How To Carry a 2 Bike Rack on a 1-1/4 Hitch Installed on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf

Updated 06/29/2016 | Published 06/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(211)

$188.97

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(50)

$375.64

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(550)

$100.36

Question:

Hi. I have a thule bike rack for another car that slides into a 2inch hitch/ receiver. I dont see any such application available for the golf. Is there a hitch that I can buy for my 2016 golf se that will work with this rack, or am I stuck buying a hitch and a new rack too??? Thanks.

asked by: Andy

Expert Reply:

Do not worry, if you do not already have your hitc, you are not absolutely stuck buying a whole new hitch and new bike rack for your 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE.

While we do only sell Class I 1-1/4" hitch receivers for your vehicle, you can use a 1-1/4" to 2" Hitch adapter # HTAD to fit your Bike Rack that fits on a 2" receiver. However, if you use a hitch adapter, this will cut your tongue weight capacity in half when carrying a bike rack. All the hitches we offer for your 2016 Volkswagen Golf has a 200 lbs. TW capacity, but when using a hitch adapter, your hitch only has a 100 lbs. weight capacity. This means you are limited to a combined weight of 100 lbs. of bike rack and bike mounted weight on the back of your vehicle.

Also, when using a Class I hitch, you are limited to carrying two bikes because Class I hitches cannot carry the leverage weight of more than two bikes. If you were to carry more than 2 bikes, it could cause your hitch and vehicle frame to be damaged.

If you do not have a hitch on your vehicle, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7309 for your 2016 Volkswagen Golf. This is confirmed to fit your vehicle as long as it is not an R model. I recommend this hitch over the Curt Hitch, because you do not have to use stabilizing straps to be within their warrantee requirements when carrying any non-trailer loads. It also has the 2" opening and a 300-pound tongue weight capacity. Even if you already have a hitch, this would not be a bad idea as a replacement.

I attached installation instructions and an installation video for the EcoHitch Hitch, and I attached a review video for the Hitch adapter you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Sarah H