Recommended Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2011 VW Golf for Towing 1000 lb Little Guy Camping Trailer

Updated 03/21/2013 | Published 03/18/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(72)

$173.67

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(522)

$192.61

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2621)

$16.53

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2621)

$18.47

Question:

I am looking at getting a 1000lbs camping trailer Litttle Guy 5 Wide and wanted to know if this hitch with the wiring harness would do the job. I have a 2011 Golf 2 door 5 cylinder 5 speed. I have asked many people and cannot get any real expert answers. Any help with this would be great!! Thank you

asked by: William S

Expert Reply:

To equip your Golf for towing, I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class I receiver, part number 24825. The Tekonsha # 119250KIT is the recommended trailer wiring harness for the 2011 Golf. You would also need the appropriately sized trailer ball, part # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball.

I did some online research and was unable to find any concrete information regarding the actual towing capacity of your Golf. I saw references to 1,000 lbs, 2,000 lbs, and some references stating that VW does not recommend towing with the Golf at all. Before installing a hitch or attempting to tow, I would recommend contacting your VW dealer for information about the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle.

Once you determine the towing capacity of your Golf, I would recommend you make sure that the fully loaded and ready-to-tow weight of the trailer does not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle.

I have linked you to install instructions for the hitch and the wiring harness. I have also linked you to a video showing the wiring harness being installed on a 2012 Jetta. Although the video shows a different vehicle, the procedure shown will be similar to the install on your vehicle, especially the part showing how to test for the function of the tail light circuits.