I have an SEL Premium and ordered the 7 pin adapter from Amazon. The wiring was already there. I suggest you open open the access panel to see if the wiring is there on your model. If so, it's a 5 minute install with the Amazon part. I only installed the 7 pin adaptor. I did not install an electronic brake controller.
For those with factory towing
Hi there!
We got our Atlas (SE w/ Technology & 4Motion) and factory tow bar installed. When I went to the dealer to pick up the 7-pin harness 7L0055305N, they told me that they need to install it and the wiring and that it would be $500.
I have my own brake controller, and my last car was a 2011 Durango (Hemi) so I'm not a stranger to having to install this goofy 7-pin outlet, nor paying for the wiring to be activated (I actually installed the factory hitch & wiring on the Durango) but this seems to be insane for a car with factory hitch installed.
I know I can order 7L0055305N from amazon ($16 shipped)
Is the wiring already there and activated since I got it with the hitch already installed?
We got our Atlas (SE w/ Technology & 4Motion) and factory tow bar installed. When I went to the dealer to pick up the 7-pin harness 7L0055305N, they told me that they need to install it and the wiring and that it would be $500.
I have my own brake controller, and my last car was a 2011 Durango (Hemi) so I'm not a stranger to having to install this goofy 7-pin outlet, nor paying for the wiring to be activated (I actually installed the factory hitch & wiring on the Durango) but this seems to be insane for a car with factory hitch installed.
I know I can order 7L0055305N from amazon ($16 shipped)
Is the wiring already there and activated since I got it with the hitch already installed?
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Does this mean you didn't have to get your wiring enabled? I've been it on vwvortex for the Touareg that people needed to enable their wiring in vagcom.I have an SEL Premium and ordered the 7 pin adapter from Amazon. The wiring was already there. I suggest you open open the access panel to see if the wiring is there on your model. If so, it's a 5 minute install with the Amazon part. I only installed the 7 pin adaptor. I did not install an electronic brake controller.
I have an SEL with the tow package. I purchased the 7-pin adapter from my dealer and it turned out to be the exact same one sold online--a Pollack, I think--but for a bit more money, of course. Anyway, when you remove the cover next to the hitch receiver you should see where the adapter should slide right in and then you just secure it. That's it, it is already wired.
That said, what requires a bit more work, but not $500s worth, is finding the connector for your brake controller. You have to find the plug-in for the brake controller by removing one or two panels from just inside the driver's side door--my VW tech showed me how to do this and there are YouTube videos you can watch as well. What you may still need to purchase is the wiring harness to connect from here to your brake controller. Easiest is to buy a wiring harness from Ebay (this one worked with my Tekonsha brake controller https://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-Atlas-P...roller-Harness-/282966124788?oid=282882915529). You can also purchase parts from VW and find a helpful VW tech to fashion one (we did this as well) or do it yourself (if that's in your skill set). I don't have the part numbers handy or I'd post those. Both the tech-fashioned and eBay harnesses worked fine for us.
That's it. There is no having to "enable" your wiring.
That said, what requires a bit more work, but not $500s worth, is finding the connector for your brake controller. You have to find the plug-in for the brake controller by removing one or two panels from just inside the driver's side door--my VW tech showed me how to do this and there are YouTube videos you can watch as well. What you may still need to purchase is the wiring harness to connect from here to your brake controller. Easiest is to buy a wiring harness from Ebay (this one worked with my Tekonsha brake controller https://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-Atlas-P...roller-Harness-/282966124788?oid=282882915529). You can also purchase parts from VW and find a helpful VW tech to fashion one (we did this as well) or do it yourself (if that's in your skill set). I don't have the part numbers handy or I'd post those. Both the tech-fashioned and eBay harnesses worked fine for us.
That's it. There is no having to "enable" your wiring.
No need to enable. It worked when I plugged it in.Does this mean you didn't have to get your wiring enabled? I've been it on vwvortex for the Touareg that people needed to enable their wiring in vagcom.
Thank you, I installed the Pollack (p/n 7L0055305N, $14 on amazon) and towed home a new-to-us camper Sunday.
Even on the winding 2 lane roads through the mountains the Atlas was a competent towing vehicle. It had great power and comfort
We have a 3308 lbs popup camper.
Even on the winding 2 lane roads through the mountains the Atlas was a competent towing vehicle. It had great power and comfort
We have a 3308 lbs popup camper.
Hi there! We got our Atlas (SE w/ Technology & 4Motion) and factory tow bar installed. When I went to the dealer to pick up the 7 pin harness 7L0055305N, they told me that they need to install it and the wiring, and that it would be $500.
I have my own brake controller, and my last car was a 2011 Durango (Hemi) so I'm not a stranger to having to install this goofy 7 pin outlet, nor paying for the wiring to be activated (I actually installed the factory hitch & wiring on the durango) but this seems to be insane for a car with factory hitch installed.
I know I can order 7L0055305N from amazon ($16 shipped)
Is the wiring already there and activated since I got it with the hitch already installed?
Hello. I have purchased the Pollak 11-893P and plugged it in. It plugged in fine but when I used my plug in wiring tester the running lamps and both signals lights on the tester were flashing. Are you saying you just plugged your wiring adapter in it worked great ? The dealer told me I need to purchase there plug as you listed above and then have it programmed for about 160.00.Thank you, I installed the Pollack (p/n 7L0055305N, $14 on amazon) and towed home a new-to-us camper Sunday.
Even on the winding 2 lane roads through the mountains the Atlas was a competent towing vehicle. It had great power and comfort
We have a 3308 lbs popup camper.
I heard in some situations people get stuck with a regular tow truck and no a flat bed. Always good to communicate ahead of time that it will be required. Owners that don't know any better about the potential harm done to their Atlas could be in for a hefty repair bill down the road.
