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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. Volkswagen
  3. Tiguan
  4. 2023
  5. etrailer
FITS 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
etrailer

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

Part Number: e43ZR
In Stock
$186.60
Retail:$202.86
You Save: $16.26
Trailer Hitch
Confirmed to Fit
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

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etrailer trailer hitch for your 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan are available from etrailer.com. Installation instructions and reviews for your Volkswagen trailer hitch. Expert service, and great trailer hitch prices. etrailer.com carries a complete line of etrailer products. Order your etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" part number e43ZR online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (143)
  • Q & A (0)
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

  • Class III
  • 2 Inch Hitch
  • 3500
  • Visible Cross Tube
  • 525
  • etrailer
  • Custom Fit Hitch

This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your Volkswagen Tiguan'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
Weight Carrying Capacity
Gross Towing Weight (GTW):
3,500 lbs.

Tongue Weight (TW):
525 lbs.


Weight Distribution Capacity
Hitch does not allow
use of weight distribution



No drilling required Manufacturer Estimated Installation Time

Tech Tip

Some models may have a plastic structure behind the bumper that would need to be permanently removed for installation. Hands-free Liftgate sensor areas may be limited to areas away from the center where hitch receiver opening is located. No drilling through vehicle frame required for installation , Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation





Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

143 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:

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.

RobinH profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

3/2/2025

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


by:
VolkswagenTiguan

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:
2019 VolkswagenTiguan

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



by:
2023VolkswagenTiguan

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 VolkswagenTiguan

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:
2018 VolkswagenTiguan

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:

Fit was very good. Definitely a two person job. The instructions and video were helpful.



by:

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



by:
2021 VolkswagenTiguan

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:

Installed the hitch myself. The video was very helpful. All the parts were included. We've used it several times and appears to be working great.



by:

Exactly what I needed to use my bike ra ck.



by:

Easy installation.



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:

Hi Carol,

I put the hitch on my car
today, a 2022 VW Tiguan. The instructions left out a very important part. The weld nuts on the 2022 are not attached to the frame rails, but rather to the bumper bar. If you remove all 4 bolts at once, as it says to do in the instructions, then the bumper bar rotates down and the nuts rotate up into the frame rails, making it impossible to reinstall the bolts and thus not possible to mount the hitch. My son found a comment on one of the VW forums mentioning this problem and pointing out that you have to do one side at a time so that the bumper bar doesn't move. So, we pushed and pulled on the bumper bar until we were able to reinstall the bolts. Then, leaving the bolts tight on the driver's side, we removed the bolts on the passenger side and were able to mount that side of the hitch. Once those bolts were tight, we removed the two bolts on the driver's side, pushed that side of the hitch into place with a jack, and bolted that into place. So, in the end, it worked, but it took 3 hours since we were following the incorrect instructions. We probably could have done it in under an hour if we had known in advance to work on one side at a time.

I would advise that you add this possibility to your instructions so the next people won't have to struggle like I did.

Thanks.

Katrina D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Katrina D.

1/11/2024

Huh, that is odd that the instructions would say to remove both sides at the same time. Let me get this information over to engineering for them to look into this and see about changing the instructions.



by:
VolkswagenTiguan

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.



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:
VolkswagenTiguan

The hitch receiver is 5 stars. Installation however is not a straight up affair on the 2023 Tiguan S. You have to remove a plastic under panel which then cannot be reinstalled. You also have to use the supplied hardware as the S trim does not have the factory bolts in the frame. This is mostly intuitive for people with some mechanical sense. An extra set of hands in the form of your wife is highly recommended but not required.



by:

Solid hitch good price



by:
2020 VolkswagenTiguan

The tow hitch arrived in three days and after watching the fitment video, I was able to fit it without any problems. It is a professional looking product and I am very pleased with the result and look of the hitch.



by:
2024 VolkswagenTiguan

Perfect fit for the 2024 VW Tiguan. The nuts and bolts where already installed on this model so didn't need to fish the bolts through. There was a plastic molded piece behind rear bumper that had to come out where the hitch goes so couldn't put it back on, no problem.



by:

Box came a little beat up but everything was there. Should be installed this weekend. Not anticipating any problems based on passed purchases.



by:
2021 VolkswagenTiguan

Hitch fit my 2021 Tiguan perfect!



by:

I’ve had this hitch for a year now. This is the third vehicle I have outfitted with a hitch from etrailer. The first hitch I purchased from etrailer was back in 2015. I have had zero complaints with etrailer’s products.



by:

Came with clear instructions and all the hardware needed. Easy installation in about 30 minutes.



by:
2020 VolkswagenTiguan

Extremely impressed with eTrailer from start to finish. Excellent instructions and communication. Fast shipping. Product installed perfectly.


