Thanks for the heads-up! Getting the Atlas ready to tow a pontoon boat, and for the life of me could not figure out what the cover on the quick connect was there for. I literarily just ordered the part you described from Amazon, 14.09, prime shipping. I'll have it by May 31st. Again, thanks for the advice!!
Lol, I bought the R-Line and not only did the dealership include the plug but they also set me up with a trailerbrake and included it in my cost. No complaints here.
Thanks for the heads up. Just bought the SE with technology package and awd. For $550 for towing package you’d think they would install a $10 part. Also irked me to find out my model didn’t have homelink. Ridiculous.
It’s the Pollak 11-893P adapter on Amazon for about $12. You DO NOT need to change it out every time you want to tow something. The 4 screws that hold the flat plate to the body ALSO are used to hold the adapter to the body. No need to swap back and forth, nor leave the plug hanging out of the vehicle. By the way, it took LESS than 5 minutes to unscrew the flat plate, undo the red connector, pull off the flat plate, insert the 7-pin plug, insert it back into the hole, and reattach the 4 screws. Our 2021 Atlas Cross Sport was 41K, with the SE trim level with Technology package. It came with tow package that can tow 5,000 lbs., but no connector. Simple fix.
I Had the same issue and the dealer said i can have it install for $60 no installation fee, can you believe that you do a big purchase and they still not happy they want more and more from you, and later they want us to give them a very good comment how good this dear is and bla bla bla . i just want to say thank you for the video it did help me ...
Thanks! I thought I was going crazy. Fully agree - its ridiculous that we have to purchase a connector after they install the trailering package.... So - now I know what I need... but Im still trying to find a Pollak connector that has the straight 4 plug..... Hopkins has connectors that you can use both 7 and 4 pin.... but the mounting holes don't line up with the Pollak on the Atlas.... If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know! Otherwise Ill need the 7 pin connector AND a 4 pin adapter.... which is abosolutely stupid. Very frustrating..... didnt discover all this until this morning and was planning a trip to the desert today.... oh well. No desert for today
Did you spend another $292 for the trailer module? You may have the wire, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have the electronics pre-installed. My 2016 Tiguan has the trailer prep, which has the plug (which you plug the Pollack connector to), but no trailer module which also needs to be coded.
You are so right! The Atlas is a beautiful car and to cheap out on a component like this is so frustrating. Given the German passion for attention to detail, I also thought this was a PDI oversight. Very disappointed with the way Volkswagen and my dealership have dealt with this issue.
In order to plug in your lights with it dangling, would require a male connector to be inserted into the car. Most, if not all, RVs and trailer 7-pin connectors are female.
Thanks for this info! Thanks for spent time. In defense of VW I came up with 1 reason (I still believe they should install this as you pay for trailer pack). Maybe they thought "very few people will use it" so by not installing it to 100,000 cars we save $1M (assuming $10 price). As you can see $1M is good chunk of money to let say pass the savings onto customers (maybe) like 6k dealer discount. Still paying 39k for SEL version with trailer hitch pack they should have it installed. I don't defend them, just could be a reason they "cheated" again.
Excellent point, but at least they should offer it for 10 bucks to whoever wants it. Out of that million saved, if they even spend 10K for a few that need it, it's still peanuts for them
What bothers me is that the car is labeled as a tow package and it doesn’t come with the plug so my opinion it’s not the tow package it’s half a tow package parts in assembly has required volkswagen Needs to step up there game
Thats why when I got my 2019 Atlas, I opted out of LOTS of extras (mats, carpet protectors, rear bumper protection, etc). Got everything online at a fraction of the cost. I paid HALF for the CarGo rear mat and rear set covers. Nice CAR VW but your excluding of the plug is sad. very sad.
