Best Anti Trailer Sway Option for a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
Question:
I am in the process of identifying and buying a Grand Design XLS 17MKE travel trailer. I will be towing with a 2012 VW Touareg Diesel. Specs for both are: Trailer: 4674 Dry Weight 6395 Gross Weight 21ft 11inches overall length 430lbs Tongue weight Vehicle: 6305 lbs Gross weight including 1331 lbs Payload 7700 lbs towing capacity 770 lbs hitch weight Factory installed 2 inch towing hitch class IV The VW manual is always a bit confusing because it prohibits weight distribution hitches but it is also true that weight distribution hitches are uncommon in Europe. I have found other Touareg owners have had anti-sway success with the Reese friction anti-sway bar because it doesn’t have a weight distribution element. The trailer I am looking at would require me to use a raised hitch ball - probably 2-3 inch rise above the post. Do you have a hitch ball that would allow me to raise it and still use a friction sway device? Ideally, an integrated hitch weight scale with the ball set up would be great too but would be sacrificed if I can only solve the other problem. Any help would be appreciated as I would need these issues solved prior to taking it home. Thanks!
asked by: Cari G
Expert Reply:
The best anti-sway option we offer for a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is electric, the Sway Command Electronic Sway Control System for Electric Trailer Brakes part # LC380605 is what I recommend. This won't put any additional stress on the frame of the vehicle so there won't be any warranty issues. It uses the trailers brakes to correct sway. It also allows you to use any ball mount you like such as the Weigh Safe 2-Ball Mount w/ Built-In Scale part # WS6-2.
