Platform-Style Hitch Bike Rack Compatibility with Class I Hitch on 2011 Volkswagen GTI  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Thule T2 platform-style 2-bike hitch rack for 1-1/4-inch hitches, part # TH917XTR, does happen to have a modest amount of clearance from its hitch pin hole when folded up in the storage position. This measure is only 3-1/2-inches on your T2 bike rack.

On some vehicles such as your 2011 Volkswagen GTI the Class I hitch mounting points put the end of the receiver tube too far under the car for this small clearance distance to allow the rack to fold. All hitches for your car use the exact same mounting points on the frame so other than a very minor potential variance from one brand to another all hitches will have the hitch pin hole in pretty much the same spot.

Extenders are made for hitches but these have the unavoidable side-effect of reducing your hitch capacity by HALF. This makes such extenders unusable in your application since your bike rack itself weighs approximately 58-lbs. Even one bike on the rack could potentially overload the hitch if used with an extender.

Your best bet is to select a new 2-bike Class I-compatible hitch bike rack that will give you the clearance you need. For example, Swagman's XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 provides 8-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole and their XC 2-Bike Rack # S64650 has over 10-inches of clearance.

You can refer to the linked article for illustration of how to take the measurement needed to confirm rack compatibility with your hitch and vehicle.

expert reply by: Adam R

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