Just be glad you had the hitch from the factory, if it did not have a hitch like mine you can not add one at the dealer of the same capacity. You can get a factory installed 5,000 lbs hitch but if you do not get one and think you can add it later you better think again, you can only get a 2,000 lbs hitch installed at the dealership. I have a 2018 Atlas SE with the VR6 engine and 4motion but am restricted to a 2,000 hitch.
I gave them a real hard time for this same thing 😁 I could not believe they wouldn’t throw it in with the purchase. Their excuse was many people only use the hitch for bike racks 🙄
At the end of the day, is anyone who wants the car going to walk away over a 14/57 dollar connector? Some might but IMO, you are right, it should be something INCLUDED. Jeep provides the connector. From what I've heard, Ford and Chevy and Dodge trucks include the connector. But this is a good example of VW banking on someone who thinks if you are paying 45 k for a car, whats another 50 bucks. Why didn't they incude a $15 tray in the console? Why not a tray (less then $10) for the dash cubby? If they are going to include the adapter, someone will complain they should include the 7 to 6 or 4 pin adapter. Kind of like the USB to Apple adapter they included in my 2013 Passat.
Just found that out today. Got an Atlas yesterday and didn't notice that. Ridiculous. If I would've caught it before I would've made them throw that in.
I couldnt believe that they provided a hitch with a 2" ball, i have a Ford Super duty and a GMC Denali that cost way more than my Atlas and a hitch didn't come with either of them!
Shame VW yes. By the way you say one complaint. I read there are 7 recalls already on 2018 VW Atlas! Has has been your experience now that you have had more months with it?
Sounds like the dealer sucks. I would guess VW doesn’t install it so customers can choose the pin out that they want. We just bought our atlas and it’s already got the plug installed.
I totally agree, a stupid move on VW’s part. I can’t believe any company in their right mind would take the risk of giving up good will to make an extra $30-$40. Dumb
For cryin'-out-loud why do people insist on holding their phones vertical when filming. Even TV stations complain about this to people submitting an event. Okay, got that out of my system. Good informative piece, minus the video.
Living in Texas and having owned and driven multiple trucks, SUV's, when you see on a sticker "tow package", that means it is ready to tow, period. Even my Nissan's had this as part of the towing package. Maybe it's a European thing?
Thanks for the heads up. Just bought the SE with technology package and awd. For $550 for towing package you’d think they would install a $10 part. Also irked me to find out my model didn’t have homelink. Ridiculous.
Thanks for the heads-up! Getting the Atlas ready to tow a pontoon boat, and for the life of me could not figure out what the cover on the quick connect was there for. I literarily just ordered the part you described from Amazon, 14.09, prime shipping. I'll have it by May 31st. Again, thanks for the advice!!
Thanks. I have VW 2018 atlas SE and I have the same complaint. Thanks for help me to find solutions.
Lol, I bought the R-Line and not only did the dealership include the plug but they also set me up with a trailerbrake and included it in my cost. No complaints here.
You have good look I buy my in union nj and my experience was bad. I like my atlas and confort but not good experience in nj union (2018)
Thanks for the info. I was going to order the vehicle, I will make sure those have come with the car as purchase.
Thanks for the heads up. Just bought the SE with technology package and awd. For $550 for towing package you’d think they would install a $10 part. Also irked me to find out my model didn’t have homelink. Ridiculous.
It’s the Pollak 11-893P adapter on Amazon for about $12. You DO NOT need to change it out every time you want to tow something. The 4 screws that hold the flat plate to the body ALSO are used to hold the adapter to the body. No need to swap back and forth, nor leave the plug hanging out of the vehicle.
By the way, it took LESS than 5 minutes to unscrew the flat plate, undo the red connector, pull off the flat plate, insert the 7-pin plug, insert it back into the hole, and reattach the 4 screws.
Our 2021 Atlas Cross Sport was 41K, with the SE trim level with Technology package. It came with tow package that can tow 5,000 lbs., but no connector. Simple fix.
Just bought an R-Line for my wife and found this out the hard way. Thanks for the Amazon tip!
