4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness Options for 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Question:

I have a 2016 VW GTI. Whats the best trailer wiring system and easiest to install for my GTI? Does your 2014 Passatt video depict the same wiring details i need for my GTI? Thanks.

asked by: Scott S

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are two basic types of 4-pole trailer wiring harness available for your 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI, hardwired kits such as Curt # C59236, and the no-splice Tekonsha ZCI harness # 119250KIT.

The ZCI kit avoids all need to cut into the car's internal wiring. The harness uses removable current-sensing ferrite clamps that snap into place around the car's wires to detect the vehicle lighting signals without an actual direct-wired connection. You need run only 1 single wire up to the battery + post for 12V input power. The "smart" circuitry in this kit does require you to follow the installation procedure explicitly to ensure correct operation.

Hardwired kits also require you to run that one 12V power wire and to splice others into the car's wiring. They do also cost a lot less. If a vehicle is leased, then the ZCI option really starts to look good. Both options are shown on the linked page.

expert reply by: Adam R