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CURT

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

Part Number: C38JR

85 Reviews | 32 Questions

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$261.73

Retail:$431.95

You Save: $170.22

Not Confirmed to Fit

2006 Ford Explorer

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Product Images

curt trailer hitch for towing receiver - custom fit class iii 2 inch

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In Use/Installed

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt for towing class iii receiver - custom fit 2 inch

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt for towing class iii on a vehicle

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt class iii c38jr

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt class iii on a vehicle

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt for towing receiver - custom fit class iii 2 inch

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt for towing c38jr

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt for towing on a vehicle

2022 volkswagen taos trailer hitch curt c38jr

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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" customer photo

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Videos

Setting up the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Complete Installation - 2023 Volkswagen Taos

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Powder coated steel is sturdy and corrosion resistant. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from CURT. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part number C38JR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.

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Reviews (85)
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CURT Trailer Hitch - C38JR

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
2" Receiver Opening: Accepts ball mounts, bike racks, and cargo carriers for daily use
Tows up to 2,000 lbs (GTW): Handles small trailers, campers, or utility loads with ease
Holds up to 200 lbs (TW): Supports hitch-mounted gear like bikes or storage platforms
Bolt-On Installation: Mounts directly to the frame using standard tools—no welding needed
Gloss Black Powder Coat: Dual-layer finish resists rust and keeps the hitch looking clean

Features to know about

Get More Out of Every Trip: Class III Strength for Everyday Towing and Hauling

This Curt Class III hitch receiver has a 2" x 2" opening and is rated for 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight. It’s strong enough for light to moderate towing and steady hauling. Use it to pull a small utility trailer, tow a fishing boat, or mount a bike rack or cargo carrier. Its sturdy, square-tube design and precision, robotic welds give you solid performance every time you hit the road.

Simplify the Install: Bolt-On Design with No Welding Required

You can bolt this hitch directly to the frame without any welding. Everything lines up cleanly for a straightforward install using common garage tools. The fit is engineered for the vehicle, so there’s no need to modify or fight with misaligned holes. Once in place, the concealed cross tube keeps things tucked up and out of sight while still giving you full utility from the receiver.

Keep It Looking Good: Gloss Black Powder Coat Over Protective Base Coat

The gloss black powder coat finish sits on top of a protective base coat for superior rust resistance. This layered finish helps the hitch stand up to road salt, rain, and grime while keeping it looking clean under the bumper. You get durability that lasts through daily use and weather changes without worrying about corrosion or flaking over time.

Specs

Receiver Dimensions

Receiver opening: 2" x 2"

Weight and Capacity

Rating: Class III
Maximum gross trailer weight: 2,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 200 lbs

Compatibility and Usage

Not rated for use with weight-distribution systems

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty

13496 CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Installation Details C38JR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

2022 - 2028 Volkswagen Taos

Customer Satisfaction Score:

92% were satisfied with this product

8% of customers were not satisfied

Arrived Damaged
Product did not meet expectations
Wrong item was ordered

8% of customers were not satisfied

Arrived Damaged
Product did not meet expectations
Wrong item was ordered

4.7

85 reviews

5 Stars		(73)
4 Stars		(3)
3 Stars		(5)
2 Stars		(0)
1 Star		(4)

by: James 09/11/2026

The hitch receiver itself arrived in good shape and looks solid, so that would tend to lead to a 5 star review, but the instructions were decidedly incomplete, or maybe misleading would be a better word. On my Taos, 2024 base model, the small screws were T15 not T10. I had the proper tools however, but that didn't help as the screws are plastic and the head of one stripped as soon as I tried to turn it. I had to grind it off. The T25 screws came out easily. After that it was all downhill. There are 3 fasteners at the edge of the trunk pan closest to the exhaust, no mention of them in the written instructions or in the video. I could loosen them but could not get that edge of the pan to come free. I gave up and contacted my regular auto repair shop to arrange to have the hitch installed there next week. I'm assuming that those folks will be able to remove the trunk pan and that the remainder of the installation will proceed as expected.

by: Arnaldo 11/01/2025

Great product! Packaging on the products was well done. Instructions were spot on. The hitch and electrical wiring were easy to install. I did everything with no help.
I am 62 years old. If I can do it, anyone else can do it too.

