So I installed MY eco-hitch today on my 2015 Golf Sportwagon TDI...and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to make this video, you are THE MAN! The hardest part was getting the body panel off...on was much easier, even the hard corners. Everything else was easy peasy. Seriously, THANK YOU!
Nice. I did this job today and took my laptop out and put it in the cargo bay and referred to your video periodically. Thanks for posting it, made the job easier for me. Appreciated.
Thank you for the education, Sir. Your video showed how the job is done and I am grateful that you took the trouble to share your installation with others. I never did see your wiring video, so I suppose I will have to figure out the electrics for myself. Archie in Stroudsburg PA.
I installed my hitch a month ago. Your video helped me a lot, because the instructions provided on paper with the hitch are not so well explained. Thank you very much.
After just doing this installation with the ECO HITCH, you don't have to relieve the lower valance for the eyes for the chains like is shown in this video. Just pull down the right side where you made the cut and "stretch" it around the eyes and it will all fall into place as you are installing the rear bumper. Using the proper cut dimensions it will fit tightly against the sides of the hitch when installed.
During the "scary part" of pulling the bumper off there are tabs around where the tail lights were that you can push down with a screw driver to help the bumper come of more easily.
Great video--I read the instructions and watched this prior to installing mine and it came out perfect. I would only add to keep in mind what you do in the beginning when you're taking everything off so that you know what is on top of what. I had never done this before either and it took me 2:45 (I timed it)
Great video. Just starting the install on my Alltrack today. Mine came packed in brown paper, not instafoam! Interesting changes over the last few years I guess. Thanks for the clear instructions.
Thanks to your generosity to share and educate with this video, I garnered enough confidence to buy the hitch. otherwise I won't have try starting. Taking out the bumper was daunting. Can you send your wiring harness video too
Did mine today. Turned out great except for a few bumps: 1. Those “pop out” tabs are impossible to get back in & I broke one trying to get it out. 2. I have 2 screws leftover & no idea what hole they go in. 3. I totally missed the wiring in the beginning and have no idea where all those wires came from. Also, where are the instructions for that you referenced in the end? Thanks for a great tutorial!
Hi there, what did you do to re-attach the rubber / trim near the wheel well when pulling off the rear bumper? It seems like that rubber trim was just hanging there, but not sure what you did with it after the hitch install ?
Thank you for sharing the details! The video puts me at ease a bit, as I'll be upgrading from a 1.25" to a 2.0" receiver, like you have. What brand receiver did you use if I may ask, as it looks to fit perfectly!
HI from Brazil! Is there a tow hitch with greater capacity for sale?? I'm a big fan of Station Wagons and wanted to tow my trailer that weighs around 2600lbs.
Great job on the hitch video. Your video made it much easier. I was starting to make one of my own when I found yours- which is probably done much better than I would have. I am curious about the wiring video as there is not too much info out there on it. I'm wondering about accessing the Right turn indicator and wiring it to the opposite side, removing trim to get it over there. Also wondering how to remove the interior trim to run the power line that seems to be necessary from the battery. Eagerly awaiting your video.
Still waiting for the wiring video. Will you not be posting it? Going to put the hitch on today but wondering if the wiring requires the bumper off ass well. If so, would like to do it all at once. Thanks!
On a towed trailer (with wheels), no problem. On a simple bike carrier (mounted directly to the hitch, not towed without wheels), you'd really be pushing it. The tongue weight limit for the hitch is rated at 300lbs. I don't think the vehicle specs even give it that high a rating. I wouldn't do it.
Hey Bro, off topic question... but is Jason Waters your brother? You sure look like his brother and I found you on here because I was looking at “how to install a tow hitch on my 2017 Golf Alltrack SEL”... anyways, I hope it’s you dawg and if so, it’ll be good to reconnect... I’m sure you’ll remember me... LOL!
