On Sunday, September 9, 2012 12:37:38 PM UTC-6, son_of_flubber wrote:
A 2012 VW Golf is rated to tow 3000 lbs in Europe and 1000 lbs in the USA.. Why?



I'd expect that a Golf towing a 1800 lb trailer at 60 mph would be no problem, until I had a wreck and the insurance company tried to deny my claim.



Here's a guy towing an AirStream trailer with a Golf http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=333675 A glider trailer is 40% the weight of the Airstream and low to the ground.



Is the published tow capacity set by the marketing department with 'input' from engineering? The Golf is marketed as a sporty run-around in the USA and a tow rating might hurt that image.



My guess is that VW Golf is probably better for towing than the VW Tiguan despite the ratings. The Golf is 330 lbs lighter than the Tiguan, but it has a lower center of gravity. The 'overhang' from the rear axle to the tow ball is about the same for both cars.



Golf - Curb Weight - 3,074 lbs - Towing Capacity 1000 lbs



Tiguan - Curb Weight 3,404 lbs - Towing Capacity (max braked trailer) 2,200 lbs

The maximum legal towing speed in Europe is 60 mph.
Lotsa questions in your post. First, Check with your insurance carrier and read your policy. Second, The DOT uses several different variables (Such as Combined max vehicle weight, Tongue weight, Axle weight, Tire ratings and other stuff you can look at on the DOT website) . Third, It has nothing to do with curb weight or center of gravity. Lastly, if the ratings vary in Europe take a look at the trim packages available there. For example, you can have different brakes, and different powertrain options that are not availible here.