from is appealing and the extra space would be nice. But, the small foot print of the camper is sort of the point.

My wife and I, 75 pound dog, food and gear are comfortable enough for 2-3 week outings. We sleep downstairs, dog likes her bed on the floor. It’s cramped but our small house feels like a mansion when we get home.

When thinking about towing, you have to think about stopping. My open car trailer has elec brakes on one axle. Actually improves stopping distance. If I did add a trailer, I’d add brakes to it.

Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:16 am

^ Yes. The Curt 7 pin universal trailer wiring wasn't that hard to install.

Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:24 am

So what size is you pop up?

Tue Jul 08, 2025 7:57 pm

Well bought a 2002 Coleman Yuma that weighs under 1500 lbs empty. I intend to remove everything from the inside except the beds and the table. It will be a sleeping bunkhouse. It currently has a fridge, a heater, stove top, sink, water tank etc. All that is coming out. AC stays on roof!!! This is Texas after all. Between the fridge and the heater, that will be over 100 lbs off easy. Picking it up on Saturday.

Wed Jul 09, 2025 7:40 pm

I’m curious what type of boost or egt temps ya’ll are seeing in hilly terrain towing with the tdi?

Wed Jul 09, 2025 7:49 pm

When I have towed my former clamshell trailer, fully loaded with VW parts and heavy. I never saw over 1400 and that was letting the cruise take the car up a ½ mile or so long hill without downshifting. Will see with this new trailer.