Looking to install the hitch on my 2016 Sportwagen tomorrow. Any chance you've made the wiring video? If not, where did you pull your power from? Up front from the battery and channel underneath the chassis or did you pull from the rear power supply? TIA
You definitely need to run a line under the car to the positive terminal on the battery. Some cars with a 12V port in the rear can be utilized, unfortunately most of the adapters that allow this are cheap as hell. There is the real possibility of that connection coming loose if you use an adapter and losing your signals while in use. The ground can be tapped anywhere on the rear end. Routing the positive wire through the car can be done but it's a real pain. Going under the car might be easier.
Hi Jared. I'm planning to install the ecohitch on my 2015 VW Sportwagen too. What's the difference for that kind of car going for a 2" hitch instead of a 1,25" ?
+Pascal OLIVIER It's really just preference. I went with the 2" hitch because I knew I was planning on pulling bigger things, like Uhaul/motorcycle trailers. After installing, I was a little surprised on how Big the 2" hitch looked on the sportwagen. I thought maybe it was too big at first, but it grew on me. So, if you want to have your hitch a little more "low-key" and hidden, I would go with the 1.25". If you don't care, you might as well go with the 2" hitch as people have suggested to me that there is less play (rattle) with the hitch accessories.
Hey - great video. I've looked for the wiring video noted at the end, but haven't been able to spot it. Wondering what kit you used and if you took power to the rear accessory plug or all the way to the battery? Thanks
I guess you gonna let vw buy her back? I just bought the 2016 sportwagen tsi. I love it probably the best car in this class hands down. I will be adding this hitch to mine. Did you ever find a weight limit on the towing. The manual spends pages talking about towing procedures in which it does not recommend towing with in the first place! Geez. Just tell me a damn limit! Lol.
All USA hitches sold I have come across for the MK VII Sportwagen and Alltrack with the 1.8T TSI engine are rated at Class I towing capactiy of 200 lbs tongue weight and 2000 lbs towing weight capacity regardless of receiver size. This appears to be mainly due to the higher freeway/Interstate highway speeds in the USA.
That is one option, but VW also put the necessary urea system into the 2015 TDI model year (guess they anticipated getting caught) so that they actually have a "fix" for these TDI engines that make them US EPA compliant. VW USA has recently even started selling "new" 2015 TDI models with this fix, from their unsold inventory on hand when the scandal first broke in Sept 2015.. It's not clear whether there ever were any TDI models produced for the 2016 model year.
They did continue to make TDIs in 2016 but because of the EPA announcement in Sept 2015, the cars were returned and never delivered to the dealerships. I suppose they might start selling them just like the unsold 2015 TDIs, of which I just bought one! This video was very helpful as my boyfriend will be installing the hitch and wiring to my 15 GSW TDI this weekend.
For everyone looking for a wiring video you can pretty much follow the video of the install in the 2017 golf: www.etrailer.com/tv-install-trailer-wiring-2017-volkswagen-golf-c59236.aspx
So I installed MY eco-hitch today on my 2015 Golf Sportwagon TDI...and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to make this video, you are THE MAN! The hardest part was getting the body panel off...on was much easier, even the hard corners. Everything else was easy peasy. Seriously, THANK YOU!
Looking forward to the wiring update!
Nice. I did this job today and took my laptop out and put it in the cargo bay and referred to your video periodically. Thanks for posting it, made the job easier for me. Appreciated.
This was super helpful, thank you for doing the video! I did mine in under 2hrs being prepared in part by seeing your video.
Thank you for the education, Sir. Your video showed how the job is done and I am grateful that you took the trouble to share your installation with others. I never did see your wiring video, so I suppose I will have to figure out the electrics for myself. Archie in Stroudsburg PA.
I installed my hitch a month ago. Your video helped me a lot, because the instructions provided on paper with the hitch are not so well explained. Thank you very much.
Great video, thanks! Any chance you can upload the harness video?
