Can Volkswagen Touareg Use Weight Distribution When Towing

Updated 02/18/2020 | Published 06/05/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3839)

$28.48

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

(89)

$288.93

Ball Mount Adjustable with Sway-Control Tab, 6,000 lbs

(102)

$196.60

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.53

Curt Ball Mount w/ Sway Control Tab for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(173)

$46.73

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV

(319)

$44.40

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 1-1/4" Drawbars - Class II

(41)

$29.75

Question:

I have the trailer package on my 2014 Touareg TDI. It has the hitch and receiver installed. I would like to get a ball mount that also accepts a sway bar. Do you have a suggestion?

asked by: Tim M

Expert Reply:

You will need to check your owners manual to see what the trailer towing capacity is for your Touareg.

Many times the construction of a vehicle will restrict the amount of weight the vehicle can tow. I looked at a 2010 Touareg and the trailer hitch we have that is designed for the 2010 is the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # 13220. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening. A technical note states that you cannot use weight distribution with this hitch.

You will want to check the owner's manual or with the dealership to make sure you do not exceed the towing capacity.

If you want to let me know the year of your Touareg I can make a recommendation that will work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Tim M.

6/5/2015

I have the trailer package on my 2014 Touareg TDI. It has the hitch and receiver installed. I would like to get a ball mount that also accepts a sway bar. Do you have a suggestion?

Jeffrey L.

6/8/2015

You have a couple of choices for your trailer receiver. You can go with a ball mount like part # D320 which has a 3/4 rise or 2 inch drop, or part # 7390 which is an adjustable from 3-3/4 inch rise to 5-1/4 inch drop. Both of these ball mounts have the sway control tab built in. Another option is to choose a sway-control bracket like part # RP26003 for a 2 inch ball mount or part # RP26005 for 1-1/4 inch ball mounts. These will mount to a standard ball mount and can be removed if you choose not to use the sway control. I recommend a sway control system like part # 83660. This is a friction-style sway control system that includes everything needed to attach to your trailer. You would just need the ball mount and sway control bracket and you are good to go.

Jason

2/17/2020

I see that the curt hitch for the 2008 vw touareg is not rated for use with WDH but the draw tight hitch states that max GTW when used WITH WDH is 6000kIs this because it uses factory bumper sandwiched along with 2 additional drilled attach points?Vw states that if touareg is equipped with air suspension then do NOT use WDH but steel suspension is ok.. please clarify.

Jason S.

2/18/2020

The manufacturers rate their hitches for weight distribution systems or not. As you stated, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 75363 is rated for that use, but Curt # 13220 is not. This is based on their testing and their engineering. I can only assume the extra bolt location and bracket make the difference. When the vehicle manufacturer gives further restrictions it is always what we recommend. Volkswagen will restrict based on its warranty, where having your vehicle warranty in tact is more important than the parts that are individually tested and rated higher at times. In this case, I don't recommend using a weight distribution system if your vehicle has factory air suspension, but if it has the traditional shocks and struts then I would recommend it for stability and sway control.

Helpful Links

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