It is an adapter for the plug that is already there. One can plug to the one in there but it will be loose compared to being fixed with a swing cover. All those people that have towed with it never mentioned that it needed to be programed. I would call another dealer and check and I am sure the response would be just instal and that is it. It is for sure looks like some dealers want to rip off clients and when I asked for the part, the part department told me to just pick it up from amazon and install.I heard in some situations people get stuck with a regular tow truck and no a flat bed. Always good to communicate ahead of time that it will be required. Owners that don't know any better about the potential harm done to their Atlas could be in for a hefty repair bill down the road.
Confusion about what I need to do to tow.
I have a 2019 SE V6 with 4 Motion, Tech package and factory tow hitch. I see many confusing statements about what I need to do to tow. I do not need trailer brakes. The hitch seems wired for a 7 pin electrical plug and all I think I need is the 7 pin receptacle. What's all this about wiring under the hood, programming, etc? Dealer says one thing (costly of course). Some posts say just Pollack adapter. Just towing a tent trailer and would use a 4-pin adapter. Thanks for any help.
I have a 2019 SE V6 with 4 Motion, Tech package and factory tow hitch. I see many confusing statements about what I need to do to tow. I do not need trailer brakes. The hitch seems wired for a 7 pin electrical plug and all I think I need is the 7 pin receptacle. What's all this about wiring under the hood, programming, etc? Dealer says one thing (costly of course). Some posts say just Pollack adapter. Just towing a tent trailer and would use a 4-pin adapter. Thanks for any help.
I have a GMC 5500 truck which we use for towing service in Queens, can you suggest me any best towing kit for this?
My 2019 Atlas SEL Pri had the towing pack. I did buy the 7 pin plug form the dealer and they installed it (just for cost). Was much but no one mentioned any programming had to be done. If it comes already installed (the trailer package) one would THINK it's good to go as soon as you plug in your required plug. I did buy a Reese Towpower 85350 adapter that converts to a 6way and 4way connector and another 7 pin to 4way adapter (impulse buy before I got the Reese). As far as the electric brake, not sure. Last cargo trailer I towed was the 6x12 from uHaul.
I have towed a lot of trailers and boats in my life. There should be no need for any programming to be done unless you are pulling something big. All the adapter does is usually connect a 4 pin or 5 pin trailer harness. The 4 pin is for the stop, brake, turn and side marker lights, plus the important grounding wire. (When your lights don't work, 99 percent of the time its the ground). The 5 pin allows you you back up and locks out simple trailer brakes (like surge brakes), if so equipped. The 7 pin is a fancy version of the 5 pin which allows you to connect to and electrically engage and release the trailer brakes on big, heavy trailers, BUT you need a brake controller installed in your vehicle.
Can you tell me what connector I need for 2018 Atlas that will allow my 4 pin boat trailer to in. I have been to multiple stores and talked to dealer. Why is this connector so difficult to work with??
First of all, at least my Atlas with the towing package does not have the female plug, just a dummy plug. You need this part which you connect, removing a couple of allen screws.
Amazon.com: POLLAK (11893 7-Way RV OEM Socket: Automotive. Then, you need to buy the male adapter to connect your trailer wiring. I bought one at Autozone for about $10, something similar to this: https://www.autozone.com/truck-and-...ite-glow-7-blade-to-4-flat-adapter/690224_0_0. The only problem I had was to seat the plug. I had to push it in hard the first time only for it to work.
Amazon.com: POLLAK (11893 7-Way RV OEM Socket: Automotive. Then, you need to buy the male adapter to connect your trailer wiring. I bought one at Autozone for about $10, something similar to this: https://www.autozone.com/truck-and-...ite-glow-7-blade-to-4-flat-adapter/690224_0_0. The only problem I had was to seat the plug. I had to push it in hard the first time only for it to work.
All of those connections and wiring should have been done by the dealer before the vehicle was rolled of the lot. I made it plainly clear to them that if I paid $500 on that invoice that it was going to be a complete setup, and ready to go. Otherwise, it's a Rip off.Hello. I have purchased the Pollak 11-893P and plugged it in. It plugged in fine but when I used my plug in wiring tester the running lamps and both signals lights on the tester were flashing. Are you saying you just plugged your wiring adapter in it worked great ? The dealer told me I need to purchase there plug as you listed above and then have it programmed for about 160.00.
I am having the same issue. What was your resolution? Thanks!Hello. I have purchased the Pollak 11-893P and plugged it in. It plugged in fine but when I used my plug in wiring tester the running lamps and both signals lights on the tester were flashing. Are you saying you just plugged your wiring adapter in it worked great ? The dealer told me I need to purchase there plug as you listed above and then have it programmed for about 160.00.
I have a 2019 SE w/Tech. If your vehicle came with factory towing, there is nothing to be programmed. As I mentioned previously, you might have to seat the adapter into the Pollak female adapter a few times to make contact.
2019 VW Atlas Comfortline here in 🇨🇦
Trying to connect my boat trailer with 4 pin conector and LED lights.
The car came with the factory towing package. I installed the Polak 7 pin connector and then buy the 4 pin adapter. The dashboard shows warnings with lights malfunction when connect the trailer. The towing mode dont get enabled.
Took the car to dealership and their answer was the car dont work with trailers with LED lights. Any solution?
Trying to connect my boat trailer with 4 pin conector and LED lights.
The car came with the factory towing package. I installed the Polak 7 pin connector and then buy the 4 pin adapter. The dashboard shows warnings with lights malfunction when connect the trailer. The towing mode dont get enabled.
Took the car to dealership and their answer was the car dont work with trailers with LED lights. Any solution?
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