Add Yours: VW ID. Buzz Owner's Registry

US ID.4 First Edition tow hitch

8424 Views 17 Replies 15 Participants Last post by NeilBlanchard, Nov 17, 2021

DanM

Discussion Starter · Mar 13, 2021

I didn’t get to test drive but I did get to see a demo model today at a dealership. Here’s an up close view of the tow hitch. It is labeled class 2. Also says 2700 lbs, but I thought that was the AWD rating, not first edition rating.

There is a plastic plate where a trailer wire connector could go, up underneath the bumper. It looks sized for a seven pin connector. Not sure exactly what lies behind that plate as far as wiring goes.

If you’re getting a first edition but didn’t really want the hitch, it looks to me like it’s only four bolts to remove it.

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corfam

· #2 · Mar 13, 2021

DanM said:
Also says 2700 lbs, but I thought that was the AWD rating, not first edition rating.

Well, the early demo units from back in November did have the other receiver design that was more cantilevered and looked weaker. Maybe it was rated lower and they are now using the same receiver for both 1st edition and AWD vehicles. Regardless, since the overall tow rating for the car would be a function of the receiver rating as well as the motor(s) rating, the 1st edition is likely limited to the 2200 lbs just based off the single motor.

Great photo! Thank you for capturing and sharing.

Reactions: 2

SunWizard

· #3 · Mar 13, 2021

DanM said:
I didn’t get to test drive but I did get to see a demo model today at a dealership. Here’s an up close view of the tow hitch. It is labeled class 2. Also says 2700 lbs, but I thought that was the AWD rating, not first edition rating.

Probably just the hitch part is rated 2700 since its shared with the AWD. The FE and RWD car is still rated 2200 due to motor rating as corfam just posted while I was writing this. It may also be lower on RWD due to handling problems, the AWD will handle better.

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egsell

· #4 · Mar 13, 2021

Well this suggests to me that those of us with Pro and Pro S RWD models will likely be able to add a compliant hitch later with no big problems. I would like see if there are bumper variations though.

Swimrwo

· #5 · Mar 13, 2021

Looks like the demos do not have the trailer connector for lights. It will be interesting to see if the FE have the 7 round connector. If no connector is present (but the wire harness is according to the build sheets) then those of us over in the Atlas forum have had good luck with this "Pollack 11-893P 7 way socket " from Amazon (and others) for around $12usd as it fit perfectly in the Atlas plate.

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PerryC

· #6 · Mar 13, 2021

The way the metal pieces is formed/bent, almost looks like a handle? Could this be a hinged door to access the electrical next to the receiver?

rickraff

· #7 · Mar 14, 2021

Thanks for the photo. I'm wondering how hard it would be to swap that out for a 2 inch hitch.

TT97

· #8 · Mar 14, 2021

rickraff said:
Thanks for the photo. I'm wondering how hard it would be to swap that out for a 2 inch hitch.

Can't you just use an adapter? Even with the 2" hitch, you would still be limited to 2,200/2,700 lbs.

RocketVol

· #9 · Mar 15, 2021

PerryC said:
The way the metal pieces is formed/bent, almost looks like a handle? Could this be a hinged door to access the electrical next to the receiver?

Just had a chance to look at a demonstrator FE at the local dealer and reach up under the plate next to the hitch and felt a pretty large bundle of wires there. Would bet money on there being a connector behind the plate next to the hitch. Would even be willing to say it might be a 7 pin. but looks like if you want the trailer brakes you would need to add a separate brake controller. that is the way my truck was set up, connector and all wiring in place, just add aftermarket controller and good to go.

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Keowee

· #10 · Mar 25, 2021

egsell said:
Well this suggests to me that those of us with Pro and Pro S RWD models will likely be able to add a compliant hitch later with no big problems. I would like see if there are bumper variations though.

Has anyone seen an option kit or dealer price to add Tow Hitch for Pro / Pro S RWD models?

Reactions: 1

corfam

· #11 · Mar 25, 2021

Keowee said:
Has anyone seen an option kit or dealer price to add Tow Hitch for Pro / Pro S RWD models?

