The
Volkswagen Beetleis an iconic coupe or convertible with a towing capacity of 705 to 2,200 pounds depending on the year it was made. Models from 2000 to 2011 have a decent towing capacity. Volkswagen removed the towing capabilities of cars made after 2011.
There are so many options for coupes and convertibles on the market that trying to find your perfect car can induce analysis paralysis. If a vehicle’s towing capacity is a concern for you, this can help minimize your choices as coupes and convertibles are not usually made to tow heavy loads. A vehicle’s actual towing capacity will also depend on its size, transmission, engine power, and other features you want to add.
The
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Jerryhas consolidated the information you need about the towing capacity of a Volkswagen Beetle. We’ll go through the Beetle’s maximum towing capacity, and how to determine and increase its towing capacity.
How much can a Volkswagen Beetle tow?
Towing capacity of models made after 2011: 705 pounds
Towing capacity of models made between 2000 and 2011: 2,200 pounds
Engines: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine (174 hp) or 2.5L 5-cylinder engine (150 hp)
The
Volkswagen Beetleis an iconic and fun coupe with a convertible option. Its unique look makes it one of the most lovable cars, but it was discontinued due to its poor sales performance. While the Beetle drives nicely, cost-cutting measures have made this subcompact car lose its original charm.
Beetles produced after 2011 were not made with towing in mind—that being said, they’re still rated with a towing capacity of 705 pounds. The only Beetles that had substantial towing capabilities were manufactured from 2000 to 2011, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds. This is the same across all trims as they sport a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine.
To err on the safe side, the Volkswagen Beetle should not be used for towing regularly—regardless of what year it was produced.
Trailer hitches for the Volkswagen Beetle
Since you can only buy a Beetle used, it probably won’t come with any trailer hitches. However, you can get an aftermarket trailer hitch receiver, such as the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver, to install on your car. This hitch has a rating of up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
MORE:How to install a tow bar
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How to calculate the towing capacity you need
To operate your vehicle safely, you should have a towing capacity that is higher than the biggest load you plan to tow.In other words, a 2006 Beetle should not hitch the full 2,200 pounds!
Below are examples of what the Beetle can safely tow. Be mindful that these are just estimates as your specific trailer may have a different weight limit.
2011 or newer Beetles:
Not recommended for towing any items
2000 to 2011 Beetles:
Bike, canoe, or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)
Motorcycle trailer (800 to 2,000 lbs.)
Always check the total weight of your trailer and hitch when it’s fully loaded to ensure you don’t go over the towing capacity. To calculate the maximum your Beetle can carry (i.e. the payload) you need to take into account the vehicle’s weight, the passengers’ weight, and the weight of any additional cargo you will be carrying.
How to increase towing capacity
If you need to tow an item slightly over the capacity of your Beetle, there are a few tricks that can help you increase the maximum tow weight:
Add a weight-distribution hitch: Lessens the load on the suspension and reduces sway
Upgrade the brake pads and rotors: Allows you to stop with heavier loads
Install a bigger radiator: Cools the engine more efficiently to reduce strain
Use stronger axles: Increased tolerance for hauling larger payloads
Making modifications to your Beetle may also decrease the towing capacity of your pickup truck. For example, installing a larger spoiler would increase the weight of the car, which in turn reduces the load the Beetle can pull.
While the upgrades mentioned above can increase your towing performance, they aren’t recommended since towing heavy loads can void your warranty. If you plan to use your car for towing on a regular basis, you may want to consider full-size pickup trucks. For example, the
Hyundai Kona, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, or the
Nissan Juke, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,755 pounds, would be solid choices if towing is your jam.
MORE:
The top 10 cheapest trucks to insureHow to find affordable car insurance
Purchasing a Beetle will also require you to get a new
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