25
143
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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...
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    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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • 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...
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • 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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  • Will Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness 118811 Fit 2023 VW Tiguan
    Yes, we have confirmed that the Tekonsha # 118811 will fit the 2023 VW Tiguan. The T-One connectors will plug into the connection points in the rear cargo area. Once installed, you'll have a 4-way to power your trailer's signal lights. If you also need a trailer hitch, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR. This is identical to the Curt # C13381 you looked at but with a matte black powder coat finish. This does a better job hiding dirt and dings compared to a glossy finish....
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  • 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...
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for
  • Does Trailer Hitch For 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Require Stabilizing Strap For Bike Rack
    With previous Curt hitches - mostly ones with 1-1/4 inch receivers - they would often either recommend the use or require the use of Stabilizing Strap # 18050 to maintain the warranty. They have gone to just recommending it on fewer hitches recently, and it is neither required or recommended with the Curt hitch that fits your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13381 You can still use the strap if you like, and it would generally hook onto the top of your hatch from...
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  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Trailer Hitch Recommendation
    We do - I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR for your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan because this has a matte black finish that does a great job at blending in with the black trim on newer vehicles plus it holds up better against the elements when compared to a standard glossy black finish. This is compatible with all styles of the 2022 Tiguan but it's also important to note that you might have to play around with where you need to kick your foot if you have the hands-free...
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  • Do I Need Anything Else to Mount a Bike Rack on a 2023 VW Tiguan SE Other Than a Hitch?
    If you are just using the etrailer Hitch item # e43ZR for a bike rack you will not need anything else for your 2023 Tiguan SE. This hitch has a 525 lbs tongue weight capacity which is more than enough to handle any bike rack and bike/s combo on the market.
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  • 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...
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  • Availability of Photos for the etrailer # e43ZR on a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
    I sure can add a photo of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR installed on a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan! If you check out the photo on this page it shows you exactly what this hitch will look like once installed on your vehicle. I have also attached an installation video of this trailer hitch on the '18 Tiguan that you can reference for the install. If you let me know what you will be using the trailer hitch for I can make additional recommendations if need be.
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  • Installing a Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2022 VW Tiguan Without Factory Weld Nuts In the Frame
    The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR comes with carriage bolts, fishwire, square hole spacers and flange nuts that are needed to install a receiver on your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan that does not have the factory weld nuts and bolts. You will be able to fish the carriage bolts and spacers into the frame so that you can attach the receiver. The matte black powder coating on our receiver gives a cleaner look as you don't have a shinny receiver on the back of your Tiguan. This will better...
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  • 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).
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    Image 1 for
  • 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.
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  • Will the e43ZR Fit a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE Edition?
    Yes! I confirmed with Curt that the # e43ZR will fit a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE model. Not only does the hitch provide your vehicle with 525 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 3,500 pounds of gross towing weight, it also is made here in the U.S.A. For a great locking hitch pin for the hitch, that is the # e98882. If you need trailer wiring for the hitch, you need the Tekonsha T-One - 4-Way # 118811. With this harness, your trailer will have basic tail light, running light, and turn signal...
    view full answer...
  • Will the etrailer Hitch for a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Work With Hands Free Liftgate
    The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e43ZR which is a fit for a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan will still allow for use of the hands free liftgate feature. That said, you will be limited to areas beside the receiver tube.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    We have just what you need. I recommend using the etrailer hitch # e43ZR which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver with a concealed cross tube design to give your 2019 VW Tiguan R-Line a clean, factory installed hitch look. It looks like your Tiguan has a towing capacity of 1500-lbs, so as long as your loaded trailer is under that weight, you'll also be able to tow the trailer; you'll want to confirm this capacity with your owner's manual. If you're going to be towing a trailer, you'll...
    view full answer...
  • Is The Curt T-Connector Compatible With A 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
    The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56403 is a custom fit wiring harness that will plug into the connector for your tail light wiring with one end of the T-Connector and the other directly into your tail lights. This design will prevent you from having to splice into any of your vehicle's wires to install. You will have to run a power wire from the control module directly to your battery along with the included in-line fuse holder to protect...
    view full answer...
  • 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...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Jacob T
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Employee Chris R
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Employee Dustin K
Video by:
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Employee John S
Video by:
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Employee Kristina F
Updated by:
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Employee Eric H
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Employee Bradley B
Test Fit:
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