After just doing this installation with the ECO HITCH, you don't have to relieve the lower valance for the eyes for the chains like is shown in this video. Just pull down the right side where you made the cut and "stretch" it around the eyes and it will all fall into place as you are installing the rear bumper. Using the proper cut dimensions it will fit tightly against the sides of the hitch when installed.
During the "scary part" of pulling the bumper off there are tabs around where the tail lights were that you can push down with a screw driver to help the bumper come of more easily.
Great video--I read the instructions and watched this prior to installing mine and it came out perfect. I would only add to keep in mind what you do in the beginning when you're taking everything off so that you know what is on top of what. I had never done this before either and it took me 2:45 (I timed it)
Great video. Just starting the install on my Alltrack today. Mine came packed in brown paper, not instafoam! Interesting changes over the last few years I guess. Thanks for the clear instructions.
Thanks man, just finished installing mine based on your video!
Thanks to your generosity to share and educate with this video, I garnered enough confidence to buy the hitch. otherwise I won't have try starting. Taking out the bumper was daunting. Can you send your wiring harness video too
Wheres the video For the wiring harness install ??
Good video, useful when I put a hitch on recently.
Was a video for the wiring ever made?
Did mine today. Turned out great except for a few bumps: 1. Those “pop out” tabs are impossible to get back in & I broke one trying to get it out. 2. I have 2 screws leftover & no idea what hole they go in. 3. I totally missed the wiring in the beginning and have no idea where all those wires came from. Also, where are the instructions for that you referenced in the end? Thanks for a great tutorial!
Hi there, what did you do to re-attach the rubber / trim near the wheel well when pulling off the rear bumper? It seems like that rubber trim was just hanging there, but not sure what you did with it after the hitch install ?
Thank you for sharing the details! The video puts me at ease a bit, as I'll be upgrading from a 1.25" to a 2.0" receiver, like you have. What brand receiver did you use if I may ask, as it looks to fit perfectly!
Great video, incredibly helpful!
HI from Brazil! Is there a tow hitch with greater capacity for sale?? I'm a big fan of Station Wagons and wanted to tow my trailer that weighs around 2600lbs.
Thanks for the info. Way better than the company video!
Thanks for the video - great detail.
Hey, was the wiring video ever made? Really need some pointers. Thanks
Can you please send me the link to the product/website for product?
Great job on the hitch video. Your video made it much easier. I was starting to make one of my own when I found yours- which is probably done much better than I would have. I am curious about the wiring video as there is not too much info out there on it. I'm wondering about accessing the Right turn indicator and wiring it to the opposite side, removing trim to get it over there. Also wondering how to remove the interior trim to run the power line that seems to be necessary from the battery. Eagerly awaiting your video.
I'll try to get it done really soon. I know it will be super valuable, as it was a pain to figure it out for myself.
Hey Proximidude, Do you know if everything is similar to the 2015 two golf tsi?
Does anyone know if the towbar from a sportswagon will fit the hatchback version?
link doesn't work anymore do you have the part number ?
Still waiting for the wiring video. Will you not be posting it? Going to put the hitch on today but wondering if the wiring requires the bumper off ass well. If so, would like to do it all at once. Thanks!
+Julie Campbell You do not need to remove the bumper to install the hitch wiring.
do you think this hitch is enought strong to carry my dirt bike (250lbs) on the bike carrier (50lbs)? thanks you
Same question here. In Brazil the instruction manual says that The car cannot Carry nothing by hitch....
On a towed trailer (with wheels), no problem. On a simple bike carrier (mounted directly to the hitch, not towed without wheels), you'd really be pushing it. The tongue weight limit for the hitch is rated at 300lbs. I don't think the vehicle specs even give it that high a rating. I wouldn't do it.
Where Is the wiring video?
would also love to see that one
Hey Bro, off topic question... but is Jason Waters your brother? You sure look like his brother and I found you on here because I was looking at “how to install a tow hitch on my 2017 Golf Alltrack SEL”... anyways, I hope it’s you dawg and if so, it’ll be good to reconnect... I’m sure you’ll remember me... LOL!