The only recommendation: Making the illustrations in color.
AA++++

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by: Brian P 06/01/2025

2025 Volkswagen Taos

I will say that the unit I received had the end flanges bent to the point where they were off by more than an inch. I had to use a hammer to bend the flanges into a more 90-degree angle instead of the 70/80-degree angle they were in.
Once the bolts lined up it fit perfectly and was very fast to install.

I believe I just received a lemon as I have had trailer hitches on every car I have had since I was 16, and this is the first one that I have had issues with.

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by: Michael 09/09/2023

When I opened the box I could immediately tell this was a quality product. Unfortunately during installation I came across some issues with the hitch receiver. The driver side mounts were off from aligning with the bolts by at least a half inch if not more. At first I thought I'd received the wrong hitch. I pulled the hitch out from under the Car and noticed the driver side bracket was bent inward. Luckily I was able to straighten the bracket out and go for round two of installation. I still had to persuade the bracket quite a bit but was finally able to get it to align with the bolts. I did find a bit of surface rust on the driver side bracket as well. Understandably metal will rust but a bit disappointing to see on a new hitch. On a good note, the installation video provided online by etrailer was excellent, and very helpful. The packaging was very durable, and the hardware is a very high grade. Overall I would recommend this product but I would give the brackets a good look before installation, maybe even measure the distance from driver and passenger side mounting bolts to see if it matches the hitch receivers mounting bracket distance. It my save you a bit of frustration.

Click to Enlarge

Jenny N.

9/13/2023

Sometimes when the hitches are shipped to us, the side brackets will get knocked out of alignment. We do have a FAQ that helps when this happens. I do recommend touch up the hitch with a rust resistant paint like Rustoleum.

Helpful Links

faq-my-trailer-hitch-doesnt-fit.aspx

by: Steve 10/01/2026

Service was outstanding, product showed up in great time, looking forward to having it installed tomorrow

by: Mitchell 04/03/2026

Installation is pretty easy. Everything went according to the tutorial video.The only exception is that I had a skirt that was covering the frame bolt holes on the passenger side. It took about 2 hours and is absolutely worth it! E-trailers did a great job for me of this project, from fast shipping to detailed vehicle specific tutorials. They did an awesome job.

by: Robert 02/26/2025

2024 Volkswagen Taos

Looks great. Fit excellent and all service, shipping and packaging was great!

Robert One Year Later

2/27/2026

No issues all. It works great!

Gwendolyn Y.

2/27/2026

@Robert Love to hear it, Robert! What have you been using the hitch for?

by: Bob 09/02/2026

2023 Volkswagen Taos

Great hitch, easy install and fast delivery!

by: Michael 11/12/2023

The hitch itself was as advertised and the instructions were spot on. Didn’t take me that long to install but that being said I’ve also installed one from E-Trailer as well for a Jetta Sportwagen that was the same way to mount.
The box showed up quicker than expected but I think it would help you guys out with claims to put some sort of foam or packing in the box. The box had 3 holes in it from the product breaking through it. Fortunately the hitch was not damaged but had it spent anymore time with the shipping company that would have not been the case. Also while it’s not the end of the world a quick review of my order by a product specialist would have noticed that I ordered a hitch pin lock kit along with a Hollywood fat tire bike rack that actually comes with its own locking pin. This is a small thing that when goes noticed is an appreciated customer service action. Just my $.02 as I also run an online accessory business that this same thing happens. Still I feel the 5 stars is deserved as all the products work as advertised and the instructions are concise and clear. Thanks E-Trailer! I’ll be back soon for a setup I need on another vehicle as well.

Click to Enlarge

by: Vincient 06/20/2026

2024 Volkswagen Taos

Went together fairly easy with the instructions for my 2024 VW Taos. Ordered and delivered within 30 hours so that was impressive!

by: Joseph 06/04/2025 One Year Later

It fit well with just having to cut a notch in the bumper cover which I knew about. It gives me a great way to haul my bicycle around.

