Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2011 Volkswagen Routan

Updated 03/02/2015 | Published 03/01/2015

Question:

I have a 2009 Vw Routan SE. Online it says its toeing capacity is only 2,000 lbs. Does having this hitch change that amount? How will towing more than the 2,000 lb capacity my car says affect the engine and transmission if this is added? We want to tow a popup camper that maxes about 2500lbs, amd are worried we cannot tow it, especially uphills. Thanks for any help.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

When determining the overall towing capacity of a vehicle you must always go with the lowest rated component in the system as the overall capacity as a towing setup is only as strong as the weakest component.

This is especially true if the weakest component happens to be the vehicle as that's the only component that can't be swapped out for a higher capacity component.

The Draw-Tite part # 75579 is confirmed to fit your vehicle and has more capacity than you will be able to use. The heaviest trailer you can tow with your 2011 Volkswagen Routan is 2,000 lbs since that is what Volkswagen has stated.

Since you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For trailer wiring you would want the part # 118490. Install video attached as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C