Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Volkswagen Jetta

Updated 08/15/2020 | Published 08/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(5237)

$401.19

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2220)

$575.00

Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs

(12)

$3525.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(680)

$71.90

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights - 7-to-6-Way Adapter Cord

(158)

$303.83

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(847)

$1245.50

Question:

I have 2014 jetta se that I would like to pull behind my 2018 gmc 3500 which I have a truck camper in. I have already purchased the 4 foot extension bar from etrailer, but would like to know the other items I am going to need to do so. Can you give me a list of the parts that I will need to purchase to be able to accomplish this. I know I need a base plate and some sort of supplement braking system plus a towbar. Anything else? thanks

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

If your Jetta is a non-hybrid model and has the 5 speed manual transmission, it is capable be being flat towed. The automatic and 6 speed manual need to be towed on a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1, according to my research.

If you can tow your particular vehicle, you'll need base plates, safety cables, a tow bar, a wiring harness, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter.

For base plates, use # 521236-1 and # RM-643 safety cables. For a tow bar, I'd recommend an all-terrain model like the Roadmaster # RM-522 Falcon. The Falcon All-Terrain is self adjusting and non binding, which means that the vehicle won't need to be perfectly lined up behind the tow vehicle in order to hook up and disconnect.

For wiring, use the # RM26FR diode kit and the Demco # SM99251 Stay-IN-Play braking system. When installed, the base plates will sit 17-1/2 inches above the pavement for a stock ride height/stock tire size vehicle. If this is more than 3 inches higher or lower than the receiver height on the tow vehicle, you'll need a high/low adapter that would place the two within 3 inches of level. I'll link to our selection of high/low adapters.