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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. etrailer
  3. Class III
  4. 2 Inch Hitch
  5. 3500 lbs GTW
  6. Visible Cross Tube
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2005 Ford Excursion
etrailer

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

Part Number: e43ZR
In Stock
$193.13
Retail:$209.26
You Save: $16.13
Trailer Hitch
Not Confirmed to Fit

2005 Ford Excursion

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This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from etrailer. etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" part number e43ZR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (170)
  • Q & A (0)
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etrailer Trailer Hitch - e43ZR

  • Class III
  • 2 Inch Hitch
  • 3500 lbs GTW
  • Visible Cross Tube
  • 525 lbs TW
  • etrailer
  • For Towing

This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.


Features:

  • Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
  • Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
  • Bolt-on installation - no welding required
    • Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
  • Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer
  • Matte black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
  • Stylish, round-tube design
  • Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
  • Made in the USA
    • Mounting hardware may be imported


Specs:

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
  • Rating: Class III
    • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
    • Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
  • Limited lifetime warranty


Rugged, Matte Black Finish

The sturdy steel construction is protected with a matte black finish for added durability. This unique powder coating gives etrailer hitches a carbide-like appearance and a rugged look that sets them apart from traditional glossy hitches. In addition to being rust and corrosion resistant, the tough matte coating hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than a glossy finish.


Matte Carbide Finish vs Glossy Finish

Matte Carbide Finish vs Glossy Finish

etrailer Technical Support

At etrailer 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.



13381 etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide

Installation Details E43ZR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.6

170 reviews
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.

by:

Very easy install even without having the factory hardware installed in my Tiguan. Fish wires worked perfectly to get both sides done easily with the supplied hardware. Fit it perfect and sits high and tight. No trimming needed for the valence.



by:

Has been flawless! I can't say enough good things about it. Was easy to install (for a DIY guy but not necessarily a car guy). We just lug bikes with it but it's perfect for our use, and a great price vs OEM.

M profile picture

M

3/1/2025

One year in hitch still performing flawlessly! I use it all the time to haul our bikes.

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

3/2/2025

@M glad to hear it! Where do you like to go biking?


by:
Volkswagen Tiguan

The hitch fit well. As explained in the instruction, you have to remove some sprayed on foam where the hitch will sit. That's not easy if the car isnt on a lift. Also, Because our tiguan didnt have the pre-threaded openings for bolts, there's some fiddly work to get the attachment pieces in place.

So it took some trial and error over a couple of hours to get it in for us. But probably would be much easier if you have it on a lift.

William profile picture

William

6/10/2025

No problems after a year. I checked the bolts and are still tight. We only use for bike rack, nothing to tow.



by:

The shipping box was destroyed - parts sticking out - and has slight paint damage



by:
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Installation was a nightmare. Dont follow the video. Get the hitch ligned up with the holes first, then fish the bolts through with the wires. One got pinched and broke off. Bolt and bracket is now stuck in the frame.



by:
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

It was slightly harder to fit onto the frame, but we did make it happen. Once on, it is a great addition to my auto.



by:

Very easy to install and instructional vidio is great if needed. All hardware worked perfect



by:

Easy installation, with a very sturdy build. Great trailer hitch!



by:
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The hitch was pretty straightforward to install. It would be easier if the car was on a lift, though.
Seems like a quality product!



by:

I wanna give 5 stars, but my order was late, and my hitch was damaged in transit.

After some makeshift bending, we got it to fit in my 2021 VW Tiguan.

My Thule bike rack fits fine with the 2” adapter. Rack feels solid and was able to use the existing bolts; no fish wire needed.

