[k.aoi]

A few weeks ago I got the hitch and wiring kit installed on my Taos. This is a specific draw-tite that doesn't appear to be available now, it is fully under the bumper (no cutting required) and thus a bit lower than the currently available ones which are higher up and require more trimming of the bumper. On the other hand this one is rated for more tongue weight than the other ones. It was pretty easy to install, took me about 2 hours total taking it easy between the hitch and the wiring harness. It is about 8" from the ground so it does drop the rear ground clearance a bit. Wrestling it into place by myself was a pain, I'd recommend getting another helper and put the back wheels on some ramps to give yourself more room to work. The hardest part of the wiring kit was fishing the 12V line up through the front fenderwell into the engine compartment.

 

[Ryan]

Looks pretty clean. Do you know if they have one for AWD as well?

 

[The Smurf]

Interesting as the Taos is not towing compatible!

 

[k.aoi]

Interesting as the Taos is not towing compatible!

"not towing compatible" is not remotely true. VW does not recommend towing, entirely down to legal reasons and marketing (they want you to buy more expensive models to tow). In the same way that a high tow rating doesn't necessarily mean you can, or should tow that much (the payload rating is too low for the needed tongue weight is often higher than the vehicles payload, this is very common with 1/2 ton trucks) lack of a tow rating doesn't mean you can't tow. I promise you that it's perfectly safe to tow a low-moderate amount with the Taos. Not to mention the weld nuts on the framerails to mount the hitch to are present on the Taos. That's because the platform is more than capable of towing, as it is in Europe with the Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca (same vehicle, different sheetmetal). As long as you don't exceed the payload capacity, keep appropriate tongue weights and drive like you should when you are towing, you'll be golden. I plan on towing not much more than 1000lb, mostly a 1995 Yamaha Wave Venture and the single PWC trailer, a total weight of about 1000lb when full of fuel.

 

[k.aoi]

Looks pretty clean. Do you know if they have one for AWD as well?

Yes, etrailer sells versions for both AWD and FWD.

 

[The Smurf]

"not towing compatible" is not remotely true. VW does not recommend towing, entirely down to legal reasons and marketing (they want you to buy more expensive models to tow). In the same way that a high tow rating doesn't necessarily mean you can, or should tow that much (the payload rating is too low for the needed tongue weight is often higher than the vehicles payload, this is very common with 1/2 ton trucks) lack of a tow rating doesn't mean you can't tow. I promise you that it's perfectly safe to tow a low-moderate amount with the Taos. Not to mention the weld nuts on the framerails to mount the hitch to are present on the Taos. That's because the platform is more than capable of towing, as it is in Europe with the Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca (same vehicle, different sheetmetal). As long as you don't exceed the payload capacity, keep appropriate tongue weights and drive like you should when you are towing, you'll be golden. I plan on towing not much more than 1000lb, mostly a 1995 Yamaha Wave Venture and the single PWC trailer, a total weight of about 1000lb when full of fuel.

Wonder how mr insurance man would see that. Manufacturing clearly says not towing compatable. Get in a bump with a trailer and the ground becomes stickie I’m sure. But whatever it’s your car . Enjoy that 95 👊🏻

 

[tbean]

Yes, etrailer sells versions for both AWD and FWD.

Sweet! May I ask if you had to take off the bumper at all during the process? (The pictures on eTrailer page seems to indicate so...)

I just want to get a bike rack on, but seems like have to go with the one with wiring kit (and ignore the wiring I guess potentially).

 

[Itzme]

I installed one of these on my FWD about a week ago. It’s a Draw-Tite 76517 from Amazon (was $253 but now I see $301.24) and took about 30 mins to install. There is a plastic panel underneath that needs to be removed and then it’s just 4 bolts.
I haven’t done the wiring yet but it’s in the plans for the near future.
I chose to get a Curt 45050 hitch ball mount with 4” drop but it’s 2” of rise when installed upside down which puts the ball exactly where it needs to be.

 

[marling.groff]

I installed one of these on my FWD about a week ago. It’s a Draw-Tite 76517 from Amazon (was $253 but now I see $301.24) and took about 30 mins to install. There is a plastic panel underneath that needs to be removed and then it’s just 4 bolts. I haven’t done the wiring yet but it’s in the plans for the near future. I chose to get a Curt 45050 hitch ball mount with 4” drop but it’s 2” of rise when installed upside down which puts the ball exactly where it needs to be.

 

[marling.groff]

"not towing compatible" is not remotely true. VW does not recommend towing, entirely down to legal reasons and marketing (they want you to buy more expensive models to tow). In the same way that a high tow rating doesn't necessarily mean you can, or should tow that much (the payload rating is too low for the needed tongue weight is often higher than the vehicles payload, this is very common with 1/2 ton trucks) lack of a tow rating doesn't mean you can't tow. I promise you that it's perfectly safe to tow a low-moderate amount with the Taos. Not to mention the weld nuts on the framerails to mount the hitch to are present on the Taos. That's because the platform is more than capable of towing, as it is in Europe with the Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca (same vehicle, different sheetmetal). As long as you don't exceed the payload capacity, keep appropriate tongue weights and drive like you should when you are towing, you'll be golden. I plan on towing not much more than 1000lb, mostly a 1995 Yamaha Wave Venture and the single PWC trailer, a total weight of about 1000lb when full of fuel.

Has anyone used No Contact wiring? It does not puncture the wires, it just uses sensors in the light cavity, it senses the signal and transfers to the lighting.