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This fully welded, corrosion-resistant Volkswagen Golf trailer hitch receiver is perfect for your light-duty towing needs. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. Drawbar sold separately.
Features:
Specs:
Draw-Tite's Tested Tough program provides testing standards far superior to those outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the go-to source for engineering professionals.
Each Draw-Tite trailer hitch receiver undergoes extensive fatigue testing and static testing with the ball mount that is either supplied or recommended for use with that particular hitch, thus ensuring results that are applicable to real life use. Fatigue testing is also conducted on hitches rated for use with weight-distribution systems.
In addition, Draw-Tite performs static testing on a simulated automobile, as opposed to the rigid fixture used for SAE testing, resulting in a more true-to-life scenario.
At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Tech Tip
Drilling required for installation , Trunk access required for hitch installation , Minor heat shield modification may be required
California residents: click here
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (86 Customer Reviews)
This fully welded, corrosion-resistant vehicle trailer hitch receiver is perfect for your light-duty towing needs. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. Drawbar sold separately.If installing yourself: you will need a 1/2" drill bit/drill, a jack to hold up the muffler, a face shield or at least good safety glasses (a lot of debris will fall on your head), silicone sealant (for the bolts that mount in the spare tire well), ramps (to safely raise the car), and third or fourth hand will make the initial mounting easier (instead of trying to hold the heavy hitch with two knees).
The hitch itself is solid and well designed. The issue I have is with the surprise mounting instructions that the right hand mount needs to be permanently bolted to the car's tow eye. This tow eye can no longer be used in the event the car needs to be pulled onto a flatbed tow truck (I have had to use it before).
The other issue is after mounting, I noticed that the hitch in not perfectly straight. I took for granted that the left hand mount that is between the exhaust bracket would align the hitch since it has two bolts with not a lot of play. Before tightening everything down, try looking at the hitch to see if it plumb. If it's off a little bit, I think it isn't a big deal since a hitch ball is used and that will negate the not 100% perpendicular hitch - though the forces on the hitch may not be the same...
Finally I got to answer and write a review about your Product, just have to say excellent Product , great Price, easy to DIY installation on
my 04 VW Beetle Convertible, need to say been from Germany 50 % of People have Hitches and Pull there Camper with this those little Cars and its doing well, hard to believe most young People do Camping in Germany and at my jounger years I had a 74 Super beetle with Hitch and pulled my Camper, People in USA always wonder
VW with Trailer Hitch.....Funny, I am 75 now and still DIY at my 04 Beetle, Proof of my Picture in the Attachment.
Thanks Peter S.
Peter S.
11/16/2018
very satisfied
Great product and it installed exactly like the provided online Video. Providing the video was a HUGE help. The only difference was that I was on a dolly under the VW and it was not on a lift!!! That made a big difference but that was not the product at all it was my problem. Also, etrailer folks contacted me because they were making sure I ordered the correct extension for the hitch. I ordered the wrong one and they picked up on that. GREAT Customer service.
Richard M.
5/13/2021
Great love it. Currently in Washington and headed to Yellowstone. Used the hitch to transport our Bicycle built for two. Perfect solution.
I've had this receiver for over two years now. Having it has been a dream. It's reliable, and isn't ugly like some of the other receivers I've seen. I have noticed that occasionally I'll strike the ground with it, usually when exiting a driveway that has a poorly-graded ramp. The grade change has to be fairly extreme, though. Speed-bumps and the like aren't a problem. Its unusually low profile also eliminates the risk of it catching on anything.
I bought this hitch for my 2001 VW Golf. The shipping was fast and cheap, (especially considering the size of the package) and the hitch showed up at my front door a few days after ordering, well-packed and undamaged.
The install process was relatively straightforward, but I would say almost impossible without a second person to help hold the hitch in place while the bolts are attached. I ended up calling a friend and using the scissor jack out of the trunk of my car to hold the hitch in place while I bolted it in. I did run into a minor problem with a clearance issue between the rear valence on the car and the receiver portion of the hitch, but I rectified it by making a small cut-out in the plastic of the bumper with my pocketknife. Since the hitch is a permanent addition, I wasn't too concerned about making this alteration- you can't see it unless you look under the bumper, regardless.
The package shipped with all the necessary hardware, and even included a hardcopy of the mounting instructions. As others have said, eye protection is key for this job, because you're going to have rust and road grit raining down on you while you try to move the hitch into position, and most of it is stuff you don't want in your eyes.
In terms of actual towing, the hitch worked exactly as expected. I towed a uhaul trailer about 400 miles with absolutely no problems. It easily passed a safety inspection, and provided completely trouble-free operation. For the price and ease of install, this product can't really be beat!
I bought a hitch from etrailer so I could install a bike rack on my 06 beetle. The order was quickly filled and all parts were included. Instructions were clear and the videos on the website made installation a breeze. Everything fit exactly as it was supposed to. Here is a pic of the hitch in action. It was a pleasure doing business with you guys.........
The installation was a fairly simple process on a 2004 VW Beetle. I was able to use the stock jack to lift the rear slightly when needed. It took about two hours doing it by myself with the aid of a couple floor jacks to hold the hitch in place. The most difficult part was angling the hitch above the exhaust bracket. Drilling the holes in the trunk was straightforward.
I am only using the hitch for a bike rack, and for that it seems to function perfectly.
I received the hitch a day early and it was easy to track from the website and\or email I received. The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I watched a short video and installed the hitch without any problem. I however should have ordered the ball mount at the same time to avoid shipping. I am happy with my purchase and will order other hitches for my other vehicles.
