Can Trailer Hitch be Installed on 2019 Volkswagen Golf TSI

Updated 06/19/2019 | Published 06/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(211)

$189.94

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(98)

$98.92

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 2,000 lbs

(334)

$34.81

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs

(334)

$38.95

Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2273)

$43.42

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(19)

$91.21

Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2" Span

(2932)

$2.87

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black

(588)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(588)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Pearl

(588)

$759.00

Question:

According to my VW owners manual towing is a terrifying activity: For technical reasons, your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Never install a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Towing a trailer will cause expensive damage to the vehicle - However, when I visit the UK site, the Golf S to compare, then go to the tech specs, it appears perfectly happy to tow. I intend to use it for a bike rack and to tow a light trailer with canoes/kayaks. Possibly a small sailboat, max 400 lbs including trailer. Any advice on whether I should use the Curt C11412?

asked by: Robert D

Expert Reply:

What you are referring to is actually pretty common when it comes to smaller vehicles. It isn't surprising to see that UK versions are given the thumbs up to tow while US versions are discouraged from towing and I'm not sure what the reason is. I will say that quite a few people do still get trailer hitches installed on their Volkswagen Golf and are just fine. I can't really go against what your owner's manual says but if you do decide to install a trailer hitch the Curt Class I part # C11412 is a great choice (please note that this doesn't fit the R model)!

To finish your setup you need wiring, part # C56405 if you have a GTI or part # 118646 if you don't, a ball mount like the recommended # C45521, plus a hitch pin and clip # F-4 and a hitch ball part # A-80 for a 1-7/8" size or # A-82 for a 2" size.

Since this is a Class I trailer hitch you are restricted to a 2-bike max carrying capacity. If you don't already have a bike rack then I recommend checking out the Kuat Sherpa because it features a sleek design and an aluminum construction so you can be confident you will have a great looking bike rack for years. This rack also includes bike and rack locks for security, it secures your bikes by the wheels so it is compatible with any bike that doesn't have a front fender, plus it weighs in at a mere 32 lbs! The Sherpa is offered in Gray # SH12G, Black # SH12B, and Pearl # SH12P so you can choose one that best matches your VW.

Review videos have been linked for you to check out as well.