Joseph One Year Later

6/5/2026

Ive recently sold the car but it worked well the entire time I had the car. Def would recommend it for the VW Taos.

by: Joseph 06/11/2026

2024 Volkswagen Taos

customer Service is not reaching out on concerns I left several messages

by: Deana 06/05/2023

2022 Volkswagen Taos

bought this so I can carry 2 ebikes on a bike rack. Fast shipping and had it installed at a local shop after watching the etrailer video. Installation by the pros took less than an hour and looks fantastic! Loved the detailed description and matched to my make, model, year tool. I'll be using and recommending etrailer!

Click to Enlarge

by: Tom 09/04/2026

Great product, only fault was the bolt heads were slightly too big to be fed through the frame holes on my car. Does not seem like the kind of thing that would have changed with various models so not sure. All the other aspects of installation and instructions were well done. Very happy to see the inclusion of clever “fishing wires” to feed in the bolts and a guide on exact measurements for cutting the plastic bumper. Clear explanations and pictures. I had to grind down the bolt heads with an angle grinder to make it work, so knocked off a star for that but it is clearly a well designed and made product and the inclusion of hardware and installation instructions was key.

by: Stevey 07/05/2024

Hitch looks very nice, and the install was very easy! I will note that the instructions state that you need a T10 Torx for 2 of the plastic clips, but they were T15 on the 2024 Taos I installed this on. Everything else was just like the instructions said.

Click to Enlarge

by: Dan 08/14/2026

Sara was very helpful and easy to talk with. I received the hitch and is on my Taos.

by: Gary 01/30/2025

Looks good. Fits perfectly. Instructions and video were spot on. Did it by myself so it took longer than 20 mins. About 45 mins.

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by: Jim 10/03/2025 One Year Later

The receiver was a relatively easy installation and has worked excellently.

by: Calvin 10/05/2025

2025 ford Edge

Super easy install. I opted to grind down the edge of the bolts rather than expand the frame holes and it worked great. Etrailer video reviews and installs made this a no brainer.

by: Jon 12/17/2025

Fairly easy install. The video is excellent and I referenced it frequently. Looks like it came with the car.

by: Mckenzie 01/03/2026

2024 Volkswagen Taos

Perfect fit. The product arrived in a timely manner and it is extremely sturdy. If you need a hitch for a VW, this is the way to go.

by: Brian 07/28/2026

2025 Volkswagen Taos

Click to Enlarge

Claire H.

7/30/2026

Thank you for the great review! What are you planning on using your new hitch for?

by: Kendra 05/25/2025

2023 Volkswagen Taos

The hitch is an excellent quality and the assembly/attachment time took under an hour. Really happy with the results!

by: Hugo R 08/01/2022

Printed installation manual is not clear, but youtube video is great. Very helpful. You need two people to install it at AWD version

Hugo R. One Year Later

8/2/2023

Working great. This is my second CURT trailer hitchMaxda CX-5 and both are working without any issues. Perfect fit.

by: Ricardo 04/22/2024 One Year Later

After a year mounted, hinch is working as expected. I had a minor point to share, which may help other owner. About 6 or 8 month after installed and many trips using my Thule bike rack, we noticed minimal squicking noise when hitting some road surface bump (ebike shakes ), however, I just got down and checked bolts torque. It seemed to have help.
With rack but no bikes, no noise at all.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend this product. I shouldn't forget to mention how easy was to install it

true

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See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

Do you have a question about this Trailer Hitch?