Instructions video was clear and actually accurate.



by:
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The hitch receiver for my son's 2021 VW Tiguan was easy to order, especially with lots of accompanying photos and an installation video. It arrived earlier than expected giving us a little extra time for install prior to the holiday weekend. The 2021 Tiguan had the 4 bolts already in place, so we only needed to clean off the outside of the frame rails with a putty knife so that the snug fit of the receiver ends would slide over the rails. We installed without raising the car, lowering the exhaust system, but found that once we were able to push the receiver up roughly into place and turned one bolt on each side in a few turns, that placing a floor jack under the receiver and slowly providing a little support made it easier to get all the mounting holes perfectly aligned, and socket wrenching the bolts was easy. The whole installation from unboxing to putting away tools took less than an hour...which is acceptable for us first-timers! The only area for improvement is that the shipping box was punctured from the inside in several places...not enough to damage fit and function of the hitch receiver, but there is cosmetic damage on mounting end tips, which are out of view anyway.



by:
Volkswagen Tiguan

Great quality hitch; top-notch components, workmanship, and fit. I too referenced some installation videos and it was very helpful to know to scrape off some of the undercoating for a good fit. I used a bottle jack to help balance and my wife to hold the other end while aligning the pins. Very satisfied with the final result on a 2021 Tiguan.



by:
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Online video instructions were spot on. I was able to install it on a VW Tiguan by myself. I fished the bolt wires after I put it in place.



by:
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Fit well. All lined up. Clean up frame rails before installing for better fit. Installed on daughter’s 2018 VW Tiguan. About 40 minutes.



by:

Great product and overall the easiest experience! Everything is set-up so well for customers - it was so easy figuring out the best fit product for my car, finding information on the product page, tracking my order/delivery and installing. The hitch receiver shipped same day and arrived in 3-4 days. I referred back to the install video as needed but everything was pretty straightforward and fit perfect on my 2020 Tiguan. I feel really good about the quality of the receiver and trust it will be perfect for what we need - mostly just a bike rack. I love the way the bar is hidden underneath the bumper and the receiver is actually inset a few inches vs sticking out past my bumper (the picture makes it look like it sticks out but it doesn’t). I will 100% be shopping on etrailer for future purchases.



by:
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Very pleased with the product. I installed it myself and the videos were a great help.



by:
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Seems well built. Watched install video. Needed another person to assist with installation. Using a floor jack helped a lot.

Mike profile picture

Mike

11/8/2024

No issues. Hitch works as intended,



by:
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Installed this on 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, super easy install, did it myself in 50 minutes, perfect fit, no issues definitely would recommend this hitch



by:
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Fit well, just a little tougher since I didn’t have the frame hardware but the retro kit worked well.



by:

Order came quickly. Good quality product, fits perfect on my car easy to install with the video from this website.



by:
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

I purchased this trailer for a 2018 VW Tiguan. I was able to install this myself with no problems, besides some wd40 to loosen old bolts.
Thank you

Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

12/11/2024

WD40 coming in clutch again! What all do you use the new hitch for?



by:
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Excellent quality and relatively easy to install.



by:

Good product, serve my purpose



by:

Great service and responses to my quest ions



by:

Fits the vehicle perfectly, and the installation videos are top notch, very detailed, and very easy to follow.


