99 Passat Dinghy Towing !!!

[gm44]

With regards to transmission or driveline damage, can a 1999 Passat 1.8T with auto trans be safely dinghy towed (4 wheels on ground) behind a motor home. I don't have an owners manual and the dealer can't say for sure. I would hate to drive several hundred miles only to find out that the trans or other drive train components burned up !!! thanks for any help

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[Sam]

Had it been a manual I'd have said go for it - the owners manual stipulates 50mph max for 50 miles (IIRC).

However because you have an auto, you're SOL. The auto transmission cools/lubricates itself by pumping transmission fluid around the transmission. Towing wont turn this pump and you'll end up overheating and burning out the clutches.

[zollaf]

you could always use a towing dolly that lifts the front wheels off the ground. a bit of a pain loading and unloading it, but its the only way to do it other than to use a trailer.