Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Fig. 108 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Volkswagen recommends having the trailer hitch retrofit performed by a qualified workshop because cooling system modifications or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before having a hitch installed on your vehicle.

When retrofitting a trailer hitch, the specified distance dimensions must be strictly adhered to. Under no circumstances may the distance from the center of the hitch ball to the surface of the road ⇒ Fig. 108Ⓕ  be less than the specified minimum. This minimum height must be present even when the vehicle is fully loaded and subject to the maximum tongue weight.

Distance dimensions⇒ Fig. 108 :

1. 38  inch (966 mm)
2. 23⁷ /₁₀  inch (602 mm)
3. at least 14  inch (355 mm)
4. 2¹⁴ /₂₅  inch (min. 65 mm)
5. from 13⁴ /₅  inch to 16¹ /₂  inch (350 - 420 mm)
6. 41² /₅  inch (1051 mm)

Warning

Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal injury.

• Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.

• Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.

Warning

An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.

Only use trailer hitches that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.