What is a confirmed hitch to fit a 2022 Volkswagen 4WD SEL?
Glad you reached out about this Robert, we can confirm the correct fit. So, there are two hitch options listed for the 2022 VW Taos, but for your SEL with 4Motion, I recommend going with the Curt hitch. The Curt hitch is confirmed to fit all Taos models, including AWD, so you won’t run into the fitment issues. The Draw-Tite hitch has had some compatibility issues depending on drivetrain, which is where the confusion usually comes from. The Curt hitch # C38JR is a bolt-on install, no...
view full answer...
Trailer Hitch Fit For 2024 Volkswagen Taos
Yep, we sure do have a trailer hitch that fits your 2024 Volkswagen Taos. I verified the fit directly with the manufacturer for you, and the correct part number is the following: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR
view full answer...
What Hitch and Wiring do I Need for My 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
Hello Tim, Congrats on the new VW! Yes, you can most definitely install a trailer hitch on the back of your 2025 VW Taos. The hitch that you were looking at the # DT79GR is a great fit, but it looks like it is on a bit of a back order and wouldn't get to you until about mid April. I do have another option that is ready to ship the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C38JR. I attached some pictures so you can see exactly where the hitch is going to sit, this is from...
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What Hitch Fits My Non-AWD 2022 Volkswagen Taos?
Definitely! We have a great hitch that fits a non-AWD 2022 Volkswagen Taos. For that recommendation, I suggest the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C38JR. This hitch has a ton of advantages over the competitor Draw-Tite # DT79GR. First off, the Curt Hitch does not require and drilling to enlarge the bolt holes. Lastly, since the gloss overcoat over the base powder coat offers more protection than the Draw-Tite, you get more overall protection against rust and...
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Torque Specs for Curt Trailer Hitch on 2023 Volkswagen Taos
Hey Isaac! You can find the torque spec for the # C38JR hardware in the instructions linked further down on this page. It is on the last page of the instructions under "Step 6." We try to not list those online since the manufacturers can update hardware and torque specs sometimes and we don't want someone to have incorrect information for their installation. What will you be using the hitch for?
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What Could Cause Squeaking Noise From Curt Trailer Hitch C38JR
It's possible that the bolts of the Curt # C38JR you installed on your 2022 Volkswagen Taos loosened up, so I recommend checking them with a torque wrench to be sure. It's not common at all, so if they are still torqued correctly, send me a few pictures of the hitch installed (Showing mounting bolts, and receiver) so I can take a look to see if anything stands out.
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Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Hey Steve, we have the Curt Class III hitch part # C38JR that is a confirmed fit for your 2025 Volkswagen Taos and would do a great job to carry a bike rack. This is a 2 inch hitch though and not the size you mentioned. But worth mentioning is that generally people prefer this hitch size to the smaller size due to higher capacities and more racks made for it. To help find an installer I attached a link to a page that has a way to find the best installers in your area.
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Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For A 2024 Volkswagen Taos
Hey Mark, The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT79GR and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR would be the only two options we currently offer. Of the two the Draw-Tite # DT79GR is going to be the better option. Both come with mounting hardware and pre-drilled holes to mount them but the # DT79GR has an extra lip to grab onto the frame rail with which increases its tongue weight capacity an extra 100lbs over the Curt # C38JR. Having 300lbs of tongue weight capacity is going...
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Do I Have to Bend the Heat Shield to Install a Hitch on a 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
Hey Matt thanks for the pictures! I took a look at the installation instructions and a video we made on the Curt item # C38JR hitch. You don't need to bend the heat shielding or mess with it in any way, unless it's been deformed from use. It looks like yours might be bent out some. It's going to be a tight fit but the only trimming required on your 2025 Volkswagen Taos is on the lower fascia as shown in step 4 of the instructions. I have linked the installation instructions along with...
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Fascia Trimming Needed to Install Hitch on 2024 Volkswagen Taos
Certainly; I have added a cutout for you showing the fascia trimming needed on your 2024 Volkswagen Taos to install the Curt hitch that fits. I verified with the manufacturer for you the correct part number is the following: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR This is a small 3-1/4" x 3-1/2" section that is on the underside of the fascia so it won't be seen, and is needed to allow the receiver to protrude.
view full answer...
What Hitch Riser Would Work With Trailer Hitch Receiver On 2023 VW Taos To Carry Cargo Rack?
When we installed the Curt Receiver # C38JR we measured the inside height of the receiver at 12" where the Draw-Tite Receiver # DT79GR measured at 11-1/2". The Adapter # C26FV you found is only rated for use with tow bars as it was not designed to support tongue weight more than the weight of the tow bar. We do have the 20x48 Reese Cargo Carrier # 6502 which you can see raises the platform above the receiver shank which will give you a better height on the tray and decrease the chances...
