Brake Controller, Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendations for a 2005 VW Touareg

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is one of our highest rated and most popular brake controller models. If your 2005 VW Touareg has a factory tow package, then you will just need to connect the wires from the brake controller to the tow package wires under the dash.

You will need to remove the lower appearance panel beneath the dash and to the right of the emergency brake pedal. The tow package wiring will be on the left, wrapped in grey foam. Connect the white wire on the brake controller to the brown wire on the tow package wiring. Connect the black wire on the brake controller to the red/yellow wire on the tow package wiring. Next, connect the red wire from the brake controller to the black/red wire on the tow package wiring. Last, connect the blue wire on the brake controller to the blue wire on the tow package wiring. You can then replace the panel. You would then just need to mount the brake controller. I have included installation details below.

If your Touareg does not have a factory tow package with a 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle, you will need to hardwire the brake controller. You would need the brake controller, Upgraded Circuit Protected Modulite, # 119176KIT, and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included an FAQ on wiring a brake controller from scratch that explains this process in detail.

For weight distribution with sway control, I recommend the Reese Round Bar Strait-Line Hitch with Shank, # RP66086. This system has a tongue weight capacity range of 200 to 600 pounds and a gross trailer weight rating of 10,000 pounds. This system comes with built-in, pro-active dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. Make sure to check your trailer tongue weight when it is fully loaded and ready to tow. If it is more than 600 pounds you will need a larger system. I have included an FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control that explains how to measure tongue weight.

The trailer connection from the trailer to the Touareg will provide the power and signal for the lights on the trailer. If the trailer lights do not work for some reason, you can use Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # C-ATL20A. The lights will stick to a flat metal surface.

You will need to clip off the 4-Flat and splice the wires into the trailer side connector. With the trailer connected to the vehicle, use a test light like the Quickee # 3808 to find the wire functions on the trailer side wiring, behind the connector. First turn on the left blinker and find the wire that carriers a signal in unison with the blinker. Cut the wire and connect it to the yellow wire on the lights. Next, find the wire that has a constant signal when the vehicle lights are on, cut it, and connect it to the brown wire on the lights. Next, turn on the right blinker and find the wire that carriers a signal in unison with the blinker. Cut the wire and connect it to the green wire on the lights. The white wire can be grounded to the trailer frame. The original trailer wires have to be cut because if there is a short or bad ground it could cause damage to the electrical system on the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H