Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Expert Reply:

There are several differences amongst the various hitch classes but the important factor is that the hitch is rated high enough for what you need it for. The hitch tongue weight and gross trailer weight capacity will need to exceed the trailer tongue weight and gross weight.

Class I and II trailer hitches have 1-1/4 inch receiver openings whereas a Class III hitch will have a 2 inch receiver opening.

Class I hitches usually top out at 200 pounds tongue weight capacity and 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight. Class II on the other hand usually have a range between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 to 350 pounds tongue weight capacity.

If you decide to go with the Class II hitch # C120973 you also need # C45521 since it's the recommended ball mount. Then you can use 2 inch ball # A-82 or 1-7/8 inch ball # A-80 depending on what the trailer coupler requires. You also need # F-4 for the pin and clip.

If you go with the Class III hitch # C13133 then I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900.

For either hitch you can add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the back using # 118675. I have linked videos showing how each of the hitches and the wiring install.

If you go with Curt Class II trailer hitch # C12097 it is rated for 350 pounds tongue weight and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight. The Class III version, # C13133, has the same ratings. Usually when this happens it is because the vehicle itself has limited capacity (always check the owner's manual!) so the hitches follow suit. Provided that the trailer does not exceed the capacities you will be good to go with either hitch.

Class III hitches are generally rated between 3,500 and 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight with a tongue weight capacity of 300 to 600 pounds.