Trailer Hitch and 5-Way Wiring Harness Recommendation for 2011 VW Touareg TDI

Question:

I recently purchased a 2011 VW Touareg TDI which has no tow hitch or wiring kit installed. I tow trailers with surge operated disc brakes and which require the 5 pin flat connector to inactivate the trailer brakes when reversing. Would the following items be the appropriate choices for this vehicle? 1. hitch: Curt C13116 2. wiring: Modulite 119177KIT Power Convertor 5 way flat

asked by: Donald W

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track with the Curt Hitch part # C13116 but I have a wiring solution that will be easier to install.

I would first recommend you start with the part # 118668 as it is a custom install harness designed to fit your vehicle that won't require any hardwiring. This will give you the 4-way functions without any hardwiring.

Now to convert this to a 5-way you will want the part # 47515. This plugs into the 4-way and allows you to hardwire in the 5th circuit to the reverse light circuits.

Since 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 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 include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.