CURT 11475 Installation Instructions

General Information & Warnings

Model: GOLF R

Years: 2017-PRESENT

Style: HATCHBACK

⚠️ Safety First: Safety glasses should be worn at all times while installing this product.

WARNING: NEVER EXCEED YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY. For more information, log onto www.curtmfg.com & for helpful towing tips, log onto www.hitchinfo.com.

Weight Specifications

WARNING: WE RECOMMEND THE USE OF 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS FOR ALL NON-TRAILER (WHEEL-LESS) LOADS. PLEASE SEE THE CURT CATALOG OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.CURTMFG.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Installation Details

Pro Install Time: 30 MIN.

Novice Install Time: 60 MIN.

If you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance.

Installation Requires:

• ? Safety Glasses
• ? Ratchet
• ? 13mm Socket
• ? 3/4" Socket
• ? 9" Extension
• ? Torque Wrench
• ⚙️ Die Grinder

Installation Tips:

1. Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly.
2. To ease installation, 2 people may be required.
3. Using proper tools will greatly improve the quality of the install and reduce the time required.
4. Need help or have some questions? Call Technical Support at 877.287.8634.

Level of Difficulty: EASY

Parts List

Diagram Descriptions

A representative photograph shows the rear of a Volkswagen Golf R hatchback.

A diagram shows the CURT hitch receiver from a rear-view perspective, mounted to the vehicle's frame, indicating the front and rear of the vehicle.

A detailed diagram illustrates the underside of the vehicle's rear frame rails (Driver Side Frame Rail, Passenger Side Frame Rail). It shows the location of mounting holes, including access holes and clearance holes. The diagram depicts how parts such as carriage bolts (1), square hole spacers (2), and hex flange nuts (3) are guided into position using fishwire tools (4) through the frame rails. This hitch is designed for use with BALLMOUNT #45521. An optional Euro Mount is available (#45571 for 1 7/8" ball & #45572 for 2" ball).

Installation Walkthrough

Step 1: Lower Exhaust

Lower exhaust by removing M8 bolts from the (2) rear exhaust hangers using a 13mm socket. Save for reinstallation. NOTE: Removal of additional exhaust hanger may ease installation.

Step 2: Prepare Frame Rails

Use a die grinder to enlarge access slot on each side to 1.125" holes. Fishwire 1/2" carriage bolts and SP10 spacers through access holes in driver and passenger side frame rails and into position as shown below.

Step 3: Position Hardware

Reverse fishwire 1/2" carriage bolts and SP10 spacers into position as shown below. Leave fishwires attached. NOTE: Disconnecting active exhaust connector may ease installation.

A diagram labeled 'REVERSE PULL FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE' visually explains the process: Attach the fishwire tool to a carriage bolt. Slide a spacer onto the fishwire. Push the bolt and spacer through a hole in the vehicle frame. Pull the fishwire to guide the bolt and spacer into the correct mounting position, with the bolt protruding from the frame.

Step 4: Mount Hitch

Raise hitch into position, remove fishwires, and loosely secure hitch with 1/2" flange nuts.

Step 5: Torque Hardware

Torque all 1/2" hardware to 110 ft-lbs.

Step 6: Reinstall Exhaust

Raise exhaust following steps 1-3 in reverse order.

Towing Safety Information

Gross Trailer Weight/GTW

The Gross Trailer Weight is the weight of the trailer & cargo. Measure this by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Illustrations show methods for measuring Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) using a vehicle scale.

Tongue Weight/TW

The downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. The tongue weight will vary depending on where the load is positioned in relationship to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown and multiply the scale reading by 3.

Illustrations show methods for measuring Tongue Weight (TW) using a bathroom scale placed under the trailer coupler, with a note on multiplying the reading by 3 for heavier loads.

Weight Carrying/WC

The total weight of both the trailer and the cargo inside. Never exceed the weight capacity of your trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution/WD

Used to balance the weight of the cargo between the front and rear wheels throughout the trailer, allowing for better steering, braking, and level riding.

Two diagrams illustrate trailer loading: 'Without WD Hitch' showing an unbalanced load with the trailer tongue low, and 'With WD Hitch' showing a balanced load with the trailer riding level.

Sway Control

A device used to reduce the lateral movements of the trailer that are caused by the wind. This works in conjunction with a weight distribution hitch. Do not use this on a class 1 or 2 hitch, or with surge brakes.

How Much Can You Safely Tow?

A bar chart titled 'How Much Can You Safely Tow?' displays trailer weight capacities for different trailer types (Camper, Vacation, Vocation) across various weight classes (Class 1, 2, 3).

Ball Mount

The ball mount is placed inside the opening of the receiver hitch which is mounted to the vehicle. Make sure a hitch pin and clip is properly securing the ball mount to the receiver hitch before you begin towing.

Diagrams label key dimensions for a Ball Mount (A: Rise, B: Drop, C: Hole Size, D: Length).

Trailer Ball

The connection from the hitch to the trailer. There are many factors that determine the correct hitch ball: Number one is the hitch ball's gross trailer weight rating. The mounting platform must be at least 3/8" thick. The hole diameter must not be more than 1/16" larger than the threaded shank. Every time you tow, check the nut and lock washer to make sure they are fastened securely.

Diagrams label key dimensions for a Trailer Ball (A: Ball Dia., B: Shank Length, C: Shank Dia., D: Shank Rise).

Coupler

The component that is placed over the trailer ball to connect the vehicle to the trailer. Be sure that the coupler size matches the size of the hitch ball and that the coupler handle is securely fastened. To determine what size hitch ball you need for your application you will need to know the size of coupler that is on the trailer. Be sure your coupler is properly adjusted to the ball you are using. NOTE: For added security the use of safety devices such as Coupler Safety Pins and Locks is strongly recommended.

Safety Chains

Safety chains are a requirement and should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave enough slack so you can turn. Never allow the safety chains to drag on the ground and never attach the chains to the bumper. Trailer Classification: Safety Chain Breaking Force - Minimum: Class 1: 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kN), Class 2: 3,500 lbs. (15.6 kN), Class 3: 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN). The strength rating of each length of safety chain or its equivalent and its attachments shall be equal to or exceed in minimum breaking force the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer.

A diagram shows safety chains crossed under the trailer tongue, with an arrow indicating slack.

Electrical

Trailer lights, Electric Brakes, Break-away systems - Every time you tow, be sure to check that all components are working properly.

Wiring identification by color:

CURT DISCLAIMER: WIRING COLOR SHOWN WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH CURT MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS.

Final Checks & Warranty

PERIODICALLY CHECK THIS RECEIVER HITCH TO ENSURE THAT ALL FASTENERS ARE TIGHT AND THAT ALL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS ARE SOUND.

CURT Manufacturing LLC. warrants this product to be free of defects in material and/or workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If the product is found to be defective, CURT Manufacturing LLC. may repair or replace the product, at their option, when the product is returned, prepaid, with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse of, or improper installation of this product voids the warranty. CURT Manufacturing LLC.'s liability is limited to repair or replacement of products found to be defective, and specifically excludes liability for incidental or consequential loss or damage.

This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.