Tiguan for towing

[fergo308]

Hi all,

I'm looking to downsize from an R51 Pathfinder to a used 103TDI DSG Tiguan (i.e 2010 onwards),but still want to be able to tow close to the 2T rating half a dozen times a year or so when I take my weekend car to the track.

Do any of you have any experience with towing around 1700-1800kg trailer weights with the 2l turbo diesel engine backed by the DSG gearbox and are there any potential problems I should consider/look out for?

The pathy tows quite well but isn't a nice car (truck really) for my wife to drive daily and I'd like to get her a nicer car for her daily duties that can still tow what I need it to.
Seeing as I can't leave any car I buy alone,any tig I buy will cop suspension and brake upgrades,but it's the driveline that I'm most concerned about.

Any tips/advice you guys could give me would be appreciated.


Justin...

[tigger73]

Hi all,

I'm looking to downsize from an R51 Pathfinder to a used 103TDI DSG Tiguan (i.e 2010 onwards),but still want to be able to tow close to the 2T rating half a dozen times a year or so when I take my weekend car to the track.

Do any of you have any experience with towing around 1700-1800kg trailer weights with the 2l turbo diesel engine backed by the DSG gearbox and are there any potential problems I should consider/look out for?

The pathy tows quite well but isn't a nice car (truck really) for my wife to drive daily and I'd like to get her a nicer car for her daily duties that can still tow what I need it to.
Seeing as I can't leave any car I buy alone,any tig I buy will cop suspension and brake upgrades,but it's the driveline that I'm most concerned about.

Any tips/advice you guys could give me would be appreciated.


Justin...

I'd be inclined to go with the standard 6 speed auto rather than the 7 speed DSG for towing duties.

As much as I like my DSG for day to day driving/performance, I think the heat generated with the DSG clutches slipping in low gears and 2 tonnes on the back could shorten the life of the DSG gearbox.

I think most people using the Tig for towing have either the manual or standard 6 speed auto.

[fergo308]

Thanks for the reply Tigger73.
One question I have in response: When was the auto dropped as a gearbox option? From what I've seen online so far it seems to be in late 2010 or so,as the later cars listed on carsales and the like all seem to have a DSG,and the info from VW on their website shows a DSG as the only gearbox option on new 103TDI Pacific tigs.
An auto would be preferable for the usual reliability reasons,but are they available on the newer cars?

I've only worked on Mk4 and older golfs,the odd audi and passats in the past,so my knowledge on the newer VAG product is very limited,but I'm trying to pick it up.


Justin...

[tigger73]

One question I have in response: When was the auto dropped as a gearbox option? From what I've seen online so far it seems to be in late 2010 or so,as the later cars listed on carsales and the like all seem to have a DSG,and the info from VW on their website shows a DSG as the only gearbox option on new 103TDI Pacific tigs.
An auto would be preferable for the usual reliability reasons,but are they available on the newer cars?

I've only worked on Mk4 and older golfs,the odd audi and passats in the past,so my knowledge on the newer VAG product is very limited,but I'm trying to pick it up.

I think you're right it's only up to the 2010 model diesels that have the auto - everything later is DSG.

There was a period in 2012 where the DSG was in shortage and they went back to the 6 speed auto but I think this was only in the 132TSI Pacific. They ended up throwing in a heap of extra goodies to sweeten the deal and that's also where the "Pacific" name came from. They have kept the name but now they are offering DSG as standard. I don't think the auto is available as an option anymore.

The 118TSI has the 6 speed (DQ250) DSG but this is a different beast altogether - same gearbox as in the GTI and Golf R and same engine as the Golf 118TSI which has had the odd issue here in Aus... The 7 speed DSG in the Tiguan is the higher rated DQ500 which is also in the Audi TTRS.

....so if you want an Auto diesel you'll have to try and find a low km 2010 model. There's one up in Qld with 20,000km on the clock

[mrezekiel]

Well I used to tow a boat with a BA Ford Falcon and it felt like I was towing a house. With the Tiguan I don't even feel it. But the boat is only a 4.3m fibreglass with a big old merc outboard. Loaded it might be nearing one tonne unbraked.

It's very steady on the road, with the proper tow kit from VW you get all the extra stability control features. I'm contemplating using it for small wake boat which will be near the 2 tonne limit. I only have to go 10km to the lake but I don't think it'll be any trouble.

If I do use it for towing a larger boat I'll probably get one of the tuning chips, there is one which is apparently really good and does more than just increase air and fuel to the motor, I haven't looked at them for some time so I can't remember sorry.



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