LumberJetta! The MythBusters Try A Real Load

by Jack Baruth

November 28th, 2011 8:29 PM

lumberjetta the mythbusters try a real load

Snopes confirmed it a while ago, but some people just need to try the Lumber Jetta stunt for themselves. Last week, the MythBusters on Discovery Channel asked the immortal question: Can a MkIII Jetta carry a ton and a half of lumber?

You can check out the video at the Discovery Channel, but for those of you who don’t want to watch the mandatory thirty-second ad… the car drives fine. I’m not sure how well it would handle freeway speeds, but to be fair, the original MkIII Jetta wasn’t really great on the freeway anyway…

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6 of 22 comments

The Comedian on Nov 29, 2011

My hoopty loving co-worker buys sub $1000 econoboxes then uses them as though they were small pickup trucks, carrying tremendous loads both in the cars and in a utility trailer. He routinely adds a second set of rear springs to his cars, leading to such monstrosities as an '89 Jetta diesel that didn't reach normal ride height until there was at least 600 pounds of tools (and/or scrap) in the trunk. You haven't seen slow until you've watched that tired old beast's remaining 38 horsepower soot down the road pulling a trailered ton with another half-ton on the seats and in the trunk.

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- Brettc on Nov 29, 2011
  
  I resemble that comment! I have a 2002 Golf TDI that I put VR6 Jetta wagon springs in (front and rear). It rides about 1.5" higher than stock springs. I had 300 pounds of Quikrete in it yesterday and the back looked a little more normal. I did it mostly for handling though since the stock factory springs suck for handling. The increased ride-height is just a byproduct. That dude that you know is brave to be using a Jetta diesel as a truck.
  
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Graham on Nov 29, 2011

For some reason this topic reminds me of this classic "oops" video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfZ1N56qjY

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- AJ on Nov 29, 2011
  
  That is a classic video!
  
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Happycamper on Nov 29, 2011

I hauled 1500+ pounds of retaining wall block in my '98 civic, so anything is possible. The trick is to remove the passenger seat and put it all in the passenger compartment, so the weight is evenly distributed on all wheels. The tires were the suspension at that weight, and it felt like the vehicle didn't have power steering.

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CougarXR7 on Nov 29, 2011

I once used my '78 Granada to haul home two 351 Clevelands a generous friend gave me. Removed the back seat and spare tire, disassembled both motors, and crammed everything in where I could. Was almost down to the bump stops, but it handled the load. Granadas aren't known for their speed, but the big 250 six had just enough torque to handle 1200 lbs. worth of cast iron Ford V8 with only a hint of strain.

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