Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Draw-tite
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
On Sale Today
Original price was $402.50. Current price is $346.61.You save $55.89 (14%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Sat, Aug 15 - Tue, Aug 18
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
These dependable custom hitches are manufactured for 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat and attach to your vehicle?s frame or bumper for a sleek, clean appearance. Each hitch also has a 1-1/4 inch square receiver tube opening so you can easily attach accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier, or a utility trailer. DRAW-TITE Class 1 custom trailer hitches come complete with all the mounting hardware needed for installation and are backed by a nationwide lifetime limited warranty. So, whether you are headed out to the campground and need a place for the cooler, taking the bikes to hit the trails in the park, or you are tackling a DIY project (maybe some landscaping or a home repair), choose DRAW-TITE and travel with confidence knowing your setup is connected with the security only DRAW-TITE can provide. DRAW-TITE: North America?s Favorite Hitch.
Draw-Tite has designed custom-fit trailer hitches since 1946 and is one of North America's most widely fitted hitch brands. Receiver hitches use solid all-welded construction and low-profile designs that follow modern vehicle contours, install with minimal bumper cutting or drilling, meet or exceed V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards, and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Draw-Tite has been leading custom-fit trailer hitch design and engineering since its founding in 1946, and it remains one of the most widely fitted hitch brands in North America. The company's stated approach is straightforward: every hitch is tested rigorously so that it performs well beyond published industry standards, a philosophy it markets as Tested Tough. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Fulton, Bulldog, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Custom fit is the defining characteristic. Rather than adapting a universal design, Draw-Tite engineers a trailer hitch for a specific make, model and model year, so it bolts to existing frame locations with minimal bumper cutting or drilling. Low-profile designs follow the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of modern vehicles, which matters more than it once did now that rear fascias are shaped and sensor-equipped. Construction is solid all-welded steel for maximum strength, and every hitch meets or exceeds V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards and is backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty.
The range spans receiver sizes and classes to suit different loads, from 1-1/4 inch receivers for bike racks, cargo carriers and light trailers up through 2 inch receivers for heavier towing. Front mount hitches add a receiver at the front of the vehicle for winch mounts, snow plows, spare carriers and precise trailer positioning.
The Hidden Hitch series takes concealment further by mounting behind the vehicle's rear fascia, so the vehicle keeps its factory appearance until a removable receiver is fitted. Each is custom designed per make and model for a no-drill installation that does not compromise ground clearance, rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. Matching plug-and-play wiring completes the towing system.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 - 1999 | Volkswagen Passat | SE & SEL Only |
Yes, this hitch (part number 24880) is designed for the Volkswagen Passat. The manual does not specify model year range, so contact the manufacturer or your retailer to confirm your specific year and body style are compatible.
The maximum gross trailer weight is 2000 LB (908 kg) and the maximum tongue weight is 200 LB (90.8 kg). Do not exceed the lower of your towing vehicle manufacturer's rating or these limits.
You will need: 15 torx bit, 25 torx bit, 10mm wrench, 13mm wrench, ¾" socket, ¼" drill bit (if needed), tape, utility knife or cutting wheel, tape measure, marking pencil, silicone sealant, and a torque wrench.
The hitch includes: 2 bolt plates, 4 hex bolts ½-13 X 5.50 GR5, 6 conical washers ½", 2 carriage bolts ½-13 X 1.75 GR5, 2 spacers, and 2 hex nuts ½-13. A separate fastener kit (24880F) is available if needed. The drawbar kit (3590) is sold separately.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to remove the spare tire from the vehicle and remove the two rearward drain plugs (which you will return to the owner). The spare tire is reinstalled in step 15 after the hitch installation is complete.
Yes. Step 4 requires you to lower the exhaust by removing the two hex bolts at the exhaust hanger. The exhaust is reinstalled in step 14 after the hitch is secured.
Yes. Step 6 requires you to trim the lower fascia panel as shown in Figure 1. The manual recommends marking the trim area with tape or marking pencil and drilling ¼" minimal holes in the corners before cutting. This is a permanent modification to the vehicle's bumper cover.
The manual recommends drilling ¼" minimal holes in the corners of the trim area as a layout guide before cutting the lower fascia panel. These are reference holes to mark the corners of the trim zone shown in Figure 1.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch." Use a utility knife or cutting wheel instead.
Step 2 states: "If present remove the appearance panel on the passenger side." This is conditional—only remove it if it is present. However, step 8 indicates that if the lower appearance panel is not completely removed, you may need to slide it under the passenger side to gain clearance to raise the hitch into position.
Step 2 states: "DO NOT REMOVE CANISTER ON DIESEL MODELS." If you have a diesel Volkswagen Passat, do not remove the canister (fuel vapor canister) even if you remove the appearance panel.
All ½" fasteners must be tightened with a torque wrench to 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N·M). This applies to the hex bolts, carriage bolts, and hex nuts used to secure the hitch.
Step 7 requires you to place the two bolt plates on top of the bumper rails. These plates provide the mounting surface for the hex bolts and conical washers that secure the hitch to the vehicle.
Step 8 instructs: "Raise hitch into position. If lower appearance panel not completely removed slide under the passenger side all the way over until you have the clearance to raise the drivers side into position (hitch must be raised over existing facial tabs)." The hitch must be positioned to clear the existing fascia tabs on both sides.
No. Step 9 states: "Install the hex bolts and conical washers into the bolt plate. Do not completely tighten." All fasteners are tightened to final torque specification in step 12 after all components are in place.
Step 10 requires you to install the carriage bolts (½-13 X 1.75 GR5) and spacers into the trunk drain holes. Use silicone sealant on the bolt plate to ensure a seal.
