Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Automatic and Manual Transmission  

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Expert Reply:

To determine if your 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Automatic can be flat towed you will want to check your owners manual or with the Volkswagen dealer to see if it can and if there would be any restrictions.

I checked in our information available and it says the 1982 to 2011 Volkswagen (all models) FWD Automatics can not be flat towed. A tow dolly like the Roadmaster Tow Dolly, part # RM-2050-1, is required.

It does say that all Volkswagen 5 speed manual transmissions are safe to tow. The 6 speed manual transmission is unknown at this time, so you will need to check with the Volkswagen dealer.

If you will be flat towing a 5 speed manual Volkswagen you will need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring for lights, and a supplemental braking system as required by law.

The RoadMaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar with 6-Wire Electric Cord, part # RM-576, you have referenced would work to tow your Jetta. This tow bar includes the quick disconnects, wire connectors and safety cables. I am including a link to instructions on the tow bars.

The base plates you will need are the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 521228-1.

The wiring kit for lighting on your Jetta would be the Roadmaster Wiring Kit, part # RM-154.

The last item you will need is the supplemental braking system. Most states now require a supplemental braking system installed on the vehicle being towed. The easiest to set up and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. Proportional systems are the safest way to stop and reduce wear and tear on both vehicles.

I am including links to articles that will help you with flat towing your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeff D

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