Tow hitch and wiring installation

[slee]

Just picked up a 2012 TDI lux. Has anyone installed the hitch/receiver and wiring themselves? I did a search and did not come up with anything. Just wondering if it is a straight forward install ... I.e., essentially plug and play?
Thanks!

[explore725]

We just went through this thinking it was plug and play- when plugging in a boat trailer. The problem we ran into was the ground has to be in the trailer plug because if it isn't there, the car will recognize there is no ground and thus will not operate lights etc. Once we rewired the trailer so the ground was in the plug, it was truly plug and play. And our TDI towed very well!

[Tregger]

I added the hitch reciever and plug, elecronics to my 2004. Was very easy and I had never done anything like it before. Basically had to pull off the rear bumper which is easy, unbolt the old cross member, bolt on the new crossmember with hitch (you will need a torque wrench for to torque correctly). Add electronics by pulling interior panels, and then put everything back on. I then took it to VW dealer I had a good relationship with service dept and they programmed for free for me. That was when I lived in Seattle area.

It helps to have a buddy when you do this.

As for my new 2012. I know I can do it on this one, but talked to a GM I know at a big Penske body shop in Scottsdale that I use and he will do it for $100 for me and I can then again take it to a local VW dealer I also have established a good relationship with and they will program for free for me.

[Tregger]

I think there is a long thread on this over on Clubtouareg.com and someone has pics of his bumper dropped and it being a easy install.

[slee]

I added the hitch reciever and plug, elecronics to my 2004. Was very easy and I had never done anything like it before. Basically had to pull off the rear bumper which is easy, unbolt the old cross member, bolt on the new crossmember with hitch (you will need a torque wrench for to torque correctly). Add electronics by pulling interior panels, and then put everything back on. I then took it to VW dealer I had a good relationship with service dept and they programmed for free for me. That was when I lived in Seattle area.

It helps to have a buddy when you do this.

As for my new 2012. I know I can do it on this one, but talked to a GM I know at a big Penske body shop in Scottsdale that I use and he will do it for $100 for me and I can then again take it to a local VW dealer I also have established a good relationship with and they will program for free for me.

Thanks for the info! I picked up the hitch and wiring kit today. I noticed that the hitch did not come with mounting hardware. Is hardware needed or do you install with existing hardware?
Sam

[Tregger]

Not sure on that one sorry. You might check the thread over on Clubtouareg or ask you service technician at the dealer. The should be able to let you know.

[VolksTrooper]

See video below for a time lapse of install...

[slee]

Thanks that video is awesome!

The mounting hardware for the hitch was missing. My dealer sourced the hitch from another dealer that had it in stock. My dealer called and the other dealer said that thay "forgot" the hardware. Hopefully I'll do the install when I get back in town next week.