Towing my VW GTI with my KJ, LA to Vegas and back.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:05 pm

Hi everyone, I am looking for input on what it is like to tow with the Liberty KJ. I know it is somewhat underpowered for the job but can it be done? I don't have the tow package but I did have a trans cooler put in when the trans was rebuilt in 2009 and the trans has been serviced recently.

I'd like to be able to trailer the GTI on a Uhaul rental car hauler but i think weight will be a concern so I am also thinking of a car dolly for just the front wheels instead. The GTI's curb weight is 3100lbs. I'd need to carry a light array camping equipment and some "car stuff" as well as my tool box which is about 90-100 lbs (I'm guessing).

I could rent a truck to pull with from Uhaul too but the cost of that would make the trip not worth the money...

So what is the most weight you've pulled with your KJ? Did it handle OK or was it straining? There are some steep grades between L.A. and Las Vegas...

Thanks for your input!

SB06KJ · **Posted:** Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:46 pm

When I moved from Columbus, Ohio down here to Orlando, Florida it was definitely a stress on my kj. Fully loaded up inside, towing a 12x6 enclosed trailer. With it being enclosed, anytime a semi or large truck drove past me, I'd get sucked in then pushed back after it passed.... So you have to honestly be 10 and 2 lol cause its definitely nerve wracking. I also had never towed anything that heavy and that far, so maybe I was just overly cautious.

I will say that through Tennessee and southern Kentucky there are a ton of winding turns and steep grades mostly up but down as well. That part sucked. I felt like I was going to blow up my engine, and stopped multiple times to check everything. Again, first time ever towing, and my KJ wasn't even a week old(to me). Definitely make sure if you get the uhaul trailer tht you double check all lights before you leave. I had the pleasure of going back after I had already gotten home.

Good luck !

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

I towed about 3500lbs from FL to WI...no issues. Never felt unstable to me.

JMSMN · **Posted:** Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:37 pm

I tow my 28' jayco camper for work with no problems at all. It weighs 440o lbs. Doesn't feel unstable at all. Just cautious when I pull it.

99_XC600 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:49 pm

I routinely tow my aluminum 2 place 10' snowmobile trailer with my Jeep. With both sleds, fuel and snow weight, the aprox weight is about 2000 pounds. My normal length of time towing is about 4 hours and going into New Hampshire I encounter some pretty decent steep grades.

My observations:

1. Realize that the Liberty is not built for speed even without a trailer on it. Do not expect lighting quick passing power. It's very capable of pulling good size loads, just allow the Jeep to do the work and don't force it.

2. You're towing with a very short wheel base. When towing, don't make any sudden moves or erratic lane changes. Things can get out of hand quickly.

Overall the Liberty is fine for what I use it for. Just respect it and don't do anything stupid and you should be fine.

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 03, 2012 2:19 pm

Alright first of all if at all possible when towing a car with a light wieght like the Libby try and keep the vehicle being towed steering tires on the dolly. This will help prevent any unneeded sway and always check your trailer wiring. And if you have never towed it before like this drive around a bit with it loaded first get use to the extended breaking and acceleration. I usually do this when there is little to no traffic on the road so I can do it over and over again.

maxwellp · **Posted:** Sun Mar 04, 2012 6:08 pm

Check with U Haul to see if they will rent you a trailer to put the VW on pulling it with the KJ. Here in WI they would not, you would need a 3/4 ton or larger truck.

sota · **Joined:** Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:44 pm **Posts:** 379

no problemo :SOMBRERO:

it did like to dance like that though. couple of things that could have caused that, but I successfully drove home like that the night i bought the JEEP.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:44 pm

Thanks to all for sharing their experiences and for the great advice! :rockon:

I think I'm going to do it, barring any other major obstacles...like cost...for gas. I am towing the GTI to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for an HPDE event (track day) with Speed Ventures so I'll have gas expense for the trip there and back plus track gas for two days. Plus camping, food, etc... I hope I can pull it off.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:46 pm

maxwellp wrote:

Check with U Haul to see if they will rent you a trailer to put the VW on pulling it with the KJ. Here in WI they would not, you would need a 3/4 ton or larger truck.

According to the website I can tow the GTI on either a hauler or dolly with the KJ. Renting a truck to pull the trailer is too expensive.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:49 pm

sota wrote:

no problemo :SOMBRERO:

it did like to dance like that though. couple of things that could have caused that, but I successfully drove home like that the night i bought the JEEP.

Nice! I'd bet that car and mine are about the same weight. I think the dolly is the way to go.

Thanks for the reply!

sota · **Joined:** Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:44 pm **Posts:** 379

oh you're taking the GTI to a track day?

note, that's NOT the car I took to my track day, and it's NOT the position it was on the trailer. that's the testing I did before I tried and successfully did it.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 05, 2012 9:01 pm

sota wrote:

oh you're taking the GTI to a track day?

Yep, I go with a group called Speed Ventures here in California, usually to Willow Springs Int'l Raceway here in the desert. Speed Ventures is running the road course at LVMS in April (the outside track, not a roval). I don't want to drive the GTI (my DD) all the way there, then run it hard for two days and have to drive it home again so I thought I'd tow it out and camp at the track. :CAMPING:

The GTI is 98% stock so far but I have SO MUCH FUN :BANANA:

running it on the track anyway. Soon I'll begin the GTI mods. I am amazed how easy it is to get some good power from that 2.0L turbo motor. :shock:

I see the Neon in your sig. now. Nice...

sota · **Joined:** Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:44 pm **Posts:** 379

yea. I did about a half-dozen events driving the car out and back. got really tired of the whole pack/drive-out/unpack/drive/pray-I-didn't-break-something/pack/drive-back/unpack hell. Trailered for the first time last year... SO much more convenient.

Towing my VW GTI with my KJ, LA to Vegas and back.

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