Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
Question:
Hello, From all the research Ive been reading my Tiguan is a Class 3. 2.0 TSI S But this hitch states its a Class 3. I will be towing a 5 X 8 Uhaul cross country. I just have to be sure I order the correct part Is there THAT much difference between the two Classes? Thanx! :
asked by: Kimberly
Expert Reply:
There are several differences amongst the various hitch classes but the important factor is that the hitch is rated high enough for what you need it for. The hitch tongue weight and gross trailer weight capacity will need to exceed the trailer tongue weight and gross weight.
Class I and II trailer hitches have 1-1/4 inch receiver openings whereas a Class III hitch will have a 2 inch receiver opening.
Class I hitches usually top out at 200 pounds tongue weight capacity and 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight. Class II on the other hand usually have a range between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 to 350 pounds tongue weight capacity.
If you decide to go with the Class II hitch # C120973 you also need # C45521 since it's the recommended ball mount. Then you can use 2 inch ball # A-82 or 1-7/8 inch ball # A-80 depending on what the trailer coupler requires. You also need # F-4 for the pin and clip.
If you go with the Class III hitch # C13133 then I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900.
For either hitch you can add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the back using # 118675. I have linked videos showing how each of the hitches and the wiring install.
If you go with Curt Class II trailer hitch # C12097 it is rated for 350 pounds tongue weight and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight. The Class III version, # C13133, has the same ratings. Usually when this happens it is because the vehicle itself has limited capacity (always check the owner's manual!) so the hitches follow suit. Provided that the trailer does not exceed the capacities you will be good to go with either hitch.
Class III hitches are generally rated between 3,500 and 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight with a tongue weight capacity of 300 to 600 pounds.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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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
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1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- CURT
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2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- CURT
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- No Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2-1/2" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- 2-1/2 Inch Long
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- 2-1/2 Inch Span
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- No Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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