No. That doesn't exist. Its also still not clear if the bumper in the Pro / Pro S will have provision for easily adding a hitch. We will have to likely need to wait until some of these cars arrive in the US to have a definitive answer. It's my recollection that VW stated that they weren't going to support hitch option at dealer, but I could be remembering wrong.

mgwashburn

· #12 · Apr 8, 2021

Just picked up my new id4 1st two days ago and need to swap out the included 1.25 inch hitch with a 2 inch one.
i turned in a Tiguan and it had a very similar looking 2" hitch receiver on it with similar mount points...can anyone confirm they are the same mount points? If yes i should be able to drive back to the dealer and see if they will let me swap the hitches out...or at least buy a new one.
m

Reactions: 1

NeilBlanchard

· #13 · Apr 9, 2021

Swimrwo said:
Looks like the demos do not have the trailer connector for lights. It will be interesting to see if the FE have the 7 round connector. If no connector is present (but the wire harness is according to the build sheets) then those of us over in the Atlas forum have had good luck with this "Pollack 11-893P 7 way socket " from Amazon (and others) for around $12usd as it fit perfectly in the Atlas plate.

Yes, I just installed a 7-pin socket in place of the blank plate that is next to the hitch. It is the exact same make and model that VW sells for $57. I got mine from etrailer for $12.04. I also got a 4-pin adapter, a tow bar & pin, and a ball, for a total of about $80 shipped.

7-pin socket: https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK11893.html
4-pin adapter: https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK12716.html
Tow bar with 3 1/4" drop: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/Curt/C45017.html
1 7/8" ball: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball/Curt/C40001.html

The critical thing is to get a slightly longer than standard shear pin, because of the thick side plates on the VW hitch: https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Pins-and-Clips/MaxxTow/MT56FR.html

I bought a pin that is 1/2" shorter, and I had to grind a bit off the inside of the J bend, so it would extend through the hitch far enough to be able to use the Clovis pin.

I would have preferred a 2" receiver, because it is 50% larger, and would be more stable for a carrier. I would not be surprised if the 2" unit from VW was a bolt-on swap; as the 7-pin socket is the same.

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NeilBlanchard

· #14 · Apr 9, 2021

Keowee said:
Has anyone seen an option kit or dealer price to add Tow Hitch for Pro / Pro S RWD models?

I would think the threaded holes (if not also the bolts) were present on all ID.4 models - the bumper cover probably lacks the rectangular opening for the hitch and the electrical connector socket. Cutting that hole is probably possible, but would be a fair bit of work. I have mounted hitches on a Bolt EV, and getting the bumper cover off and on again, takes by far the largest chunk of time and effort.

jld

· #15 · Aug 17, 2021

mgwashburn said:
Just picked up my new id4 1st two days ago and need to swap out the included 1.25 inch hitch with a 2 inch one.
i turned in a Tiguan and it had a very similar looking 2" hitch receiver on it with similar mount points...can anyone confirm they are the same mount points? If yes i should be able to drive back to the dealer and see if they will let me swap the hitches out...or at least buy a new one.
m

Has anyone been able to swap out the 1.25 inch hitch for a 2 inch one? Is the bolt pattern the same? Thanks!

mericson

· #16 · Sep 20, 2021

jld said:
Has anyone been able to swap out the 1.25 inch hitch for a 2 inch one? Is the bolt pattern the same? Thanks!

Following up on this, I was wondering the same thing. I saw Curt makes a 2" bolt on receiver for the Tiguan — does anyone know if the bolt hole spacing is the same and if this would work on an AWD ID4?

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: CURT 13133 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Volkswagen Tiguan : Automotive

Buy CURT 13133 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Volkswagen Tiguan: Drawbar Hitch - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Reactions: 1

indaero

· #17 · Nov 12, 2021

NeilBlanchard said:
Yes, I just installed a 7-pin socket in place of the blank plate that is next to the hitch. It is the exact same make and model that VW sells for $57. I got mine from etrailer for $12.04. I also got a 4-pin adapter, a tow bar & pin, and a ball, for a total of about $80 shipped.

7-pin socket: https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK11893.html
4-pin adapter: https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK12716.html
Tow bar with 3 1/4" drop: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/Curt/C45017.html
1 7/8" ball: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball/Curt/C40001.html

The critical thing is to get a slightly longer than standard shear pin, because of the thick side plates on the VW hitch: https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Pins-and-Clips/MaxxTow/MT56FR.html

I bought a pin that is 1/2" shorter, and I had to grind a bit off the inside of the J bend, so it would extend through the hitch far enough to be able to use the Clovis pin.

I would have preferred a 2" receiver, because it is 50% larger, and would be more stable for a carrier. I would not be surprised if the 2" unit from VW was a bolt-on swap; as the 7-pin socket is the same.

Excellent post - thank you. I copied your order exactly!

Reactions: 3

NeilBlanchard

· #18 · Nov 17, 2021

indaero said:
Excellent post - thank you. I copied your order exactly!

You're entirely welcome!

Depending on your trailer and what height the tongue and frame are, you may want a different drop on the tow bar.

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