Trailer Hitch for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE for Bike Towing Use

Updated 07/06/2020 | Published 12/20/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(104)

$244.94

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(106)

$223.55

Question:

I am looking to install one of your trailer hitches on my 2018 Atlas SE R-Line for bike towing. Couple quick questions. 1. Will this void my warranty? 2. Will this change my overall clearance? 3. How difficult is the install? Thanks!

asked by: David V

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE the hitch I suggest for your bike transport application is the Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III model # 76176. This hitch offers a substantial 900-lb tongue weight rating, making it easily capable of handling even the highest-capacity and heaviest 2-inch hitch bike racks out there. If your use is towing a motorcycle trailer this hitch again has the capacity you need and then some.

The Curt hitch you referenced, part # C13366, has identical weight ratings. The Curt hitch is made in the USA while the Draw-Tite is made in Mexico. Both are excellent quality products.

Bolting on a hitch will not void the car's warranty. Consumers are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. So far none of our hitch customers have advised us of any warranty problems from simply bolting on a hitch. So no worries.

The hitch bolts on to the bottom of the car's frame rails, using an included hardware packet. The complete instructions are linked for your review and these also detail the tools needed. This install is pretty easy as these things go. Plan on an hour or so.

I measured this hitch from the mounting bracket's top surface (that contacts the car's frame) down to the bottom of the receiver tube reinforcement gusset, which is the lowest part of the hitch. You can use this measurement as you view the car's undercarriage to let you visualize the position of the receiver tube once the hitch is installed. This will give you a good estimate of your resultant ground clearance. From the bottom surface of the frame rail the lowest part of the hitch, the edge of the gusset, will be lower by 9-inches. Please refer to the linked photo.

expert reply by: Adam R

click to enlarge

Andy S.

4/16/2020

Hi, Just got 2020 Atlas Cross Sport SEL and not find a Trailer Hitch Receiver for this a new VW model.Please let me know what a product/model/number of trailer hitches for bike towing.Thanks

Chris R.

4/17/2020

At this time there isn't a hitch available that's designed to fit your 2020 Atlas Cross Sport model. If you're just looking to transport your bikes, another option is a trunk mounted rack like the Saris Bones # SA805BL which is a confirmed fit and will work well.

Helpful Links

trunkmount-2020_volkswagen_atlas.htm?furl=-pm-saris

Andy S.

4/18/2020

Chris R.,Thanks for other options like a trunk mounted rack like the Saris Bones, witch I have it, but i need a hitch. I can wait when the right a hitch been available. If it possible to let me know.

Chris R.

4/20/2020

Perfectly understandable. Hopefully a hitch will be available soon, and as soon as it is we'll have it up on our site through the vehicle fit guide.

Jr R.

6/30/2020

David, thanks for asking the exact questions that have been rolling around my head. That is for the thorough response Adam. I've also read a couple of the other queues, particularly on the concealed Eco hitch. Just more than I hoped to spend. (I'm the primary bike transport in the old 4Runner, this is for my wife's Atlas only occasionally when I'm out.) Adam, do any of the Curt, Drawtite or other brand adjustable fit hitches fit the Atlas? (Regular Atlas) I see they don't come up under fit, but didn't know if that's bc they aren't an absolute fit or bc even under adjustment bolt holes or whatever don't line up. It's hit or miss on the auto store sites depending how their filters work. I'm asking honestly bc I can find a few on eBay and CL that fit my budget. But don't want to be hasty. Thanks

Chris R.

7/6/2020

I would strongly recommend staying away from the multi-fit hitches. Will they fit your Atlas? Maybe - but likely not without drilling into the frame rails. I highly recommend going with a custom option. The Draw-Tite # 76176 mentioned above is a great choice.