Difference Between Trailer Wiring Harnesses For 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Updated 06/19/2026 | Published 06/16/2026 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2023 Tiguan, and there are two trailer wiring harnesses available - C56403 and C59496. What is the difference between the two other than price? I am just looking for the capability to tow a light trailer with lighting capability.
asked by: Mike W
Expert Reply:
Hey Mike! The Curt # C59496 is a universal splice-in wiring harness. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56403 is a custom wiring harness so it plugs into the connection points at the rear without any need for splicing. Since the custom wiring harness has a lower cost right now that is the best option that will be easier to install.
What trailer are you towing with the Tiguan?

Norm G.
6/19/2026
I installed the C56403 on my Tiguan. It is very easy to install and is plug and play. I really like any system that does not damage a wire.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hidden
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: rack pads
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Peterson LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Amber - Submersible - Grommet Mount
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - 14 Diodes - Driver Side
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Video: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light Review
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 6 Function - 11 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Shop: Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Red
- Shop: Replacement In-Line Fuse Holder for Curt Wiring Harness - Qty 1
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: Do I Have to Run a Power Wire to the Battery When Installing a Wiring Harness on a 2018 VW Tiguan?
- Q&A: Why Does Power Wire for Curt Wiring Harness for 2018 VW Tiguan Require Running to Vehicle Battery
- Q&A: Is The Curt 4-Way # C56403 Better Or Worse Than The Tekonsha 4-Way # 118811 On a 2022 VW Tiguan?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class




Mike C.
6/19/2026
I bought the custom wiring harness and it installed per the video. It is as tight a space as they say but it worked. Rather than route a power wire all the way to the battery I wired a 12v plug in adapter and plugged it in to the outlet that is in back left cubby of the tiguan. It can be unplugged when not hauling the trailer. This is my second Tiguan and I have maybe 15K of trailer time and have never had a problem.