Loaded Trailer Hitch on 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Flexes and Makes a Lot of Noise

Updated 04/19/2018 | Published 04/18/2018

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(198)

$390.67

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

(138)

$198.93

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

(253)

$77.50

Question:

Hello, I noticed that the T2 xt pro rack puts such torsion on the hitch that the VW Golf specific install tends to flex bounce and squeak hitch/chassis interface by experience, with a single, 16lbs road bike. The squeaking is unbareable and I will need to carry two, 30lbs mtn bikes. I am absolutely willing to change my new hitch drawtite to solve my problem. Can you recommend a better hitch or a solution to fix this? Thanks!

asked by: Remi

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitches have to be able to flex. They all do. They absorb stress and flex back into position when that stress is relieved. The noise you are hearing is likely something rubbing against the hitch. The Draw-Tite hitch # 24949 is almost completely hidden from access though without removing the rear fascia.

It would be worth checking though to make sure all the bolts are torqued down to the specs indicated in the instructions. You could also push down on the receiver to simulate a bike rack moving around and see if you can find the source of the noise. If you don't hear it then it is likely something in the bumper beam or rear fascia that is causing the noise.

If you are just not happy with the hitch then the EcoHitch # 306-X7315 is a great option. The only thing is this hitch has a 2 inch receiver instead of a 1-1/4 inch like the Draw-Tite and Curt # C11422 options. So if you went with the EcoHitch you would need to use an adapter sleeve, # HT02, to use the 1-1/4 inch bike rack in the 2 inch shank.

expert reply by: Michael H