25
170
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch

  • Recommended Hitches for a 2022 and 2024 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line
    Yes, I can! I checked with Stealth Hitches and the only option they currently have is on your 2022 VW Tiguan and it's item # SH49ZR. They haven't been able to confirm it fits the 2024 model yet. This is just the hitch with the accessory receiver. If you would like to tow you will also need the Towing Kit w/ Ball Mount and Trailer Wiring for Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver item # SH82VR. The etrailer Trailer Hitch item # e43ZR you were looking at will fit both the 2022 and 2024 VW...
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  • Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
    The etrailer Class III hitch part # e43ZR is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and would be a great option. It has a 3,500 lb trailer towing capacity as well. For a ball mount you'd want the part # 36051, hitch ball # 19258 for a 2 inch ball or part # 19256 for 1-7/8 inch ball. For trailer wiring you'd then want the part # 118811 which is a confirmed fit.
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  • Need Replacement Hardware For etrailer Hitch Receiver e43ZR For 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Hello James, thanks for getting in touch. We can indeed provide a hardware kit for the # e43ZR hitch. What you will need is part # RHK. When you go to the part page for the RHK you will see a box where you can enter the part number for your hitch. In this case you will enter the part number e43ZR in this box before adding the # RHK to your cart. This will get you a complete hardware kit for your # e43ZR hitch. Let me know if you have any questions or if you need anything else.
    view full answer...
  • Installation Method for Installing a Hitch on a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Yes, that is correct Gary. The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR has the option of using either of these methods in the instructions and includes the parts needed to install the hitch either way. This hitch is confirmed to fit a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. What are you planning on using your hitch for?
    view full answer...
  • What is the Best Hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
    The best hitch for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is the etrailer item # e43ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This hitch fits all models of the 2023 Tiguan. The etrailer item # e43ZR is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a 525 lbs maximum tongue weight. I really like this hitch because the crosstube mounts behind your rear bumper cover leaving only the 2" receiver visible. I have attached a couple of pictures...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Comparing Hidden Hitches for 2022 VW Tiguan SEL R Line
    The Ecohitch part # 306-X7395 and the etrailer hitch part # e43ZR are very similar hitches that fit your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan which accomplish the same goal. They provide a mostly hidden hitch where only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper. If you don't need the extra capacity of the EcoHitch the etrailer would definitely be the way to go as it costs less and installs easier. I attached pictures of both hitches installed for you to check out. Another option you might consider...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Is Cutting Required for Installing the etrailer Hitch # e43ZR on a 2022 Volkswagen Tiiguan?
    While we do have a photo of the etrailer Hitch # e43ZR on a Volkswagen Tiguan, we only have that photo of a 2018 model. We unfortunately do not have a photo specifically on a 2022 model. I went ahead and attached 2 photos of the hitch installed to this answer. As far as cutting, I am pleased to say that the hitch does not require any cutting whatsoever on your 2022 model. The installation is super easy and can be done in about 30 minutes. I also attached a photo of the full step-by-step...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for
  • Is There an EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    I do have an option for you but there are currently no EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver options for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. That said, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # DT53GR per Draw-Tite, is a confirmed fit for all models including the R-Line. It does require trimming of the rear bumper fascia but it's only a small area (3" x 6") on the bottom so don't let this discourage you. That said, if you don't want to trim you can simply go with the etrailer Trailer...
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line
    I have 2 different hitch options for your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line for you to check out and it just depends on what price point and style of hitch you're wanting to add to your vehicle. For a standard hitch I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR which comes with a 2" receiver and has a matte black finish that looks better and is more durable than a standard glossy black finish. For a specialized hitch I recommend checking out the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
    To add a hitch to your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, I recommend the etrailer item # e43ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Tiguan with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, and a 525 lbs maximum tongue weight. I really like the etrailer item # e43ZR because the crosstube mounts behind your rear bumper leaving only the 2" receiver visible. This not only helps with ground clearance but it also looks better. I have attached...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Yes, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR you're looking at will absolutely fit your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. This hitch has a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, a max tongue weight of 525 lbs, and is made in the USA.
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Wiring Kit Recommendation for a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
    The wiring I recommend for your 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is the ZCI kit from Tekonsha: - ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # 119250KIT This is a universal kit but what separates this from other universal options are the clamps used to make your wiring connections. Other kits use butt connectors so you have to literally cut the OEM wiring on your vehicle but the clamps are able to "sense" when to send power back to the trailer lighting. To get you setup for towing I recommend...
