Should a Weight Distribution System be Used with a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg

Published 11/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(97)

$282.34

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

(486)

$74.51

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

(82)

$242.94

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

(319)

$44.40

Question:

I have a 2016 Touareg and just bought a travel trailer. Trailer weight comes within the towing specs of the Touareg. The dealer that sold me the trailer is telling me that I need to install a weight distributing hitch. However, my Touareg manual says that I should never install a weight distributing hitch. Further that the vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch attachment can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle. What kind of hitch would you recommend for the Touareg given this restriction? Do I even need an aftermarket hitch? The Touareg comes equipped to tow with a brake controller and I have towed a 1500 pound cargo trailer.

asked by: RB

Expert Reply:

We recommend using some sort of sway control if the trailer you're towing weighs at least 50 percent of what the tow vehicle weighs or if you're experiencing any sway or sagging. Since the Touareg's owner's manual says to not use a weight distribution system then you shouldn't use one. Instead to control sway use a friction sway control bar like the Reese part # 83660. It's not considered "weight distributing" or "load equalizing" at all. It just uses friction to fight the trailer's side to side sway. You may also need the bracket to install the sway control bar, part # RP26003.

There's certainly no need for an aftermarket trailer hitch receiver because the two that we sell, Draw-Tite part # 75950 and Curt part # C13116, are not rated for weight distribution either.

I've linked an install video of the anti sway bar with the adapter for you.

expert reply by: Charles S