Troubleshooting Curt C13381 Not Wide Enough for 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Question:

It seems like the Curt C13381 hitch is 1/4inch too small on each side to fit outside my frame rails 2021 SE R-Line Tiguan. What could the problem be?

asked by: Matthew B

Expert Reply:

No need to worry, your # C13381 hitch is likely bent a little from when it was shipped. The mounting brackets are made to flex a bit so this is not uncommon. Flexing them back into position will allow you to get the hitch on the outside of the frame rails and complete your installation.

You can use a table vise, an open step, the floor, or any number of other methods to accomplish this. It doesn't sound like it flexed much based on that measurement you gave, but it wouldn't hurt to inspect the hitch as well. If you see any cracks or chipped paint they are typically signs that it flexed enough to be unsafe and the hitch should be swapped out.

I have attached an article below which covers all of the methods you can use to get your hitch back into the right position.

expert reply by: Robin H