etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
(112 reviews)
Price: $196.56
In Stock
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
Item # e43ZR
Our Price: $196.56
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- All Info
- Reviews (112)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
etrailer Trailer Hitch - e43ZR
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Class III
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
- 525 lbs TW
- Custom Fit Hitch
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.
Features:
- Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
- Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
- Bolt-on installation - no welding required
- Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
- Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer
- Matte black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
- Stylish, round-tube design
- Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
- Made in the USA
- Mounting hardware may be imported
Specs:
- Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
- Rating: Class III
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
- Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
- Limited lifetime warranty
Rugged, Matte Black Finish
The sturdy steel construction is protected with a matte black finish for added durability. This unique powder coating gives etrailer hitches a carbide-like appearance and a rugged look that sets them apart from traditional glossy hitches. In addition to being rust and corrosion resistant, the tough matte coating hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than a glossy finish.
etrailer Technical Support
At etrailer we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
13381 etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2018 - 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
- Product did not meet expectations
- Wrong item was ordered
- Did not arrive in time
Customer Reviews
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" - e43ZR
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (112 Customer Reviews)
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.by: Michael07/02/2023
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
The hitch receiver for my son's 2021 VW Tiguan was easy to order, especially with lots of accompanying photos and an installation video. It arrived earlier than expected giving us a little extra time for install prior to the holiday weekend. The 2021 Tiguan had the 4 bolts already in place, so we only needed to clean off the outside of the frame rails with a putty knife so that the snug fit of the receiver ends would slide over the rails. We installed without raising the car, lowering the exhaust system, but found that once we were able to push the receiver up roughly into place and turned one bolt on each side in a few turns, that placing a floor jack under the receiver and slowly providing a little support made it easier to get all the mounting holes perfectly aligned, and socket wrenching the bolts was easy. The whole installation from unboxing to putting away tools took less than an hour...which is acceptable for us first-timers! The only area for improvement is that the shipping box was punctured from the inside in several places...not enough to damage fit and function of the hitch receiver, but there is cosmetic damage on mounting end tips, which are out of view anyway.
by: Vladimir 04/24/2024
Volkswagen Tiguan
The hitch receiver is 5 stars. Installation however is not a straight up affair on the 2023 Tiguan S. You have to remove a plastic under panel which then cannot be reinstalled. You also have to use the supplied hardware as the S trim does not have the factory bolts in the frame. This is mostly intuitive for people with some mechanical sense. An extra set of hands in the form of your wife is highly recommended but not required.
by: Jesse01/10/2024
Hi Carol,
I put the hitch on my car today, a 2022 VW Tiguan. The instructions left out a very important part. The weld nuts on the 2022 are not attached to the frame rails, but rather to the bumper bar. If you remove all 4 bolts at once, as it says to do in the instructions, then the bumper bar rotates down and the nuts rotate up into the frame rails, making it impossible to reinstall the bolts and thus not possible to mount the hitch. My son found a comment on one of the VW forums mentioning this problem and pointing out that you have to do one side at a time so that the bumper bar doesn't move. So, we pushed and pulled on the bumper bar until we were able to reinstall the bolts. Then, leaving the bolts tight on the driver's side, we removed the bolts on the passenger side and were able to mount that side of the hitch. Once those bolts were tight, we removed the two bolts on the driver's side, pushed that side of the hitch into place with a jack, and bolted that into place. So, in the end, it worked, but it took 3 hours since we were following the incorrect instructions. We probably could have done it in under an hour if we had known in advance to work on one side at a time.
I would advise that you add this possibility to your instructions so the next people won't have to struggle like I did.
Thanks.
by: Bruce 05/01/2024
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Perfect fit for the 2024 VW Tiguan. The nuts and bolts where already installed on this model so didn't need to fish the bolts through. There was a plastic molded piece behind rear bumper that had to come out where the hitch goes so couldn't put it back on, no problem.
by: Splive04/08/2023
I wanna give 5 stars, but my order was late, and my hitch was damaged in transit.
After some makeshift bending, we got it to fit in my 2021 VW Tiguan.
My Thule bike rack fits fine with the 2” adapter. Rack feels solid and was able to use the existing bolts; no fish wire needed.