Thanks for this helpful tip. My dealer was totally useless too. And it is still an issue in 2020 cars.
Thanks for the heads up! I owe you a beer for the money saved!🍺
You are 1000% correct. The factory tow package should have come with this. Shameful cheap out by Volkswagen. I do love my Atlas otherwise.
Same complaint for me brother. I didn’t realize it until day of travel for me - super pissed
Same thing happened to us. So ridiculous. Have you found a cheaper brake controller for the trailer?
Exactly the information I was looking for. You are awesome and shame on VW.
What’s the issue here? Get a 7 pin to 4 pin adaptor. Why is the 7 pin connector loose? Mount it in the bracket and be done.
Except that? Are you satisfied? Cause I am considering buying one but I heard about the engine stalls and some other stuff..
My 2020 Atlas Cross Sport SE w/ Tech came with the better plug. Maybe they saw your review ;-)
You only have one major complaint on the Atlas?
I Had the same issue and the dealer said i can have it install for $60 no installation fee, can you believe that you do a big purchase and they still not happy they want more and more from you, and later they want us to give them a very good comment how good this dear is and bla bla bla . i just want to say thank you for the video it did help me ...
Any issues with towing up to 4000 lbs?
My 2019 Atlas SE came with the plug.
Thanks! I thought I was going crazy. Fully agree - its ridiculous that we have to purchase a connector after they install the trailering package.... So - now I know what I need... but Im still trying to find a Pollak connector that has the straight 4 plug..... Hopkins has connectors that you can use both 7 and 4 pin.... but the mounting holes don't line up with the Pollak on the Atlas.... If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know! Otherwise Ill need the 7 pin connector AND a 4 pin adapter.... which is abosolutely stupid. Very frustrating..... didnt discover all this until this morning and was planning a trip to the desert today.... oh well. No desert for today
Thanks for letting know.
I think it’s these little things that matters, I agree with the opinion expressed in this video.
Did you spend another $292 for the trailer module? You may have the wire, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have the electronics pre-installed. My 2016 Tiguan has the trailer prep, which has the plug (which you plug the Pollack connector to), but no trailer module which also needs to be coded.
Is there an easy way to know if it comes with the trailer module? Do you have a link to the trailer module?
@@escaflone50 check to see if the trailer module coded using VCDS.
The trailer module is on VW's accessory website
Is this "trailer module" just software? Something I can add with OBDeleven? Or is it hardware I have to plug in somewhere?
Dealership where I purchased took care of this for me so no troubles at our end.
You are so right! The Atlas is a beautiful car and to cheap out on a component like this is so frustrating. Given the German passion for attention to detail, I also thought this was a PDI oversight. Very disappointed with the way Volkswagen and my dealership have dealt with this issue.
In order to plug in your lights with it dangling, would require a male connector to be inserted into the car. Most, if not all, RVs and trailer 7-pin connectors are female.
Thanks for this info! Thanks for spent time. In defense of VW I came up with 1 reason (I still believe they should install this as you pay for trailer pack). Maybe they thought "very few people will use it" so by not installing it to 100,000 cars we save $1M (assuming $10 price). As you can see $1M is good chunk of money to let say pass the savings onto customers (maybe) like 6k dealer discount. Still paying 39k for SEL version with trailer hitch pack they should have it installed. I don't defend them, just could be a reason they "cheated" again.
That's my guess. A lot of folks use the receiver for bike racks, cargo carriers, etc that don't have lights.
Excellent point, but at least they should offer it for 10 bucks to whoever wants it. Out of that million saved, if they even spend 10K for a few that need it, it's still peanuts for them
What bothers me is that the car is labeled as a tow package and it doesn’t come with the plug so my opinion it’s not the tow package it’s half a tow package parts in assembly has required volkswagen Needs to step up there game
Just because it appears to be the same part it is not the same quality.The same as buying a power tool from Home Depot verses the tool manufacture .
