etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
(110 reviews)
Price: $195.74
In Stock
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
Item # e43ZR
Our Price: $195.74
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- All Info
- Reviews (110)
- Q & A (0)
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etrailer Trailer Hitch - e43ZR
- Class III
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 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 (110 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: James 09/29/2023
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Product fits well. I love the videos showing how to install.
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
- 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 Cutting Required for Installing the etrailer Hitch # e43ZR on a 2022 Volkswagen Tiiguan? While we do have a photo of the etrailer Hitch # e43ZR on a Volkswagen Tiguan, we only have that photo of a 2018 model. We unfortunately do not have a photo specifically on a 2022 model. I went ahead and attached 2 photos of the hitch installed to this answer. As far as cutting, I am pleased to say that the hitch does not require any cutting whatsoever on your 2022 model. The installation is super easy and can be done in about 30 minutes. I also attached a photo of the full step-by-step...
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... - Recommended Vehicle Wiring Harness For 2021 Volkswagen TiguanThe etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR you were looking at for your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan does NOT include a vehicle wiring harness. For a compatible vehicle wiring harness I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118811 as in our experience the Tekonsha harnesses hold up better over time, and have an overall more durable construction. Lastly to complete your towing setup you will need a ball mount so I have included a link to a helpful article...
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...
view full answer...
- Trailer Hitch and Wiring that Fits 2021 Volkswagen TiguanWe have an etrailer hitch that is a confirmed fit for your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan with the part # e43ZR which is also mostly hidden. Then for trailer wiring you'd want the Tekonsha kit part # 118811 and you'd be set. This is the easiest to install and most reliable option for your vehicle. If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4...
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... - 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... - 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... - 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...
- Do I Have to Trim to Install the etrailer Hitch e43ZR on a 2023 VW Tiguan?No, you do not! The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR does not require any cutting of the trim to install on the 2023 VW Tiguan. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This 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 completely behind the rear bumper. This leaves only the 2" receiver exposed which not only looks better but helps with ground...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Volkswagen TiguanThe etrailer Class III hitch part # e43ZR is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and would be a great option. It has a 3,500 lb trailer towing capacity as well. For a ball mount you'd want the part # 36051, hitch ball # 19258 for a 2 inch ball or part # 19256 for 1-7/8 inch ball. For trailer wiring you'd then want the part # 118811 which is a confirmed fit.
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... - Curt vs. etrailer Trailer Hitch For 2024 Volkswagen TiguanOnly one difference exists between the Curt and etrailer trailer hitches for your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, which is the finish. The etrailer hitch has a matte black finish, while the Curt hitch has a glossy black finish, so you can choose which you prefer. The hitches that fit your '24 Tiguan are the following part numbers: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13381 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR The matte black finish does hide those inevitable small scuffs a bit better than the...
view full answer... - 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... - Picking Out Hitch for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan for Use with Thule T2 Bike RackThere are two versions of the Thule T2 bike rack with only difference being the size hitch they fit. If you have a 2 inch hitch version you'd want a hitch like the etrailer part # e43ZR which is this size or if you have the 1-1/4 inch version you'd want the part # C12177 which is this size. If you pick the correct hitch size for your rack you would not need to use any adapters.
view full answer... - Which Hitch for 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Fits Most Flush to Rear BumperJust based on install picture I can tell that the EcoHitch part # 306-X7395 is going to sit more flush with the bumper of your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan than the etrailer # e43ZR although I can't get you exact dimensions as we haven't had a chance to take that measurement yet. Another really great option is the other EcoHitch part # 306-X7393 which has a lower hitch opening that is removable so when you aren't towing you could remove it completely and it would appear that you don't have a...
view full answer... - Will Hitch Installed on 2022 Tiguan SEL Affect Hand-Free Liftgate Operation The liftgate will still work, just not in the area under the center of the bumper. When installed on your 2022 # e43ZR WV Tiguan, the trailer brand Class III will partially affect the sensors for the hands-free liftgate feature, but only in the center in the bumper. The sensors will work to the left and right of the hitch receiver tube as shown in the provided photo. You can take a look at the installation instructions by clicking the provided link.
view full answer...
- Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2024 Volkswagen TiguanYes, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR you're looking at will absolutely fit your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. This hitch has a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, a max tongue weight of 525 lbs, and is made in the USA.
view full answer... - Best Trailer Hitch To Use RockyMounts BackStage On 2019 Volkswagen TiguanThe etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", Item # e43ZR is the best choice for your 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a confirmed fit for all models of the 2019 Tiguan and will absolutely work with the RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack part # RKY10002 while folded up, folded down, or swung out. There will be plenty of clearance in all of these three position while installed on your Volkswagen Tiguan with the etrailer # e43ZR Hitch.
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- Best Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-LineI would be happy to help! For your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR as it is confirmed to fit all models of your Tiguan. This hitch has a hidden crosstube meaning that once installed only the receiver itself will be visible, and the 2" receiver gives you the most options when it comes to accessories like a bike rack, cargo carrier, or ball mount. If you are planning on towing a trailer with your Tiguan you will need a vehicle...
view full answer... - Is The Curt T-Connector Compatible With A 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56403 is a custom fit wiring harness that will plug into the connector for your tail light wiring with one end of the T-Connector and the other directly into your tail lights. This design will prevent you from having to splice into any of your vehicle's wires to install. You will have to run a power wire from the control module directly to your battery along with the included in-line fuse holder to protect...
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... - Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan R-LineWe have just what you need. I recommend using the etrailer hitch # e43ZR which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver with a concealed cross tube design to give your 2019 VW Tiguan R-Line a clean, factory installed hitch look. It looks like your Tiguan has a towing capacity of 1500-lbs, so as long as your loaded trailer is under that weight, you'll also be able to tow the trailer; you'll want to confirm this capacity with your owner's manual. If you're going to be towing a trailer, you'll...
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.