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Touareg towing Freedom Express 282BHDS (GVWR - 7700lbs) - safe?

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hitch towing trailer
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#21 ·
The tow limits and weight distribution systems have been talked to death on here. Basically you'll find that VW has marked the hitches and manuals with different specs over the years. My MY09 3.0 TDI actually has a label on the hitch saying max 770 lbs with or without weight distribution hitch....actually inferring that you can use a weight distribution system. It's funny how the specs have changed but the actual vehicle hasn't changed (for T2).
 
#22 ·
DirtRider said:
The tow limits and weight distribution systems have been talked to death on here. Basically you'll find that VW has marked the hitches and manuals with different specs over the years. My MY09 3.0 TDI actually has a label on the hitch saying max 770 lbs with or without weight distribution hitch....actually inferring that you can use a weight distribution system. It's funny how the specs have changed but the actual vehicle hasn't changed (for T2).
Click to expand...
I believe in my opinion
it's the lawyers that have changed, hence the different numbers.
 
#24 ·
Many people misunderstand the principle of WDH. Here are the main things the WDHs do.
1. Lift the sagged rear of the TV
2. Return the front weight (TV) close to the point without a trailer (not 100%, but around 95%)
3. Transfer the lifted-weight to the trailer axles

There are more side effects/benefits besides the three things I mentioned above while you operating the vehicle. Explaining all of them may confuse people. And they they are not that significant so you can ignore them.

many people know and consider 1 and 2 and narrate their opinions. However, without considering #3, the theory can't be complete. The major part of the tongue weight transfers to the trailer axles if you set up the WDH properly.

More important matter than the length and/or weight of the trailer to safely tow a trailer is the driving speed. If you go over 65mph with the lengthy trailer, your safety can be ruined very fast. I believe that the 31ft trailer owner has driven it within the safe speed limits and that's why he/she has been comfortable driving it. But I don't see anyone mentioning about the speed. If you set up WDH properly and drive 80% of the speed limits on the highway and other roads that you see speed limits, you would be fine. Treg can handle that very well. The driving speed makes everything different as far as the safety is concerned.
 
#25 ·
panacea said:
Many people misunderstand the principle of WDH. Here are the main things the WDHs do.
1. Lift the sagged rear of the TV
2. Return the front weight (TV) close to the point without a trailer (not 100%, but around 95%)
3. Transfer the lifted-weight to the trailer axles
Click to expand...
1 Lift the sagging rear by REDUCING the weight on the hitch and therefor on the rear axle.

2. Transfer some of that weight to the front axle, reducing lift (weight reduction). The exact amount has to do with the tightness of the WDH, and the distance between the fulcrum point of the hitch and the axles (all of them)
With a correct set up, the front has at least the normal/unloaded amount of load, and never more than the allowable load. (95% is on the light side, but the settings are usually not that precise)

3. Transfer some of the weight to the trailer axle(s). Again, the exact amount has to do with the tightness of the WDH, and the distance between the fulcrum point of the hitch and the axles (all of them)
With a correct set up, the trailer axle load is usually not of a concern, as it is the vehicle axles load you are setting and there is no way to independently adjust the trailer axle load.
 
#26 ·
What speed you tow at is very important.

Recently on the way back from west coast (mostly one lane in either direction) I was passed by a Ford 250 pulling a toy hauler about 30+/- feet in length. I was pulling my 32TT (in my Touareg) going 55-60 in a 55 zone, and this guy blows buy me in a long level passing stretch of the highway with at lease a 20mph closing speed...easily 80 mph. He was the fastest driver I saw on that entire trip, and he is hauling at least 8,000lbs behind him. I don't care what your TV is, slow down. You can't fix stupid.
 
#27 ·
The biggest concern with speed is really the opposite - getting the rig stopped or slowed in critical situations. Brake energy dissipation capacity (which is fixed by the vehicle/trailer design) and the various stability control systems together with how well they operate together are the limiting factors. Total stopping distance is only one criteria. Vehicle manufacturers will always be conservative when specifying the allowable limits.
 
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#28 ·
xil3 said:
Thanks for the input guys.

I'm just concerned about losing my warranty if something does go wrong. I had a chat with VW, and they said that nothing would be covered if something breaks, and they think that it may be due to me towing (over the limit).
Click to expand...
If something does go wrong, losing your warranty will be the least of your worries.

Think health insurance, hospitalization, long term care, liability, etc.

Something going wrong means a 6,000 lb item has gone ass-up or let go or you've snap-rolled, or jack-knifed...

Whatever is involved will likely be totalled. Warranty won't be much of an issue.

Be careful out there...real careful!
 
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#29 ·
Spiegelglatt said:
There is a YouTube video out there titled something like airstream performance or something, this shows a Cayenne wrestle a box trailer down off two wheels. This is a extreme example but to me showed capability. Now that I have experienced this first hand I would say the video really is extreme.
Click to expand...

Here you go.
video.
 
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#30 ·
What type of brake controller do you use with towing your trailer? I can not get my local VW dealer to install my Prodigy P2 controller. I haul a smaller horse trailer and it is around 3,500 pounds unloaded and around 5,500 loaded.
 
#33 ·
I installed it myself; instead of using the brake signal from the master cylinder (the plug under dash), I add a normally open switch that is closed when the brake pedal is depressed to send voltage to prodigy; for the 3 other wires, I used the under dash plug. It works well since 15000km towing my 7300lbs trailer. my touareg is a tdi 2014 from a Quebec canada dealer.
 
