Hi all,

My first post here. I recently bought an Octavia wagon/estate on near impulse after my previous car was in an accident. It is 110kw / 250Nm with 8-speed torque converter auto (non-DSG) and the compliance plate says that it can tow 1500kg, GVM is 1883kg and GCM 3383kg & (I think) 80kg max towball download.

I have a boat/trailer that I would like to tow. The boat was apparently built to be 750kg so that, at the time, the trailer could get away with no brakes. I haven't ever put it on a weighbridge but I am going to say that it is 1000kg - ie. boat likely built heavier than quoted, trailer brakes added, plus outboard, & gear. Or even 1100kg to be even more conservative. I dont expect to go destinations further than say a 1 hr drive but there will be a few hills... My contingency was to rent a small truck if the Octavia doesnt work out as a tow vehicle.

The numbers stack up and it should be relatively comfortable.

Does anyone have any experience in towing something similar with their Octavia ? I am interested in the overall feel & dynamics rather than figures and theory. Is this weight really too much for it ? Especially after adding in a couple of passengers and gear to the mix ? How effective does the motor & transmission shed heat ?

Sorry 2nd question - for those that do have a tow bar, what type/style did you get ? Was there any height adjustability ? I had to get an adjustable hitch monstrosity on my previous car so that the trailer would sit flat while towing. Butt-ugly and heavy but it was downright dangerous without it.

Welcome. What engine is it, a 1.4 TSI with the 8 speed auto. Seems sensible to get the car and loaded trailer on a weigh bridge. Or at least the trailer and boat on scales.

Edited 5 minutes ago5 min by Evolution13