Can I mount a dirt bike with a rack with this hitch?
Looking to install the hitch on my 2016 Sportwagen tomorrow. Any chance you've made the wiring video? If not, where did you pull your power from? Up front from the battery and channel underneath the chassis or did you pull from the rear power supply? TIA
You definitely need to run a line under the car to the positive terminal on the battery. Some cars with a 12V port in the rear can be utilized, unfortunately most of the adapters that allow this are cheap as hell. There is the real possibility of that connection coming loose if you use an adapter and losing your signals while in use.
The ground can be tapped anywhere on the rear end. Routing the positive wire through the car can be done but it's a real pain. Going under the car might be easier.
I need the Wiring Video!!! 😅
very good & detailed thanks for posting
Thanks men wery nice.
Thanks !
Great video! When will you be posting wiring video?
+Julie Campbell Sorry for the delay, give me another week and it should be up.
Proximidude just checking in on the wiring video
Any wiring video yet?
Hi Jared. I'm planning to install the ecohitch on my 2015 VW Sportwagen too. What's the difference for that kind of car going for a 2" hitch instead of a 1,25" ?
+Pascal OLIVIER It's really just preference. I went with the 2" hitch because I knew I was planning on pulling bigger things, like Uhaul/motorcycle trailers. After installing, I was a little surprised on how Big the 2" hitch looked on the sportwagen. I thought maybe it was too big at first, but it grew on me. So, if you want to have your hitch a little more "low-key" and hidden, I would go with the 1.25". If you don't care, you might as well go with the 2" hitch as people have suggested to me that there is less play (rattle) with the hitch accessories.
+Proximidude Then, do you fall into class 3 hitch because of the 2" receiver ?
What wiring harness did you end up using?
Hey - great video. I've looked for the wiring video noted at the end, but haven't been able to spot it. Wondering what kit you used and if you took power to the rear accessory plug or all the way to the battery?
Thanks
Do you have the wiring video?
Which do you put onto the bolt first, the flat washer or the lock washer?
Lock Washer
how did you hook up lights?
I guess you gonna let vw buy her back? I just bought the 2016 sportwagen tsi. I love it probably the best car in this class hands down. I will be adding this hitch to mine. Did you ever find a weight limit on the towing. The manual spends pages talking about towing procedures in which it does not recommend towing with in the first place! Geez. Just tell me a damn limit! Lol.
All USA hitches sold I have come across for the MK VII Sportwagen and Alltrack with the 1.8T TSI engine are rated at Class I towing capactiy of 200 lbs tongue weight and 2000 lbs towing weight capacity regardless of receiver size. This appears to be mainly due to the higher freeway/Interstate highway speeds in the USA.
BKSeoul thank you!
That is one option, but VW also put the necessary urea system into the 2015 TDI model year (guess they anticipated getting caught) so that they actually have a "fix" for these TDI engines that make them US EPA compliant. VW USA has recently even started selling "new" 2015 TDI models with this fix, from their unsold inventory on hand when the scandal first broke in Sept 2015.. It's not clear whether there ever were any TDI models produced for the 2016 model year.
They did continue to make TDIs in 2016 but because of the EPA announcement in Sept 2015, the cars were returned and never delivered to the dealerships. I suppose they might start selling them just like the unsold 2015 TDIs, of which I just bought one! This video was very helpful as my boyfriend will be installing the hitch and wiring to my 15 GSW TDI this weekend.
For everyone looking for a wiring video you can pretty much follow the video of the install in the 2017 golf: www.etrailer.com/tv-install-trailer-wiring-2017-volkswagen-golf-c59236.aspx
No more mk6 r?
+Kyle Anderson It's gone for now... this is a temporary vehicle.
Semper Fi