Posted on 05/10/2023 12:57
Thinking of changing my tow car and I’m considering a 2020 vw golf estate 2.0 tdi. It apparently has regenerative braking and presumably stop start and smart alternator. Does anyone tow with a vw of this age, if so have you had any problems getting all the caravan electrics to function correctly? Thanks.
Posted on 05/10/2023 15:00
We have a 2016 VW Touareg, it has the smart alternator etc, our van is a 2008 model. Both 13 pin electrics.
No problem with electrics functioning, but to ensure van battery does get fully charged to operate Mover, and to provide plenty of power to the fridge, I have fitted a battery to battery charger, set to battery charging priority.
Car handbook states to turn off stop/start while towing, and turn on headlights to encourage the alternator to charge the car battery.
Posted on 06/10/2023 22:04
I have a 2019 Audi A3 petrol. It is based on the Golf and has the stop/start Technology.
When I collected it with it's factory fitted tow bar and electrics the fridge was not getting any power when towing and had to be corrected by the dealer.
I have since towed over 12K miles without any issues.
I do not turn off the stop/start or turn my headlights on full. The car even drops down to 2 cylinders at times when towing.
Colin
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Posted on 08/10/2023 17:56
I tow my 2009 Bailey (13 pin electrics) with a 2019 Tiguan 2ltr TDi, so similar car to one you are considering. No problems with electrics, when you get car tow bar/electrics fitted go to a reputable fitter who will don all the necessary. My handbook says to switch off stop/start when towing and I too turn on headlights.
DavidRC