How to Tow a VW With a Dolly

Tow your VW with a dolly

Volkswagen (VW) began mass producing cars began in the late 1940s, and since then the company has introduced many different models featuring all-wheel, four-wheel, rear-wheel and front-wheel drivetrains. Any VW car can be towed on a tow dolly, but it is recommended that only front-wheel drive models be towed this way. All other models should be towed on a car carrier, which holds the entire vehicle off the ground.

Instructions

1. Allocate a tow dolly and towing vehicle rated at the proper towing capacity. Before towing the VW car, you should adjust the side mirrors on the towing vehicle, check all turn signals and brake lights and synchronize the tow dolly brakes with the towing vehicle, if applicable.

2. Securely attach the tow dolly, towing chains and dolly lights to the towing vehicle. Follow all towing guidelines provided with the dolly and towing vehicle for proper operation.

3. Align the towing vehicle and dolly in a straight line on level ground.

4. Unroll the front tire straps from the ratchets and relocate them away from the tire platforms.

5. Unlock the tow dolly tire platform, allowing it to tilt down towards the ground.

6. Drive the VW car onto the dolly tire platforms, using a guide for assistance, until the front wheels are resting against the wheel stops. The tire platform will raise back to a level position as your drive the car forward. Ensure the car is centered on the platforms for proper turning while in tow. Do not back the car onto the dolly.

7. Lock the tow dolly tire platform. For additional safety, shift the VW car into park, or in the lowest available gear, and engage the parking brake at this point.

8. Tighten each tire strap, after it has been placed over the front tire, using the tie-down ratchets. When tightening the straps, avoid having them come into contact with any other parts on the VW car. Tire straps should be snug and secure, with no slack.

9. Secure the safety chains from the dolly to the frame of the VW car, directly above the chain mounts on the dolly. Do not affix to or obstruct any steering or brake components on the car. There should be slight slack in the chains to compensate for suspension movement.

10. Disconnect and remove the drive shaft from four-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive VWs. Towing the aforementioned VW cars without removing the drive-shaft can cause damage to the transmission. Consult your local VW service department for further assistance and questions. You may also choose to use a car carrier instead of a dolly for these types of VW cars. A car carrier holds all the wheels of the VW car off the road and does not require this step.

11. Disengage the parking brake, lock the steering wheel in the straight position, remove the keys and lock the VW car.

12. Tow the VW car approximately 100 feet and then perform a safety check on all components, including: the tire straps, safety chains, coupler, etc. Additional safety inspections are recommended after the first five miles and every additional 50 miles.

References

• Penkse Truck Rental: Tow Dolly
• Edmunds: Volkswagen History