Yes. Step 10 requires you to use silicone sealant on the bolt plate to assure a seal when installing the carriage bolts and spacers into the trunk drain holes. Step 11 also requires you to seal around the bar at the trunk pan connection.
After tightening all fasteners to torque specification (step 12): (1) Reinstall the lower fascia panel by lining up the slot and gently pushing it back into position, then reinstall the 2 torx screws and clips (step 13); (2) Reinstall the appearance panel if it was removed (step 13); (3) Reinstall the exhaust (step 14); (4) Place the spare tire back into the trunk (step 15).
Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. The manual also notes that a hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced.
The drawbar must be used in the RISE position only. Do not operate the hitch with the drawbar in any other position.
Check the hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. The manual emphasizes that regular inspection is necessary to ensure safe operation.
If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Do not attempt to repair a damaged hitch.
Yes, this hitch is designed for the Volkswagen Passat. Confirm your specific model year with the manufacturer or retailer.
Maximum gross trailer weight is 2000 LB (908 kg); maximum tongue weight is 200 LB (90.8 kg). Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's rating.
Yes, the lower fascia panel must be trimmed as shown in Figure 1. The manual recommends marking the trim area and drilling ¼" reference holes in the corners before cutting.
Yes. The spare tire must be removed (step 1) and the exhaust must be lowered by removing two hex bolts at the hanger (step 4). Both are reinstalled after the hitch is secured.
All ½" fasteners must be tightened to 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N·M) using a torque wrench.
The drawbar must be used in the RISE position only. Wear eye protection when working beneath the vehicle, and do not cut holes with a torch.
Yes, the T-Connector is designed for Passat SEL/SE vehicles. The manual does not specify compatibility with other Passat trim levels or model years.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring interface that taps into the vehicle's taillight wiring harness to provide trailer lighting control. It uses T-shaped connectors to intercept the vehicle's taillight signals and route them through a black box module to a 4-flat connector for trailer use.
Required tools are: trim panel remover, 10 mm socket and ratchet or 10 mm wrench, drill with 3/32" drill bit, 1/4" socket, wire crimpers, wire cutters, Phillips head screwdriver, and test probe.
The kit includes two T-Connector ends (one with yellow wire, one with green wire), a black box module, a yellow fuse holder with fuse, a yellow butt connector, a white wire with eyelet and screw for grounding, a 12 ga. black wire, cable ties, and a 4-flat connector for storage in the rear cargo area when not in use.
Yes. Step 7 requires you to disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable before connecting the fuse holder to the positive battery cable.
Open the trunk and remove the threshold panel. Partially remove the corner felt trunk liner on both sides to expose the vehicle's taillight wiring harness. At the end of installation, reinstall all plastic trim panels, the threshold, storage covers, floor covering and other items that were removed.
Starting on the driver's side, separate the vehicle's wiring connectors carefully without breaking the locking tabs. Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the vehicle wiring connectors and lock into place. Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt. Repeat on the passenger's side using the T-Connector containing the green wire, routing it below the threshold cover.
Drilling may be required for the grounding connection. Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing ground stud. If no existing stud is available, drill a 3/32" hole and secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided. Do not drill into the vehicle floor or bed. Before drilling, verify what is behind the surface to avoid damage to the vehicle or personal injury, and do not drill into any exposed surfaces.
Locate a flat surface in an out-of-the-way place and mount the T-Connector's black box module to prevent damage or rattling.
Beginning from the front of the vehicle, route the black 12 ga. wire rearward along the frame rail. Avoid hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, or any other points that may pinch or break the wire. If routing the wire through a grommet and along the exterior of the vehicle, exercise the same caution to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, fuel tank, or pinch points.
After disconnecting the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable, remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder if not already removed. Cut the fuse holder wire and attach the ring terminal, securing it to the vehicle's positive (+) battery cable. Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 ga. wire using the yellow butt connector provided.
Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the cable ties provided to prevent damage or rattling. Be careful to avoid any areas that would pinch, cut, or melt the wire.
Test and verify installation with a test light or trailer once installed. For the initial test, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition. All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly.
Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer rating (including in your vehicle owner's manual) or the specific amperage ratings stated on the product. The manual does not specify the product's amperage rating; refer to the product label or contact the manufacturer.
Always wear safety glasses and use all safety precautions during installation. Read and follow all warnings and instructions printed on the tow vehicle's battery. Verify what is behind any surface prior to drilling to avoid damage to the vehicle and personal injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces. Avoid routing wires through hot pipes, heat shields, fuel tank, or pinch points.
Store the 4-flat connector in the rear cargo area when not in use.
Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the stated product ratings. Read the vehicle's owner's manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
Yes, the T-Connector (118742-037) is designed for Passat SEL/SE vehicles.
You need: trim panel remover, 10 mm socket/ratchet or wrench, drill with 3/32" bit, 1/4" socket, wire crimpers, wire cutters, Phillips screwdriver, and test probe.
Yes, disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable before connecting the fuse holder to the positive battery cable.
The main power wire is 12 ga. (12 gauge) black wire, routed from the front of the vehicle along the frame rail to the rear.
Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer rating or the specific amperage ratings stated on the product. The manual does not list the product's amperage rating; check the product label.
Verify that all connections are complete. The manual states: 'All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly.' Check that (1) both T-Connector ends are fully locked into the vehicle's taillight connectors, (2) the white grounding wire is securely fastened, (3) the ring terminal is properly attached to the positive battery cable, (4) the yellow butt connector securely joins the fuse holder to the black 12 ga. wire, and (5) the negative battery cable is reconnected. Reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.
Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt before attempting to lock them into place. The manual states: 'All connector surfaces should be clean and free of dirt.' Clean the connectors and try again. If the locking tabs appear damaged, do not force the connector, as the manual warns against breaking the locking tabs.
Total for 4 items:
$148.57
No reviews have been added for this product.
