For the record (if anyone is worried - as I was - about the VW TDI's ability to tow a teardrop), mine is a New Beetle/5 speed. We were able to loaf along in 5th gear with the cruise at any speed we chose. Mostly at 65-70 mph, we got almost 36 mpg (as opposed to the usual 50). We did better on the Trace with its 50 mph speed limit. The total trip length towing was 953 miles. Looking forward to this summer's Alaska teardrop vacation!