Hitch Suspension Enhancement and Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2012 VW Golf TDI
Updated 03/31/2015 | Published 03/30/2015
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Question:
Can a hitch be modified to make it a class 3 by welding additional support? I want to tow a 1600 lb trailer. I would like load leveling and brakes. The specific trailer is Safari Condo Alto.
asked by: Ivan E
Expert Reply:
You cannot safely modify a Class I hitch to match the capacities of a Class III hitch (even though my oddball uncle did somehow weld a Class III hitch opening on his Mazda Miata...NOT RECOMMENDED). Hitches are given capacities that generally reflect what the towing capacity of the vehicle they are installed on. Even if you did somehow reinforce a hitch to be stronger, the attachment points on the vehicle's frame can't be made stronger and this is typically the weak point.
The Draw Tite Hitch part # 24825 confirmed to fit your 2012 Volkswagen Golf does have a 2,000 lb trailer capacity so it should have more than enough capacity for your 1,600 lb trailer. You will still want to check the owners manual of your vehicle to determine the capacity for the vehicle and be sure not to exceed this figure either.
For suspension enhancement you would want the Firestone Coil Rite Kit part # F4176.
You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # 119250KIT.
From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.
For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.
