[Vwdiesel] tdi suggestions

[Travis Gottschalk]

It was a 2000-2500 lbs load not 3500 although father has had that before on his trailer. My trailer is a single motorcycle trailer with 2000 lb torsion axle made from Aluma trailers in the midwest. Father has a 3000 lb torsion axle on the same make of a trailer only it is a wider longer trailer with bolted on ramps vs my ramps that are stored underneith. His can be stored flat when empty or verticle (or sometimes unbolted depending on load). He is towing with an 09 sportwagon TDI with 140 HP common rail engine and DSG tranny (basically the newer automatic). I haven't gone to his extrem but I am sure mine would take it if needed. The funny thing is with all his towing his life average with the car over 115000 miles is 38 MPG. And he doesn't sunday drive it either. He is an aggressive driver as well. I think I raise his average everytime I drive it. Most of our trip was with the cruise control on without much issue. 
 
Also keep in mind. All of the TDI's in the family have had 2 inch receiver hitchs installed on them. The hitch is NOT the week point on our cars. We all (the males) also have driven trucks and all have current CDL's to beable to drive trucks. You have to know how to be safe to tow. 
 
I did find out the new TDIs are really easy to change headlights. You twist off a sealing cap (just a slight twist). Then the bulb is on its own plastic knob deal that you twist a little and it is out as well. They both have "top" written on them. You then change the bulb and put back in. And the battery is even out of the way. Same bulb on my Golf was about 1 hour due to the battery and the air vent running behind the left headlamp. But his bulb was $20 at a truck stop and mine $8 at and auto parts store. Might be the same bulb. Also his tells you it is out. Mine doesn't. But his go out every 6 months or so and I have had 2 go out in 3 years. 
 
Travis G