Recommendations to Carry 2 Bikes with a 2017 Volkswagen Passat  

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I spoke with my contact at Curt to see why their trailer hitch # C11234, or any other hitch for that matter, is not compatible with the Technology Package on your 2017 Volkswagen Passat and he said that there is a big pad of sensors in the bumper that are in the way. It isn't the sensors for opening the rear hatch with your foot though. Because of this there are no trailer hitch options for the Technology Package.

Although there are no trailer hitch fits for your Passat with the Tech package, we do have some other ways you can carry your bikes. We have trunk mount and roof mount options that you can choose from.

Because of the unique design of your bikes I recommend going with a platform style trunk mount bike rack as opposed to a hanging style which would likely require an adapter so that your bikes sit level during transport.

For your 2017 Passat I recommend the Thule OutWay # TH65JV. This bike rack can carry up to 2 bikes and has a 66 lb weight capacity (33 lbs per bike). The wheel trays have adjustable lengths of 40-1/2" - 62" and can hold up to a 3.5" tire width. It does come with locks for both the bike rack and the bikes, but the best part is the adjustable clamps. The clamps can be configured to accommodate any bike frame style and have the road dampening technology (RDT) cushion on them which was created for bike frames that are a little more sensitive, like carbon fiber. The platform and arms can fold in when you do not have your bikes loaded for more rear clearance as well.

If you would rather go with a roof mount option then you will first need a roof rack. Although this can be a little more pricey than a trunk mount option, adding a roof rack to your Passat will allow you to carry other accessories like a cargo box as well. I recommend going with the 2017 Volkswagen Passat Roof Rack by Rhino Rack made up of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, # DK323. This is a complete roof system.

The bike rack that I recommend going with for this configuration is the Yakima FrontLoader # Y02103. This will hold your bike by the by the wheel (so no frame contact) and has a weight capacity of 40 lbs for your application. I can accommodate disc brakes, thru axles, non-traditional suspensions, and comes with a cable lock for bike security. If you use the Yakima roof rack system you can use the Lock Cores # Y07208 which will give you keyed alike locks for your roof rack and for your bike and bike racks (if you get 2 of them).

I have attached some demonstration videos that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

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