Hitch Bike Rack for Use in Class I Hitch on 2008 Golf GTI

Updated 03/22/2017 | Published 03/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(44)

$187.49

Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

(378)

$309.95

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(224)

$39.65

Softride Hang2 Vertical Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(16)

$199.00

Question:

Will this clear the bumper on a 2008 Golf GTI if I want to use the Softride Hang2 Item # SR27041? It appears the Softride Hang2 has two holes for mounting to the hitch, but if using the second hole that gives the most support, I fear it may not then clear the bumper.

asked by: Ron B

Expert Reply:

The Softride Hang2 2-Bike Rack # SR27041 requires a Class II hitch. Only light-duty Class I hitches are made for your car so you will need to choose a Class I-compatible hitch rack of no more than 2-bike capacity. The linked page displays all 2-bike Class I racks.

A 2-bike rack I really like is the Curt # C18085. This hanging rack suspends the bikes by their wheels for no frame contact, it is very lightweight, it offers a substantial 45-lbs-per-bike weight rating, it provides a foot of clearance from the hitch pin hole and it is very well-priced. Available accessories include hitch lock # SHP2082 and cable lock # e98891.

When we installed the Curt Class I hitch # C11074 on a 2008 Rabbit the hitch pin hole after installation was positioned 7-inches forward of the rear edge of the bumper cover. I went to our warehouse to measure the hitch to allow you to know where the hitch pin hole will be on your car.
I measured from the rear mounting hole back to the hitch pin hole and found this dimension to be approximately 6-1/4- inches.

What you can do is refer to the hitch instructions to help you find the rear mounting hole on the car's frame and measure rearward this same 6-1/4-inch distance to find out where your hitch pin hole will be after installation. Chances are very good that the BikeWing will fit with room to spare.