#35 ·
Well... This is very interesting.

Just bought a 2016 Cruiser RV Fun Finder 242 BDS, 24' trailer, 27.7' total length, 5100 lbs dry that I will tow with my '05 V8 with Air suspension...

I will keep posted on the results. I will not use any WDH since I have air susp. From the towing results of my previous trailer (2009 Trail-Sport 21RBH 24' with tongue, 3100 lbs dry), I am convinced of the high towing capability and stability of the Treg.

I will able to compare since I have Land Rover company cars, and I towed last year with a '15 LR4 V6 supercharged with air suspension. In my opinion, the Touareg is superior to the Land Rover for towing. This summer, I will compare with a 2016 Range Rover Sport TDV6 Diesel with air suspension. Will keep you guys posted on the results...

I use as well a Prodigy P2 for a few years, very satisfied with it.
 
#36 ·
All of the theories are wonderful, but its all BS until you get your setup on scales and take weight readings at both axles.

I'm willing to bet your tongue weight is more like 1000 - 1100lbs with propane tanks and battery. RV makers are notorious for weight specs being waaaay off. They simply measure the basic box, different interior configurations always change the weight distribution.

What I would do:
1. Get the tongue on a scale and find out true tongue weight. do it loaded ie: full propane tanks, all your gear inside, ready to go on a tour.
2. Measure the axles weight vs GAWR at front and rear...weight distribution isn't alien magic, its simply a lever jacking the back end up...that tongue weight doesn't disappear. Compare your ACTUAL weight connected to the trailer to your front and rear GAWR. If you're exceeding either you're both violating the law and putting yourself and others in danger.
3. Get a combined vehicle weight rating (trailer plus touareg) and compare to your maximum combined gvwr. If you're exceeding it then again, you're in for a massive fine.
4. Once you've determined load on the vehicle (from your axle rating measurements), add these to the vehicle weight, passengers weight and cargo weight. Add up all these weights and compare to payload. You only have about 1100lbs of payload so I would very much suspect you are likely exceeding it. Illegal and dangerous.

CRITICAL:
-Do not get these weights from a brochure. Get them on a scale.
-Every measurement should be in ready to travel mode, Kids, dogs, gear, food wife and whatever the heck else you bring with you.
-Make certain your trailer and touareg make a perfectly level line from front bumper of touareg to rear of trailer...this is critical to stability. I cannot over-emphasise how important this part is.

30 minutes on the scales and 30 minutes nailing down your level towing setup will save you all the grief you're trying to avoid.

For the record I've towed somewhere around 50,000miles in Touaregs, and have owned and still own HD pickup trucks. Touareg is a great 1/2 ton like towing experience, but don't push its limits beyond what I mention above....there is a reason they make $80,000 HD trucks.
 
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#37 ·
all that aside, which is certainly critically important... ALL Towing is not "SAFE" in answer to your question... you make your own luck out there as nothing handles,stops,reacts or behaves like you want it to when towing...
 
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#38 ·
Something that isn't addressed is that tongue weight is stability. The largest truck on the road with a poorly loaded trailer is dangerous. Poor load distribution can be a death decision. Intentionally overloading the rear if a trailer to cut tongue weight is a VERY bad idea.

More tongue weight (relative to too little) equals stability (within specifications). I always tow at the max safe tongue weight to ensure stability in wind and lane changes.

A tongue scale is a must have. Sherline makes a brilliant model that I would recommend:

Amazon.com: Sherline LM 1000 - Trailer Tongue Weight Scale - 1000LB: Automotive

Yes the picture is my initial tongue weight (28' box travel trailer 32' overall). It includes hitch head, shank, sway bars, WD bars, full water tank (never use as we don't boondock, this is just forward of the axels) and a large waste tote that shouldn't have been in the forward storage because we don't use it..what I am getting at is it is actually a little bit less, but close enough to to my trucks stamped 770 lbs rating.

My trailer was rated at 10% curb by brochure...as said above brochures are only good for GVWR.
 

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#39 ·
Throw my cents too..

Years ago i have Grand Cherokee WJ 4.7 V8 Limited and pull my previous
boat weight 7700lbs with trailer, No problems, right situation speed and keeping eys open thats it.

GC weights 1670kg compare Treg weights 2670kg.

GC registry documents reads max trailer weight 3500kg, that's what
ones cops keeps wondering when they stop me with GC+boat.
After wondering they wish nice trip :D

Maybe Treg is not like GC when there are so much talk about that 7700lbs.
Even that treg curb weight is 1000kg (+2000lbs) more than GC :(

What comes to safety. Driving motorbike is way much dangerous
than trailering, thats why i sold my 1100 gsxr :)

The boat i have now weight 11000lbs with trailer, i have 7700lbs zetor 6945 for pulling it out of water.
Maybe i try how Treg handless 11000lbs.
 
#40 ·
Spiegelglatt said:
Something that isn't addressed is that tongue weight is stability. The largest truck on the road with a poorly loaded trailer is dangerous. Poor load distribution can be a death decision. Intentionally overloading the rear if a trailer to cut tongue weight is a VERY bad idea.

More tongue weight (relative to too little) equals stability (within specifications). I always tow at the max safe tongue weight to ensure stability in wind and lane changes.
Click to expand...
Could not agree more, hence the reason HD pickups have max tongue weight ratings of 1500lbs and payload ratings of well over 4000lbs.

The secret to stability is setup.
 
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