Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2011 Volkswagen Routan
Question:
I have a 2009 Vw Routan SE. Online it says its toeing capacity is only 2,000 lbs. Does having this hitch change that amount? How will towing more than the 2,000 lb capacity my car says affect the engine and transmission if this is added? We want to tow a popup camper that maxes about 2500lbs, amd are worried we cannot tow it, especially uphills. Thanks for any help.
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
When determining the overall towing capacity of a vehicle you must always go with the lowest rated component in the system as the overall capacity as a towing setup is only as strong as the weakest component.
This is especially true if the weakest component happens to be the vehicle as that's the only component that can't be swapped out for a higher capacity component.
The Draw-Tite part # 75579 is confirmed to fit your vehicle and has more capacity than you will be able to use. The heaviest trailer you can tow with your 2011 Volkswagen Routan is 2,000 lbs since that is what Volkswagen has stated.
Since you plan on doing 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 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.
If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
For trailer wiring you would want the part # 118490. Install video attached as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What Trailer Hitch Fits a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan with Stow-N-Go Seats
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch and Towing Capacity for 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
- Q&A: Rise or Drop of Ball Mount Needed for 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
- Q&A: Is There a Hidden Receiver Available for a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Which Fits Behind Factory Cover?
- Q&A: Difference Between the Draw-Tite and EcoHitch Trailer Hitches for a 2023 Tesla Model Y
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule