Everything Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

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Question:

I recently purchased a new 2012 Jetta SportWagon TDI with an automatic transmission. Id like to go on tour with my band, and instead of spending a fortune to rent a van, it might be cheaper for us to buy a trailer hitch and a trailer and do the whole tour with my SportWagon. Having never towed anything in my life, what will I need to buy? I noticed that I may need the following: Trailer Hitch Receiver, 4 Pole Harness and Hardwire Kit , Drawbar, roadies, plus the trailer itself. What else will I need? I am willing to buy all the components from you if you help me get the exact right stuff!

asked by: Charles F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you get everything you will need to tow a trailer and go on the road with your band: except roadies. We are all out of roadies.

First, you will need a trailer hitch. I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Item # 306-X7284 with ball mount # C45230. This trailer hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 300 pounds. This is important so I have included a link on how to determine tongue weight for you.

The gross trailer weight capacity is 2,000 pounds. The gross trailer weight includes the weight of the trailer and everything in it. I imagine you will want an enclosed trailer. Those are going to weigh more but depending on how much gear you have you should be able to get a small one that will hold all your stuff and still be under the 2,000 pound capacity.

Once you find a trailer, the coupler will tell you what size ball it needs. If it needs a 1-7/8 inch diameter ball use # 19260 and if it needs a 2 inch diameter ball use # SC23-C.

Next, you will need wiring on the vehicle to control the trailer lights. You can use # C59236. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.

I have included a few other helpful FAQ article links that should help you get everything set up and safe. Please keep in mind that you need to supply your own groupies. And roadies. We are still out of roadies.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

I strongly recommend running the 12 volt power wire from the Curt Wiring Harness, #C59496, directly to the vehicle battery. The 12 volt accessory circuit was not designed to support the additional load of a trailer wiring harness. A wiring harness…

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Answer 2

If your Jetta is a non-hybrid model and has the 5 speed manual transmission, it is capable be being flat towed. The automatic and 6 speed manual need to be towed on a tow dolly like #RM-2050-1, according to my research. If you can tow your particular…

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Answer 3

Yes, the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #306-X7284 does indeed have a 2" receiver tube opening contrary to how it may look in the attached photo. EcoHitch is known for making 2" trailer hitch receivers for some of the more…

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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 is…

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Answer 5

For starters, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Euro Drawbar part #C114122 is not a fit for your 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. The comparable option we have is EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #306-X7284.

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Answer 6

Yes, you can use trailer wiring harness #C59496 on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.

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Answer 7

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. This…

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Answer 8

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 9

From the research I did it looks like your 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. You would need to consult the owners manual of your vehicle to verify this as well. For a hitch you would then want the EcoHitch Hidden…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 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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Everything Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

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