Choosing Hitch Installation on 2014 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI and 2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI

Question

Question:

Im looking to install a trailer hitch on either my 2014 Jetta Sportwagen TDI or 2015 Passat TDI. Im leaning towards the ones that mount on the bumper mounts. It will only be used to pull a small 4x8 trailer. Which would be better?

asked by: Ryan M

0

Expert Reply:

In a light-duty towing application like yours, to be perfectly honest, if it were my money I would choose the lowest cost hitch for whichever car you choose to equip with a hitch. All have identical capacities.

For the 2014 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI we have the 2-inch EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch 306-X7284 which does install at the bumper mounts. This hitch is shown on the linked page.

This EcoHitch installs without drilling, but it is a challenging installation. I linked an install video and the written instructions for you to check out. If your trailer has lights you can use 4-pole wiring kit # C59496.

For the 2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI we again have both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch options that are all rated with the same capacities and all are no-drill installs, with the 2-inch bumper-mount-install EcoHitch model # 306-X7317 again being the more challenging installation. These three options from Curt, Draw-Tite and EcoHitch appear on the other linked page. For wiring use # 118646.

Apart from the EcoHitch options' higher cost and tougher installation there is the potential concern that in the event you were to be tapped from the rear by another vehicle you might have the hitch get damaged along with the bumper, but you can also look at it the other way: that the hitch might actually protect you in such an event since it provides more steel between you and the bad driver behind you.

If you're planning on doing the wrenching yourself, in which case your labor is sort of "free", then having the 2-inch receiver size you get with the EcoHitch models is nice. There are simply more hitch mount accessories made for 2-inch hitches than for 1-1/4-inchers. If you'll be paying someone to do it then the extra hour or so of install time for the EcoHitches might start to matter more.

Once you decide on the car/hitch preference please let me know and I will be glad to recommend a ball mount and a hitch ball to match your trailer's coupler size.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

TorkLift's EcoHitch #306-X7284 that fits your 2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI will require fascia trimming as part of its overall installation. Please refer to the linked photo taken from the written instructions that will ship with the hitch.…

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Answer 2

The bolts that come with the EcoHitch part #306-X7284 that you referenced are: (2) 7/16”-14 x 1” Gr.5 Hex Cap Screw (2) M8-1.25 Hex Nut (5) M8-1.25 x 50mm Hex Cap Screw Fully Threaded

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Answer 3

The EcoHitch part #306-X7284 is a fit for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. This particular EcoHitch is not designed with a removable hitch receiver. The hitch receiver is built into the hitch but it is still a concealed cross tube design.…

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Answer 4

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7284 is identical to the X7284 you saw on the TorkLift site. If you look at the picture Torklift is using, you will see underneath that the actual design may vary. They often use stock images, which…

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Answer 5

We do indeed offer a hitch fit for the 2012 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI Diesel. You'll want to go with the EcoHitch #306-X7284. The hitch mounts behind the bumper cover, which conceals the entire hitch except for the receiver tube and the…

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Answer 6

As long as your 2013 Volkswagen Touareg has raised side rails that run from the front of the roof to the back the Malone Roof Rack part #MPG201 that you referenced would be confirmed as a fit.

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Answer 7

The Curt Hitch part #C11072 that you referenced is the correct Curt hitch to use on a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen so this hitch will work for you. To order the missing install hardware you need to order part #RHK. On the product page you would…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 11

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 12

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Choosing Hitch Installation on 2014 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI and 2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI

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