Instructions video was clear and actually accurate.
by: Scott04/19/2023
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Hitch came in damaged box and paint missing from metal
Scott
4/22/2024
Works good. We use it just for a bike rack and it works flawlessly for that.
by: Mark 03/23/2024
Instructions were fantastic for this, and I'm glad they mentioned scraping down undercoating where it nokts to the chassis - would not have fit otherwise, so they KNOW what they're doing with the products they sell. Works great!
by: Andy 02/08/2024
I’ve had this hitch for a year now. This is the third vehicle I have outfitted with a hitch from etrailer. The first hitch I purchased from etrailer was back in 2015. I have had zero complaints with etrailer’s products.
by: Michael03/01/2024
Box came a little beat up but everything was there. Should be installed this weekend. Not anticipating any problems based on passed purchases.
by: Benjamin02/01/2024
The hitch is great, the wiring is the issue. The fuse blows every trip so I’ve gone through over 15 fuses. Hitch was easy to install but it does scrape when going up even the smallest of inclines.
by: Alex02/16/2024
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Extremely impressed with eTrailer from start to finish. Excellent instructions and communication. Fast shipping. Product installed perfectly.
by: M02/28/2024
Has been flawless! I can't say enough good things about it. Was easy to install (for a DIY guy but not necessarily a car guy). We just lug bikes with it but it's perfect for our use, and a great price vs OEM.
by: Eduardo02/08/2024
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Hitch is sturdy and well built. Installation video is very helpful. Packaging was a bit rough but the hitch wasn’t damaged. Overall easy installation just needed an extra hand to lift it. Great product.
by: BE11/12/2022
Great product and overall the easiest experience! Everything is set-up so well for customers - it was so easy figuring out the best fit product for my car, finding information on the product page, tracking my order/delivery and installing. The hitch receiver shipped same day and arrived in 3-4 days. I referred back to the install video as needed but everything was pretty straightforward and fit perfect on my 2020 Tiguan. I feel really good about the quality of the receiver and trust it will be perfect for what we need - mostly just a bike rack. I love the way the bar is hidden underneath the bumper and the receiver is actually inset a few inches vs sticking out past my bumper (the picture makes it look like it sticks out but it doesn’t). I will 100% be shopping on etrailer for future purchases.
by: Verlin Christensen01/31/2024
I have just had the ten hitches installed on 2024 VW Tiguans ... they went on fine ... fitment was good ... they look to be heavy duty and well made.
by: Michael 04/14/2023
Perfect fit!!
Michael S.
4/15/2024
Awesome!!
Bud M.
5/13/2024
@MichaelS
Thank you for the update.
by: Craig 09/08/2023
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Great value! But 2018 Tiguan had bolts, NOT welded studs, they thread into some movable piece inside frame (bumper?) Almost wasn't able to put bolts back in initially, as something moved inside, put front bolt back in & pulled it fwd until I could put rear back in tight. Then remove & install just front bolts fairly tight & rotate hitch up and install rear bolts. On & off 3 times, but I did it myself on garage floor. Box was literally destroyed due to poor packing, was hanging out of box & finish scratched in several places. Will have to paint so it doesn't rust right away. GEEZ! Learn how to pack!
by: Michael 11/07/2023
Been using this to carry a bike rack for a year now. Everything delivered and worked as expected, no issues so far!
by: Gian05/20/2024
Great product durable using for 4 bicycle . Thinking to trail a Vespa for summer .
by: Blaine 02/06/2024
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Fits great and looks great. I plan to haul bikes and it will be perfect. The video install instructions were spot on. Thanks
by: Mike 11/07/2023
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Seems well built. Watched install video. Needed another person to assist with installation. Using a floor jack helped a lot.
by: Jaime 12/23/2023
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Well put together, easy installation
by: Edward07/24/2023
This hitch has a challenging series of steps to get the bolts and backing plate into the frame of the car and into each mounting hole with these fishing wires. Not an easy task, but doable if you have patience.
by: Darren 10/15/2023
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Went on fairly easy. The installation video saved a lot of time.
