Adding A Trailer Hitch Receiver With 7-Way Harness & Brake Controller For a 2021 VW Atlas

Updated 11/16/2021 | Published 11/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(8)

$87.20

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

(45)

$96.78

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

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

(25)

$242.85

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

Hello, I have a 2021 VW Atlas. I’m going to purchase your curt 6,000 pound hitch. Do you know what electrical I will need as well? My trailer has electric brakes. As far as I know, it has no wiring for towing a trailer.

asked by: Jay M

Expert Reply:

As your 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has no trailer wiring, you will first need a Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness. I you have a Cross Sport model you will need the Tekonsha # TK89FR. For all other trim levels the Tekonsha # 118754 is the harness that you will need. These harnesses take care of the running lights, brake lights and turn signals for your trailer portion of the 7-way wiring.

This connector will then plug into the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This kit includes the 7-way connector as well as the additional wiring and connections necessary to make your 7-Way function.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This brake controller is customizable as well as has diagnostic features to help you if you should run into issues with your trailer brakes. The controller is proportional which uses a internal inertia meter that will send the correct amount of braking force to your trailer to account for light and severe braking situations after you have set your controller to the braking force you prefer. This saves you from having to adjust any settings like with the timed brake controllers that always send the same force no matter how hard you brake.

I know you mentioned looking at a Curt 6,000lb Trailer Hitch Receiver # C24ER for your Atlas. This receiver is specific to the non cross sport trims so be sure that you do not have a cross sport.