Moving cross-country with VW Jetta and Towing Capacity
Asked by Jackie Nov 19, 2018 at 09:57 PM about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE FWD
Question type: General
I am moving from Virginia to California and wanted to bring with me a few
items that do not fit in my trunk. I got a hitch with the capacity for 3,500 and
all of its necessary parts, and my plan is to rent a small 5'x8' trailer to carry
all of these items. I am wondering if there are other precautions I should look
into or things that I may be overlooking and not considering. I appreciate all
the advice you may have!
Note: The items I want to pack approach the 1,000 lbs limit capacity but do
not exceed it.
6 Answers
Drive slow and have your transmission serviced before the trip.
I'm moving to Florida from New Jersey and was curious how your transmission held up in your move? (if it happened yet). I'm trying to tow a few items like you and not sure if I should. My car's towing capacity is 1,500 lbs, I have the 1.4T 5 speed. Any feedback from your trip would be appreciated!
Any feedback from the moves above? In the same situation, moving Colorado to Boston with my Jetta
I successfully moved forward with my plan! Car is doing great and didn’t have any issues. Only thing to add is that I had my oil changed before and after the move. Also make sure the chain attaching hitch to uhaul doesn’t drag. Ours had too much slack and sparked and ended in breaking, but uhaul came right away to replace it. Good luck with your move!
Jen2017Jetta answered 2 years ago
Jackie, I LOVE YOU!!! Thank you for posting this. I will be moving to IN from WA. In my 2017 Jetta TSI. I've read all the "not recommended" but you "could technically tow" using a Jetta. I have NO CHOICE but to chance it. I also will not be towing more than half the weight of my car, including the trailer weight. Glad to hear you made it safely. I plan on going rather slow and easy. Your experience has given me a bit of peace of mind. Thanks again. Jennifer
Dragging safety chains cause wildfires! You can end up paying for all the damage and fire suppression costs!