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Receiver Hitch for 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Thanks for letting us help Michael. For your 2026 Volkswagen Taos SE AWD, the correct receiver is going to be Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR. This has a 2 inch receiver capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs and supporting up to 200 lbs of tongue weight. From what I could find, your vehicle does not have an official manufacturer-rated tongue weight or towing capacity so I'm unsure how the addition and use of this hitch will affect any vehicle warranty. What are you looking to use...
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Troubleshooting Curt Trailer Hitch Mounting Bracket Not Fitting 2022 Volkswagen Taos
Thank you for your purchase of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR for your 2022 Volkswagen Taos! From what I'm seeing in the photo you sent in it looks like the bracket(s) on your hitch got bent a little during shipping. This isn't super uncommon and as long as you aren't seeing any cracks in the metal or flaking of the powder coat you can safely, but slowly, bend the hitch back into place - it looks like you need it maybe 1/4" to 1/2" wider. We actually have a helpful article about...
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Recommended Hitch for a 2023 VW Taos
To add a hitch to your 2023 VW Taos, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C38JR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your VW with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 200 lbs maximum tongue weight so you will have no issues using a bike rack with this hitch. I have linked an installation video below so you can see how to get this hitch set up.
view full answer...
Will Adding a Trailer Hitch To My 2022 Volkswagen Taos Void My Warranty?
No, installing a trailer hitch like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR you were looking at will not void the warranty you have on your 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The only way that this part or any aftermarket part may void your warranty is if a problem comes up and it is determined that the part added was the reason for the problem.
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Will The Curt Hitch C38JR Fit A 2024 Volkswagen Toas 4motion AWD
Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR will fit the 2024 Volkswagen Taos 4motion AWD. We have confirmed with the manufacturer that this will indeed fit all models of the 2024 Taos, including the 4motion AWD model.
view full answer...
Trailer Hitch that Fits 2023 Volkswagen Taos
The Curt hitch part # C38JR fits the AWD and non-AWD versions of your 2023 Volkswagen Taos so it would work great for you. It's also mostly hidden since only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper and installs pretty easily as well.
view full answer...
Comparing Curt Versus Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2023 Volkswagen Taos
I prefer the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR over the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT79GR for your 2023 Volkswagen Taos. The Curt is made in the USA while the Draw-Tite is manufactured overseas. Both receivers have a similar design with hidden cross tubes and 2" receivers with a gloss black powder coat finish. The Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # C59496 will allow you to install w 4-way flat trailer connector. This is the size...
view full answer...
Recommended 4-Way Vehicle Wiring Harness For a 2023 VW Taos
I recommend the Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # C59496 for your 2023 Volkswagen Taos AWD. The Mounting Bracket # C58001 is a great way to secure the 4-way to the end of the Receiver # C38JR. This will reduce the chance of the connector being drug on the ground accidently.
view full answer...
How to Carry Bike Rack for 2 Inch Receiver on a 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
Honestly, the best practice would be to avoid using an adapter like the # 80303 you'd looked at if at all possible. The very best option would either to remove the existing 1-1/4 inch hitch and replace it with a 2 inch hitch like part # C38JR or replace your existing bike rack for one that's compatible with a 1-1/4 inch hitch such as the Swagman XTC2, part # S64670 which can carry two bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each and is compatible with both 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch receivers. That being...
view full answer...
Compatible Trailer Hitch Receiver For A 2022 Volkswagen Taos
Per Curt, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR is a compatible fit for all models of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. You shouldn't have to remove the rear fascia or drill into anything but you'll likely need to trim the underbody panel if it interferes with the hitch. In my experience it's best to not cut anything and test fit the hitch in place first to make sure you even need to cut and how much you'll really need to cut. A lot of manufacturer directions tend to have you cut more than you...
view full answer...
Trailer Hitch Receiver and 7-Way Wiring With Brake Controller For a 2022 VW Taos
I recommend installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR on your 2022 Volkswagen Taos. This receiver is custom fit for your Taos and has a hidden cross tube for a clean appearance. I have linked an installation video below which will allow you to see what all is involved to decide if this is something you will install yourself. The Universal Wiring Harness w/ ModuLite and Brake Controller Harness # 22551 will provide you all the wiring needed for a 7-way. It includes a connector...
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Trailer Hitch ReceiverCompatible With a 2022 Volkswagen Taos AWD
For your your AWD 2022 Volkswagen Taos, the correct fit is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR.
view full answer...
Should the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR Come With Installation Hardware
Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C38JR should come with the installation hardware. I verified this with the manufacturer. We do have replacement hardware available for hitches with part # RHK. You would just need to put C38JR in the "Hitch Item Number" box. This would be the entire hardware kit (carriage bolts, flange nuts and spacers).
view full answer...

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