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See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch
- Will Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver Interfere With Auto Lift Gate Sensor On 2021 Volkswagen TiguanYou are correct that the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR is a confirmed fit for your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. I reached out to Draw-Tite directly and my contact mentioned that they have not heard of any issues from customers who installed the Draw-Tite # e43ZR. With the hitch installed you may have to move your foot to either side of the receiver to find the sweet spot and get your liftgate to work and just remember where that location is, but after doing it a few times it will...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for 2018 Tiguan with R-Line PackageYour 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line the etrailer trailer hitch part # e43ZR is a confirmed fit and will work well. For trailer wiring you'd then want the Curt kit part # C56403 which is a confirmed custom fit. This would allow you to use your hitch for towing trailers as well as give you a connection point for lights if you decide to use a cargo carrier down the road as these tend to block the factory lights. If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount...
view full answer... - Is There an EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-LineI do have an option for you but there are currently no EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver options for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. That said, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # DT53GR per Draw-Tite, is a confirmed fit for all models including the R-Line. It does require trimming of the rear bumper fascia but it's only a small area (3" x 6") on the bottom so don't let this discourage you. That said, if you don't want to trim you can simply go with the etrailer Trailer...
view full answer... - What is Difference Between etrailer and Curt Hitch for 2019 Volkswagen TiguanThe Curt hitch part # C13381 and etrailer hitch part # e43ZR are very similar as they are both made by same company with the only real difference being that the etrailer hitch has a matte finish and the Curt has a gloss finish. It's a pretty subtle difference but matte will be a little less noticeable and should hide scratches and scuffs better. The ground clearance dimension between the two should be identical. I am not sure how two different numbers were come up with unless there...
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- Will The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit A 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?It sure will! The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR you were looking at is confirmed to fit all models of the 2018-2021 Volkswagen Tiguan so it will fit perfectly on your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 7 Passenger. This hitch has a 525lb tongue weight rating and 3500lb trailer weight rating making it a very versatile hitch good for carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier, or for using a ball mount to tow a trailer. If you are planning on towing with your Tiguan you will also need a vehicle...
view full answer... - Recommended Hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen TiguanYes, we do! To add a hitch to your 2023 VW Tiguan, I recommend the etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Tiguan with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like the etrailer item # e43ZR hitch because the main crosstube mounts behind the bumper cover. This leaves only the 2" receiver visible, which not only looks better it helps with ground clearance. I have linked an installation video below and attached a couple...
view full answer...
- Recommended Hitch and Wiring Harness for a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R-LineTo set your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line up to tow you will need the following parts: Trailer Hitch - etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR 4-Way Wiring Harness - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C56403 Ball Mount Kit - Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534 For a towing a trailer with brakes you will need the following parts in addition to the ones already mentioned: 7-Way Wiring Harness - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 Brake...
view full answer... - Will the etrailer Hitch e43ZR Fit a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?Yes, it will! The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR is confirmed to fit all models of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # 119250KIT and a ball mount kit item # C45534. I recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 and the item # C42CR to secure the 4-way connector to your hitch. This will put it in an...
view full answer... - What is the Best Hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?The best hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is the etrailer item # e43ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This hitch fits all models of the 2023 Tiguan. The etrailer item # e43ZR is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a 525 lbs maximum tongue weight. I really like this hitch because the crosstube mounts behind your rear bumper cover leaving only the 2" receiver visible. I have attached a couple of pictures...
view full answer...
- How Much Does the etrailer Hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Weigh?The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR weighs 40 lbs. This hitch is custom fit for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan and bolts to the vehicle with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # 119250KIT and a ball mount kit item # C45534. I recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 and the item # C42CR to secure the 4-way connector to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent...
view full answer... - Recommended 7-Way Connector for a 2023 Volkswagen TiguanTo install a 7-Way harness on your 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job. The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # 119250KIT. This universal harness will provide you with a 4-flat connector. The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-LineI have 2 different hitch options for your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line for you to check out and it just depends on what price point and style of hitch you're wanting to add to your vehicle. For a standard hitch I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR which comes with a 2" receiver and has a matte black finish that looks better and is more durable than a standard glossy black finish. For a specialized hitch I recommend checking out the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite...
view full answer... - 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Trailer Hitch RecommendationWe do - I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR for your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan because this has a matte black finish that does a great job at blending in with the black trim on newer vehicles plus it holds up better against the elements when compared to a standard glossy black finish. This is compatible with all styles of the 2022 Tiguan but it's also important to note that you might have to play around with where you need to kick your foot if you have the hands-free...
view full answer... - Does etrailer Trailer Hitch # e43ZR Receiver Fit 2018 VW Tiguan With 3rd Row SeatingYes, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR will fit a 2018 VW Tiguan with 3rd row seating. The only note about fitment with this hitch is that it only fits U.S. market vehicles (which simply means if you purchased your Tiguan in the U.S. this hitch will fit).
view full answer...