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  • Concealed Hitch Options for 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Hey Mike, for your 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan both the etrailer hitch part # e43ZR and the Curt # C13381 have concealed crosstubes. These hitches are basically identically designed with only real difference being the etrailer has a matte black finish and the Curt a gloss black. For an even more hidden option we have the Hidden Hitch part # DT62GR which has a removable hitch opening that makes it basically totally invisible when not in use.
    view full answer...
  • Installation Method for the Hidden Hitch on a 2022 VW Tiguan
    The Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item # DT62GR is installed into the frame by removing the back bumper cover on the 2022 Tiguan. The etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR attaches to the sides of the frame from below if you're looking for an easier install. Both hitches are confirmed to fit the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56403 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.
    view full answer...
  • Picking Out Hitch for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan for Use with Thule T2 Bike Rack
    There are two versions of the Thule T2 bike rack with only difference being the size hitch they fit. If you have a 2 inch hitch version you'd want a hitch like the etrailer part # e43ZR which is this size or if you have the 1-1/4 inch version you'd want the part # C12177 which is this size. If you pick the correct hitch size for your rack you would not need to use any adapters.
    view full answer...
  • Will The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit A 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
    It sure will! The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR you were looking at is confirmed to fit all models of the 2018-2021 Volkswagen Tiguan so it will fit perfectly on your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 7 Passenger. This hitch has a 525lb tongue weight rating and 3500lb trailer weight rating making it a very versatile hitch good for carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier, or for using a ball mount to tow a trailer. If you are planning on towing with your Tiguan you will also need a vehicle...
    view full answer...
  • Does etrailer Trailer Hitch # e43ZR Receiver Fit 2018 VW Tiguan With 3rd Row Seating
    Yes, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR will fit a 2018 VW Tiguan with 3rd row seating. The only note about fitment with this hitch is that it only fits U.S. market vehicles (which simply means if you purchased your Tiguan in the U.S. this hitch will fit).
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Hitch and Wiring Harness for a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    To set your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line up to tow you will need the following parts: Trailer Hitch - etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR 4-Way Wiring Harness - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C56403 Ball Mount Kit - Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534 For a towing a trailer with brakes you will need the following parts in addition to the ones already mentioned: 7-Way Wiring Harness - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 Brake...
    view full answer...
  • Will Hitch Installed on 2022 Tiguan SEL Affect Hand-Free Liftgate Operation
    The liftgate will still work, just not in the area under the center of the bumper. When installed on your 2022 # e43ZR WV Tiguan, the trailer brand Class III will partially affect the sensors for the hands-free liftgate feature, but only in the center in the bumper. The sensors will work to the left and right of the hitch receiver tube as shown in the provided photo. You can take a look at the installation instructions by clicking the provided link.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Best Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line
    I would be happy to help! For your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR as it is confirmed to fit all models of your Tiguan. This hitch has a hidden crosstube meaning that once installed only the receiver itself will be visible, and the 2" receiver gives you the most options when it comes to accessories like a bike rack, cargo carrier, or ball mount. If you are planning on towing a trailer with your Tiguan you will need a vehicle...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Blackline Without Trimming
    The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR is the receiver I recommend for your 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Blackline. This will require removal of a lower fascia trim but there is no trimming required for the installation. I have linked an installation video below which allows you to see everything required for installation.
    view full answer...
  • Is Fascia Cutting Needed to Install etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Nope, there is no type of fascia/bumper cutting or trimming needed to install the etrailer hitch on your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The correct part number for your car is the following: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR
    view full answer...
  • Curt vs. etrailer Trailer Hitch For 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Only one difference exists between the Curt and etrailer trailer hitches for your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, which is the finish. The etrailer hitch has a matte black finish, while the Curt hitch has a glossy black finish, so you can choose which you prefer. The hitches that fit your '24 Tiguan are the following part numbers: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13381 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR The matte black finish does hide those inevitable small scuffs a bit better than the...
    view full answer...
  • Which Hitch for 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Fits Most Flush to Rear Bumper
    Just based on install picture I can tell that the EcoHitch part # 306-X7395 is going to sit more flush with the bumper of your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan than the etrailer # e43ZR although I can't get you exact dimensions as we haven't had a chance to take that measurement yet. Another really great option is the other EcoHitch part # 306-X7393 which has a lower hitch opening that is removable so when you aren't towing you could remove it completely and it would appear that you don't have a...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
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Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
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Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
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Employee John S
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