Brake Controller, Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendations for a 2005 VW Touareg
Question:
Which model brake control would you recommend? Also best sway bar/weight distribution set-up for this vehicle as well? Ill be towing a 73 Airstream Safari rare single axle that weights approx 3000#, that has new tires, shocks. Will also need temporary tow lights. Thanks for your help!
asked by: Erik
Expert Reply:
I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is one of our highest rated and most popular brake controller models. If your 2005 VW Touareg has a factory tow package, then you will just need to connect the wires from the brake controller to the tow package wires under the dash.
You will need to remove the lower appearance panel beneath the dash and to the right of the emergency brake pedal. The tow package wiring will be on the left, wrapped in grey foam. Connect the white wire on the brake controller to the brown wire on the tow package wiring. Connect the black wire on the brake controller to the red/yellow wire on the tow package wiring. Next, connect the red wire from the brake controller to the black/red wire on the tow package wiring. Last, connect the blue wire on the brake controller to the blue wire on the tow package wiring. You can then replace the panel. You would then just need to mount the brake controller. I have included installation details below.
If your Touareg does not have a factory tow package with a 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle, you will need to hardwire the brake controller. You would need the brake controller, 4-Way # C59496 and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included an FAQ on wiring a brake controller from scratch that explains this process in detail.
For weight distribution with sway control, I recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET. This system has a tongue weight capacity range of 200 to 600 pounds and a gross trailer weight rating of 6,000 pounds. This system comes with built-in, pro-active dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. Make sure to check your trailer tongue weight when it is fully loaded and ready to tow. If it is more than 600 pounds you will need a larger system. I have included an FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control that explains how to measure tongue weight.
The trailer connection from the trailer to the Touareg will provide the power and signal for the lights on the trailer. If the trailer lights do not work for some reason, you can use Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # RM-2120. The lights will stick to a flat metal surface.
You will need to clip off the 4-Flat and splice the wires into the trailer side connector. With the trailer connected to the vehicle, use a test light like # PTW2993 to find the wire functions on the trailer side wiring, behind the connector. First turn on the left blinker and find the wire that carriers a signal in unison with the blinker. Cut the wire and connect it to the yellow wire on the lights. Next, find the wire that has a constant signal when the vehicle lights are on, cut it, and connect it to the brown wire on the lights. Next, turn on the right blinker and find the wire that carriers a signal in unison with the blinker. Cut the wire and connect it to the green wire on the lights. The white wire can be grounded to the trailer frame. The original trailer wires have to be cut because if there is a short or bad ground it could cause damage to the electrical system on the vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 8 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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