Class I hitch install + mk4

[rreegg]

Finally going for it and gonna install a tow receiver on the vw. Went with a cheap eBay unit since I can’t tow much (weight wise) with this anyway but it’ll be really nice to haul around whatever else. The euro bosal receivers have a beefier bolt pattern but didn’t want to spend more for it.

Planning to reinforce the bolt areas with some fiberglass and marine epoxy since that’s going to be a weak point.

Any considerations for putting fiberglass around the exhaust tips? No pyrometer so not sure on EGTs but it can’t be too hot. Some of the bolts are directly adjacent to the exhaust.

Might be easier to lay the frp on the inside of the body but am considereing both in/out for extra rigidity. The closest bolts to the exhaust might be about 6” or so

I’m worried about long term health of the clutch with towing but plan to keep things below ~700#. 185k on this clutch so we’ll see how it does regardless. The dry weight of the trailer is probably about 300#

 

[Nero]

Ive seen many hitches on mkiv's at the wrecking yard, not a single one had insulation on the muffler tip. Unless its rubbing, I wouldn't bother.

 

[rreegg]

Oh for sure, I meant laying fiberglass fabric/mat with epoxy near the exhaust rather than wrapping dry fabric around the exhaust.
Am more concerned about the bolts pulling through/denting the body while towing.

Am not sure how FRP handles heat but know it isn't really meant to have amazing heat tolerance

But it's probably not gonna make a huge difference anyway, not towing much

 

[Nero]

As long as you follow the install directions and don't overload the max tongue weight you should be fine. The unibody twists because people think they can tow with a unibody sedan or hatch like its a truck.

 

[rreegg]

Receiver install was a breeze compared to the 7.3 class v - which wasn’t too bad anyway.
Got a Milwaukee right-angle adapter for this job and didn’t even need to drop the exhaust

Hitch seems solid as expected, have some 1/8” aluminum sheet left over and, if anything, would just make backing plates for the receiver rather than frp. Al is way quicker and easier to work with

 

[Cant Write]

I have one for my Passat, need to get it on so I can carry my Mtn bike.