Towing with a Mk1 GLD - possible or have I lost my mind?

[DaveGLD]

Hi all, one of my old Benzes has suffered some motor problems over the weekend and might be out of action for a while. The main reason I bought that particular benz was to use as a tow car to help me move furniture into my new house. I'm almost moved in so don't really need to do much more towing, but I'm thinking that I may still need the use of a trailer every 3-6 months.

The trailer I have is a standard 6x4, it tows well and is about as lightweight a trailer as you can get - very easy to move around by hand. Most of the stuff I have been moving are things like a dining table, washing machine, mattress etc - nothing over 50kg but stuff that is just too awkward to get on the roof or in the boot - i.e I'm not planning on towing caravans or trailer loads of bricks etc.

Anyway, I am wondering if I can just turf the benz and see if I can get a towbar for the golf - am I out of my league here or would the golf be ok for these light towing jobs? Does anyone else have a towbar on their Mk1 and what have you been able to tow with it?

Thanks in advance folks!

[killingwithasmile]

you could, just wouldn't get anywhere very quickly.

[Peter Jones]

It'll tow fine. Tow bars are very common on the diesels. I've had at least 3 GLDs through my hands that were setup for towing.

I towed up to 600kg (braked) with my 1800 MK1 at one stage.

Just take it easy and allow for extra stopping distance.

Pete

[DaveGLD]

Thanks guys, I know I wouldn't be breaking any speed records - I used to have a 1980 Merc 300D (3 litre non turbo diesel) and that was painfully slow when towing, but for those odd moving jobs it was fine.

The brakes on my car have been upgraded to Mk3 rear discs and I've just replaced the vacuum pump diaphragm so the brakes should be a little better than normal.

I'll post in the 'wanted' section as well, but if anyone has a towbar they want to sell please PM me!

[ryana89]

I used to have a 1980 Merc 300D (3 litre non turbo diesel)

5 Cylinder reppin'

[Peter Jones]

I've got several tow bars you could have but I'm in Vic. If you're ever down this way, swing by and pick one up.

Hang out for something local first though.

Pete

[GRN_VAGN]

i got a towbar on mine (was a diesel) but how it was done has mad the bumper face downwards more.

Golf should be fine to tow a small trailer

[allana13]

I guess it should be ok as long as its not too heavy

[DaveGLD]

Cheers guys - for those of you who are big into diesels I'm sure you'll agree the benz 5 cylinder OM617 is a fantastic engine!

vwgolf / John - thanks for your PM - the forum is giving me an error message saying that you cannot receive my reply as you have too many PM's in your inbox - could you please PM me your email address or phone number so I can get in contact with you. Cheers!