Towing

So here's a thing whilst @Zed was at mine, we were chatting about my double cab, which has a tow bar fitted it's obviously been on there for many years. So the question is, can you tow with an automatic? I really hadn't even given it a thought.
I'm not asking can you tow an automatic because I know you can't unless you disconnect the drive shafts.
Also what weight can you tow?

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I’m guessing on what you want to tow…

 

When we were camping with friends, one got a bit stuck in a shallow ditch. Mate with auto tried to tow him out and got nowhere. I pulled him out easily.
So, yes, I guess it depends what you intend towing.

 

Towing will also be possible with an Automatic - but less weights .
e.g. late 2L engine Automatic up to 800 kg - max 1000 kg less than 12% slope
(in contrast to manual transmission 1200 kg - max 1800 kg less than 12% slope)

See German VW document: https://www.vw-t2-bulli.de/data/documents/1982-09-vw-ratgeber-anhaengerbetrieb

However, the self-made trailer hitch would hardly be approved by us in Germany. There are more stable ones from Westfalia/Oris/Peka/...

regards,

 

It’s a Swedish made approved hitch

 

Automatic is perfectly capable at towing , most folks prefer an automatic

 

Excellent, she's a 2L Fi, so that helps a lot.

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Any approval documents for 1800 kg?

 

Tow bar? I thought they were fitted as a parking aid

 

Think about the extra cm when parking

It would be nice whether it would be a protection - my bumper has a dent from manual maneuvering before attaching my trailer

 

The plate will tell us

 

yep... if there is some - I did not see it on the first photo?!?

my plate - last line approved for 1800 kg:

 

Mine has this

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gently get the black off

 

Somehow looks like this Swedish VBG (Vänersborgskopplingen Group, https://www.vbggroup.com/en/about-us/our-history/)
one for max 1200 kg (1968-72) or 1500 kg (1973-79):

https://boxerville.se/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6563

 

I’ve towed with my auto but only a small trailer full of camping gear.

I thought I read you can tow an auto vehicle but only very small distance due to gearbox overheating due to lack of oil.

 

^this. Autos are ideal for towing as the torque converter lends a hand.

 

No more than 30 miles, I was told
As the ATF pump is powered by the rotation of the engine.

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My Double cab is from Sweden.

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Tow anything these Swedish 2.0FI