Was rectified in the 2019 model.... my 7 pin fit right in at $12.95 amazon
Don't you love how a pack of 4 on Amazon was exactly $57 bucks
Thats why when I got my 2019 Atlas, I opted out of LOTS of extras (mats, carpet protectors, rear bumper protection, etc). Got everything online at a fraction of the cost. I paid HALF for the CarGo rear mat and rear set covers. Nice CAR VW but your excluding of the plug is sad. very sad.
Just be glad you had the hitch from the factory, if it did not have a hitch like mine you can not add one at the dealer of the same capacity. You can get a factory installed 5,000 lbs hitch but if you do not get one and think you can add it later you better think again, you can only get a 2,000 lbs hitch installed at the dealership. I have a 2018 Atlas SE with the VR6 engine and 4motion but am restricted to a 2,000 hitch.
Anyone got a part number or link
I gave them a real hard time for this same thing 😁 I could not believe they wouldn’t throw it in with the purchase. Their excuse was many people only use the hitch for bike racks 🙄
I buy a Vw crosse sport sel execline , no carage opener opener , no brake controler, no towing plug . This is my Laste Vw
Thanks for the vid informative 💯
At the end of the day, is anyone who wants the car going to walk away over a 14/57 dollar connector? Some might but IMO, you are right, it should be something INCLUDED. Jeep provides the connector. From what I've heard, Ford and Chevy and Dodge trucks include the connector. But this is a good example of VW banking on someone who thinks if you are paying 45 k for a car, whats another 50 bucks. Why didn't they incude a $15 tray in the console? Why not a tray (less then $10) for the dash cubby? If they are going to include the adapter, someone will complain they should include the 7 to 6 or 4 pin adapter. Kind of like the USB to Apple adapter they included in my 2013 Passat.
News flash this is with all manufacturer's
Just found that out today. Got an Atlas yesterday and didn't notice that. Ridiculous. If I would've caught it before I would've made them throw that in.
I couldnt believe that they provided a hitch with a 2" ball, i have a Ford Super duty and a GMC Denali that cost way more than my Atlas and a hitch didn't come with either of them!
Shame VW yes. By the way you say one complaint. I read there are 7 recalls already on 2018 VW Atlas! Has has been your experience now that you have had more months with it?
@Czlowiek Znikad have you ever driven one or are you just trolling the internet. I buy new cars often and i love my Atlas
Czlowiek Znikad I bet your shit is built in Slovakia. Much better, noooot
Czlowiek Znikad lol u are clueless. I have been to more places than you ever will be. Trololo
Sounds like the dealer sucks. I would guess VW doesn’t install it so customers can choose the pin out that they want. We just bought our atlas and it’s already got the plug installed.
I totally agree, a stupid move on VW’s part. I can’t believe any company in their right mind would take the risk of giving up good will to make an extra $30-$40. Dumb
Me too
Thanks! That's just VW trying not be their overpriced brother Audi.
Vw is a parts and tool company who just happens to sell cars
For cryin'-out-loud why do people insist on holding their phones vertical when filming. Even TV stations complain about this to people submitting an event. Okay, got that out of my system. Good informative piece, minus the video.
$15. bucks on amazon
Living in Texas and having owned and driven multiple trucks, SUV's, when you see on a sticker "tow package", that means it is ready to tow, period. Even my Nissan's had this as part of the towing package. Maybe it's a European thing?
It was made in China, what do you expect. lol
Rad Dar What is made in China?
@@DeniJasmina before buying, pls. check it here first. www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle
You do know the Atlas is made in Chattanooga right? Yes, also sold in China (Teramont) but US sold are made in America.
Not cool Volkswagen!
Thanks for the heads up. Just bought the SE with technology package and awd. For $550 for towing package you’d think they would install a $10 part. Also irked me to find out my model didn’t have homelink. Ridiculous.
Wow I got the home link mirror with compas in my 25K tiguan se