Trailer Hitch Reciever and Cargo Carrier for a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle SE Convertible  

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You have a few options for a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible SE.

For a hitch, you'll be using a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch. This is a hitch designed for passenger vehicles that are not usually intended for towing. This provides the mounting point for your vehicle to use most cargo carriers that fit the 1-1/4 inch receiver.

I've attached a help article that goes into the trailer hitch sizes and classes a little more, but in the most simple case, the Class of a trailer hitch determines the amount of weight that the attached accessory can hold. You will still have to verify your vehicle's towing capacity in your owner's manual to ensure your safety.

For your 2017 Beetle, I recommend using the Curt Class I Round Tube, part # C11354 . With this hitch you need to use a support strap, part # 18050 when using the hitch for a non-trailer load.

The Curt hitch can be installed without any drilling, and I've included an article that gives general tips on installing a hitch to a vehicle.

The total weight of your carrier plus your cargo will need to be less than the lower of the hitch's tongue weight or your vehicles' capacity which can be found in your owner's manual.

Given that your primary goal is going to the beach, you'll want to have a grate bottomed carrier so that sand and water fall through and don't get carried with you. Unfortunately, 1-1/4 inch hitch cargo carriers generally do not fold, as they all sacrifice the feature to save on weight. I've included a link to three options that will fit your new hitch, but recommend the Reese Cargo Carrier, part # 63155 as I think it is the best choice.

I've included videos for the three carriers so you can compare them for yourself, as well as links to all of the options that you have for a hitch and a cargo carrier.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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