- Do I Need Anything Else to Mount a Bike Rack on a 2023 VW Tiguan SE Other Than a Hitch?If you are just using the etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR for a bike rack you will not need anything else for your 2023 Tiguan SE. This hitch has a 525 lbs tongue weight capacity which is more than enough to handle any bike rack and bike/s combo on the market.
view full answer... - Recommended Hitch for a 2023 VW Tiguan SEYes, the etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR is custom fit and will definitely work with your 2023 Tiguan SE. This hitch fits all models of the 2023 Tiguan. I really like this hitch because of its matte black finish. It tends to blend in better beneath vehicles over comparable hitches that have a glossy finish. If you are planning on towing you will also need a ball mount kit item # C45534.
view full answer... - Class III Trailer Hitch Fits for Canadian Version of 2018 Volkswagen TiguanThe fit of a custom trailer hitch like the etrailer # e43ZR, which is made for the 2018 VW Tiguan, will be based on the version sold in the U.S. We do note this in our fit information that appears on the this item's page. In the case of your Tiguan this hitch is a confirmed fit for both U.S. and Canada versions since both are for North America. The frame attachment points on both versions are usually the same even though other trim parts could differ. I also contacted Curt, maker of...
view full answer... - Will the e43ZR Fit a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE Edition? Yes! I confirmed with Curt that the # e43ZR will fit a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE model. Not only does the hitch provide your vehicle with 525 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 3,500 pounds of gross towing weight, it also is made here in the U.S.A. For a great locking hitch pin for the hitch, that is the # e98882. If you need trailer wiring for the hitch, you need the Tekonsha T-One - 4-Way # 118811. With this harness, your trailer will have basic tail light, running light, and turn signal...
view full answer... - Hidden Trailer Hitch that Fits 2024 Volkswagen TiguanYes we do have the mostly hidden etrailer hitch part # e43ZR as a fit for your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. This has great towing capacities and an easier install as well.
view full answer... - Will the etrailer Hitch # e43ZR Fit My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?Yes! The etrailer Hitch - 2" # e43ZR is confirmed to fit all trim models of your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (including your SE model). If you plan on towing a small utility trailer on your vehicle, I recommend a ball mount/ball like the ones included in the Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45534. Not only does this kit include a hitch cover, but it also includes a locking hitch pin that will work with the etrailer hitch. In addition to the kit, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole...
view full answer... - Installation Method for the Hidden Hitch on a 2022 VW Tiguan The Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item # DT62GR is installed into the frame by removing the back bumper cover on the 2022 Tiguan. The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR attaches to the sides of the frame from below if you're looking for an easier install. Both hitches are confirmed to fit the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56403 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.
view full answer... - Is Fascia Cutting Needed to Install etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2024 Volkswagen TiguanNope, there is no type of fascia/bumper cutting or trimming needed to install the etrailer hitch on your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The correct part number for your car is the following: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR
view full answer... - Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Volkswagen TiguanTo add a hitch to your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, I recommend the etrailer item # e43ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Tiguan with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, and a 525 lbs maximum tongue weight. I really like the etrailer item # e43ZR because the crosstube mounts behind your rear bumper leaving only the 2" receiver visible. This not only helps with ground clearance but it also looks better. I have attached...
view full answer...
- Will Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness 118811 Fit 2023 VW TiguanYes, we have confirmed that the Tekonsha # 118811 will fit the 2023 VW Tiguan. The T-One connectors will plug into the connection points in the rear cargo area. Once installed, you'll have a 4-way to power your trailer's signal lights. If you also need a trailer hitch, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR. This is identical to the Curt # C13381 you looked at but with a matte black powder coat finish. This does a better job hiding dirt and dings compared to a glossy finish....
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Trailer Hitch?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video by:
Dustin K
Updated by:
Kristina F
Written by:
Eric H
Test Fit:
Bradley B
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Katrina D.
1/11/2024
Huh, that is odd that the instructions would say to remove both sides at the same time. Let me get this information over to engineering for them to look into this and see about changing the instructions.