Everything Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

Updated 04/22/2013 | Published 04/19/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2289)

$43.83

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

(2634)

$12.54

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(152)

$390.67

Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/8" Rise, 3-5/8" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(165)

$57.19

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1866)

$87.93

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless - 7.5K

(241)

$50.55

Question:

I recently purchased a new 2012 Jetta SportWagon TDI with an automatic transmission. Id like to go on tour with my band, and instead of spending a fortune to rent a van, it might be cheaper for us to buy a trailer hitch and a trailer and do the whole tour with my SportWagon. Having never towed anything in my life, what will I need to buy? I noticed that I may need the following: Trailer Hitch Receiver, 4 Pole Harness and Hardwire Kit , Drawbar, roadies, plus the trailer itself. What else will I need? I am willing to buy all the components from you if you help me get the exact right stuff!

asked by: Charles F

Helpful Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you get everything you will need to tow a trailer and go on the road with your band: except roadies. We are all out of roadies.

First, you will need a trailer hitch. I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Item # 306-X7284 with ball mount # C45230. This trailer hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 300 pounds. This is important so I have included a link on how to determine tongue weight for you.

The gross trailer weight capacity is 2,000 pounds. The gross trailer weight includes the weight of the trailer and everything in it. I imagine you will want an enclosed trailer. Those are going to weigh more but depending on how much gear you have you should be able to get a small one that will hold all your stuff and still be under the 2,000 pound capacity.

Once you find a trailer, the coupler will tell you what size ball it needs. If it needs a 1-7/8 inch diameter ball use # 19260 and if it needs a 2 inch diameter ball use # SC23-C.

Next, you will need wiring on the vehicle to control the trailer lights. You can use # C59236. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.

I have included a few other helpful FAQ article links that should help you get everything set up and safe. Please keep in mind that you need to supply your own groupies. And roadies. We are still out of roadies.