Installation completed with very simple, well written instructiions. Fits my VW New Beetle perfectly. Let's my wife.pull our boat to a nearby lake following the camper. Thank you eTrailer for your expert, very helpful sales person. I have to mention Kimberly. Tks.
Went on sooo smooth and works great pulling a 5x8 enclosed trailer.
Rick
4/8/2023
Going strong. Pulling my enclosed trailer for my business with my 2005 VW Beetle. Highly recommend.
Thanks for a great product.
The included paper directions were adequate - it was actually the video your website provides that helped me the most. The hitch arrived in great shape and in a timely manner. I will use and recommend your company whenever applicable.
Thanks
Very fast shipping and easy installatio n.
I have had this hitch for a year. It has served me well. Was easy to install. Have used it to tow a light utility trailer (rated at 1750 lbs). And to move around a 17’ boat and trailer when needed, but my truck works best for that.
No complaints. But I would like a 1 1/4” ball hitch receiver that has a 9” to 10” lift to accommodate the height and level of my trailer. Instead of using a 2” adapter to a 2” hitch receiver with the needed height to level the trailer. The hitch itself is only 6” +/- off the ground. Can’t seem to find one (help?).
Rachael H.
5/17/2019
Thanks for your 1 year follow, I have checked our inventory and we do not have a 1-1/4 inch ball mount that provides that much rise for you to be able to move your boat. Currently, the highest rise position ball mount that we offer for your Class 1 hitch is # C45028. This ball mount offers a 5-3/8 inches in the rise position.
Helpful Links
I really enjoy the trailer hitch. It was easy to install and has worked beautifully. I have hauled everything from trailers full of fire wood to furniture. It's a great product at an even better price. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering installing a trailer hitch.
John
3/8/2017
Very well
Fits and works as described. Easy install for someone with a decent mechanical aptitude.
Easy to instal and does the job great. Use it most for a bike rack and a occasional light trailer use.
The trailer hitch is solidly built an fairly straightforward to install even on your own. However having an extra set hands to hold hitch in place will help. The exhaust tip does rub against the hitch while car is running an creates a lil extra noise but a couple of zip ties should move exhaust that extra half inch to eliminate that. Otherwise great product. 2003 VW GTI
Patrick B.
10/14/2013
Hitch and exhaust contact does happen from time to time, but it is an easy fix. Zip ties probably will not cut it. They will either break or melt. Take a long, heavy pair of channel locks and bend the exhaust hangers in the area to get the tip away from the hitch, or you can swap out the rubber isolator for a different length to get the tip away.
Hitch was delivered very rapidly! No complaints here.
The install video on the company website made installation a breeze!
My wife was quite surprised I got the hitch installed so quickly...happy wife, happy life! Thanks, etrailer.com for a great product.
Mike
6/9/2019
The hitch is still in use and has been all over the country with my wife and our bikes.
The trailer hitch arrived mostly out of the box. The end that “was” stapled shut was wide open. Hitch is scratched and dented, I live in the salt capital of the world, so I know this is going to be a rusty pile in a few short years unless I seal it and paint it. Shame because powder coating that was originally applied is usually very tough. Bag with hardware was broken open and some hardware was missing. I am a mechanic and have a hardware selection at my shop so I will be able to sort this out. This in no fault of the seller and my UPS guy is a family friend. He Said that’s the way they loaded the package on his truck. I don’t have time to exchange as this is for my brothers car and he lives many hours away and I don’t have access to the car easily.
Heather A.
2/7/2022
I sent your information to customer service. You may consider painting the hitch with a rust-Oleum paint to avoid rusting in the future. It is also a good idea to spray the hitch off periodically with fresh water.
I've now had the tow hitch installed in my 2004 Golf tdi for a year now. I've towed close to 20 times with it. The most I've towed was a 3 person jet ski, which with trailer was around 1100 lbs. The hitch has been great and performed well. I always make sure not to exceed the tongue weight limits. Good product, would order again. Installation was easy with the exception of a stubborn heat shield around the muffler I fought with for a while. Overall, worth the effort and glad I have it.
A trailer hitch on a beetle? Am I crazy? Absolutely not. I LOVE my beetle hitch. My beetle(s) are towed behind 5th wheel RV’s in the Western USA. On occasion, I need to travel thousands of miles towing my empty car dolly with my beetle.
The hitch I bought from etrailer does the job with strength to spare. Installation, well I had to work at it a little but I got it. I’m so happy to have it. WORKS GREAT!!!
I'm glad my colleague convinced me to order a hitch from etrailer. The install went smoothly and my wife couldn't be happier with the hitch on her VW Beetle, now she gets to cart around her bike whenever she wants.
I did benefit from reading other reviews and ended up using both a jack and a basketball/block of wood to prop up the hitch during the install (a second set of hands would have done the same thing). I also benefitted from owning a set of ramps to prop the back end of the car up, you can do it without but the added space was a huge help. Don't forget to order the "bolt leader" to thread through the 1/2" carriage bolt but you can also fish it through with a thin piece of wire.
Overall the install was really easy and could be done by just about anyone.
Waiting for my trailer to install this, but it's got everything I need. Saved a good bit of money by buying this kit from etrailer and installing it myself.
Gregory G.
9/21/2021
perfect for my smsll motorcycle pop-up csmper trailer pulled by my car! Holding uo great.
Love the hitch, but it a two person install job.
Perfect for my VW. Beetle,now a can carry to bikes and enjoy life with family.
Thanks! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
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Elicon
7/12/2018
Great! No issues.