The Volkswagen Transporter van is a popular choice for businesses and individuals who need to move heavy loads.

If you’re considering purchasing a VW Transporter, one of the most important things you’ll need to know is the towing capacity of the different models. Take a read as we delve into the different capacities of the T4, T5, and T6.

It’s very important to check the towing capacity of your own Transporter as engine size, transmission and axle configuration can have a huge influence on the amount of weight you can pull.

How To Calculate VW Transporter Towing Capacity

To calculate the towing capacity of your van you’ll need to find the VIN plate. On most Transporters, this can be found on the left side of the engine bay stuck to the topside of the wheel arch.

Once you’ve located your VIN plate, you’ll see four different numbers all followed by ‘kg’. These are the values you’ll need to calculate the towing capacity. Simply subtract the top number (The gross vehicle weight) from the second number (The gross train weight).

For example, on our T6.1 this would be 5300kg – 3000kg = 2300kg.

Please note that this is the absolute maximum your van can tow with a braked load. Additionally, the weight of the vehicle, fuel, passengers and any upgrades must all fit within the ‘Gross Vehicle Weight’.

A braked trailer must have brakes on both wheels for at least one of the axles. Without a braked trailer the towing capacity will be closer to 750kg.

Can I Tow With An Automatic DSG Gearbox?

Modern automatic vehicles such as VW Transporters are designed and rated to tow trailers safely and effectively. However, there are some factors that should be considered when towing with an automatic vehicle.

Firstly, towing a trailer can put additional strain on the transmission of an automatic vehicle, which can cause it to overheat and potentially fail. This can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for towing capacity and maintenance.

Secondly, automatic transmissions can be more prone to overheating and wear when operating in stop-and-go traffic or while climbing steep grades with a heavy load.

Which VW Transporter Can Tow The Most Weight?

Over the years there have only been small improvements to the towing capacity of Transporters, the best equipped T4 could tow 2,000kg but the higher end T6.1’s can now tow around 2,500kg.

With the addition of the T5 several new safety features were introduced that improved its towing capabilities, including anti-sway technology and electronic stability control.

The Transporter with the highest towing capacity is the VW T6.1 (T32) With 4Motion Technology & the 2.0L TDI engine.

Factors that Affect Towing Capacity

It’s important to note that the towing capacity of the VW Transporter can be affected by several factors, including the weight of the trailer, the weight distribution of the load, the condition of the vehicle, and the type of hitch being used. It’s always important to consult the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when towing with your vehicle.

The VW Transporter is a capable and versatile vehicle that’s been a popular choice for both personal and commercial use. As always, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped and maintained for towing before hitting the road with your trailer.