If you own or are considering a Jetta and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Jetta tow a trailer?
Yes, a Jetta can tow a trailer or camper up to 1,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer or camper with your VW Jetta which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Jetta
So, can a Jetta tow a trailer? Yes: the VW Jetta towing capacity is 1,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,000 lbs your Jetta can successfully tow it.
The Jetta TDI aka Jetta Sportswagen can tow a trailer up to 1,000 pounds.
We’ll be referring to the regular Jetta throughout this guide, but the same info still applies about towing a trailer with your Jetta TDI Sportswagen with the exception of the total towing capacity.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Jetta.
VW Jetta Tow Package Details
Does The Jetta Come With A Tow Package?
The Jetta does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Note that adding a tow hitch to a non-wagon Jetta will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
VW Jetta Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Volkswagen Jetta.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Jetta?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Since the Jetta can only tow up to 1,000 pounds, you should not need a brake controller.
VW Jetta Hitch Kit Cost
Jetta Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Jetta trailer hitches run between $100-$200.
Take a look at this recommended Jetta Hitch Kit:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 200 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
A Jetta trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$50.
Jetta Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Jetta (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Jetta Brake Controller Cost
Jetta brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Jetta? Jetta Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jetta trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Tow A Trailer With My Jetta?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Jetta, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Jetta Tow?
Your Jetta can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 1,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Jetta can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,000 lbs:
- SylvanSport GO
- Polydrop Camper
- Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 6.0
- Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0
- Go Little Guy MyPod
- Meerkat Camper
Trailers That A Jetta TDI Sportswagen Can Tow
Your Jetta TDI can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 2,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The TDI Sportswagen can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 2,000 lbs:
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- Aliner Ascape
- InTech RV Luna
- Scamp Travel Trailers (all models)
- Jayco Hummingbird
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Jetta.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Jetta, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 1,000 lbs so your Jetta can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 1,000 pounds.
Jetta Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Jetta tow?
The Jetta can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Jetta Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
Jetta GVWR: 4,057 lbs
VW Jetta TDI Towing Capacity
The VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen can tow up to 2,000 lbs.
VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen GVWR: 4,388 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Jetta can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Jetta GVWR or Jetta towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Jetta Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a trailer or camper with a Jetta as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,000 pounds).
Jetta models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Jetta, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful travel trailer, camper, and RV repair guides:
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- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
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