Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with 2018 VW Atlas

Question

Question:

Can you list me everything I need including part numbers to install a 2018 VW Atlas tow hitch and wiring? Thank you!

asked by: K

0

Expert Reply:

Absolutely!

Starting with the trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch # C13366. This Class III hitch is confirmed to fit your 2018 VW Atlas and will use existing holes in its frame for a no-drill installation. It will provide you with a 2 inch receiver and it has a 6,000 towing weight capacity. You will also want to verify your vehicle's capacity by checking the owner's manual, as it is likely lower than this. You will simply need to follow whichever capacity is lower, the vehicle's or the hitch's.

I have attached the installation instructions that you can check out.

Then for a trailer wiring harness I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118754. This custom harness will install by plugging into factory ports behind the trim panels in the cargo area of your VW Atlas. Once these connections are made you will just need to run the hot lead up to the vehicle's battery. This will give you a 4-Way to connect with and power a trailer's basic signal lights. I have again attached the installation instructions that you can use for reference.

In order to tow a trailer you will also need a ball mount and hitch ball like the Curt # C45030. This particular ball mount features a 1 inch rise or a 2-1/4 inch drop. You will just need to add the appropriate hitch ball size that works with the coupler on your trailer, such as the 2 inch # 63845 or the 2-5/16 inch # 63847.

I have attached an article that explains how to measure your VW Atlas and trailer to ensure you get the correct ball mount for towing your trailer level. I have also included a link that will take you directly to our available selection if the above-mentioned Curt ball mount does not have the needed rise or drop.

Finally, I have added a couple articles on trailer towing that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Answer 1

It would be a great idea to use an anti-sway system with your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and small single axle travel trailer. The smaller single axle trailers are actually more prone to sway than the larger tandem and triple axle trailers due to the lack…

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Answer 2

While there is no way to attach an anti sway system to the Glyder for Gen-Y part #325-GH-12005. I do have a solution for you. You can use the Convert-A-Ball Dual-Cushioned, Adjustable Ball Mount part #CAB-UM which isn't as clean looking of a…

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Answer 3

You would need to have spring bars on a weight distribution system in order to use dual-cam sway control #RP26002. Without a bar attached to it the dual-cam system cannot work. For sway control only you will need to use a friction bar like #83660.…

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Answer 4

While there isn't a way to completely mimic how a weight distribution hitch works, you can use a friction sway control system for a safer way to tow with your 2022 VW Atlas, and you'll also need a bracket that goes over your ball mount: -…

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Answer 5

Yes. If you don't need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.

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Answer 6

The best hitch for your 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is going to be the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item #C24ER. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item #C24ER is a class III hitch with a…

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Answer 7

I do have an option to help prevent sag in your rear suspension when towing your trailer that does not include a weight distribution system for your 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The option I recommend is adding the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs…

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Answer 8

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and it states, "Never install weight distributing or load equalizing ball mounts. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch could…

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Answer 9

The best hitch for your 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is going to be the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item #76176. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 6,000 lbs towing…

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Answer 10

To actuate the brakes on your Trailmanor camper, you would indeed need to install a brake controller. If the factory tow package on your Flex includes the OEM 7-way on the back bumper, the install would be plug-and-play, using the #22292 Brake…

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Answer 11

Weight distribution systems put a bit more torque on the hitch and frame of the vehicle due to the spring bars pulling up pretty hard on the head of the system. Not every vehicle/hitch is going to be heavy duty enough to allow this and not…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you are looking to use a weight distribution system on a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. If that is the case then we do have some great options for you. The Reese Weight Distribution System part #RP66542 and Curt MV Weight Distribution System…

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Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with 2018 VW Atlas

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