What Is The Difference Between The Class I and Class II Receivers When Using A Bike Rack On VW Golf?

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Question:

Hello, I am interested in buying a hitch for my 2017 vw golf. It will be used to haul two bikes, and preferably with the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes Item # S64650 My question is, what is the real difference between the this curt class 1 # C11412 hitch is versus ecohitch class 2 # 306-X7310 as far as I can tell, they both have the same specifications ie tow/tongue capacities and what not. Would I be able to use the bike rack with the class 1? or is there something I am missing that requires the class 2? Thanks

asked by: Paul

0

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11412 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7310 do share some characteristics but there are some important differences as well. Both receivers have the same 2,000lbs trailer capacity rating and have a 1-1/4" receiver tube. The EcoHitch is rated for a higher amount of tongue weight at 300lbs versus the Curt at 200lbs. The most important difference is that with a class I receiver like the Curt you are only allowed to use class I accessories and ball mounts. Some class 1 receiver tubes have a tab that will prevent the use of accessories and ball mounts that will work on a class II receiver.

The Swagman XC2 Bike Rack # S64650 that you are wanting to use, can only be used on a class II or higher receiver.

I recommend installing a Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118646, unless you have a GTI. For the GTI you will need a ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # 119250KIT. This will provide you with a 4-way flat connector that is needed to be able to use Auxiliary Lights # C53201 when you have your bikes loaded. The lights are required as your tail lights view will be impaired to the drivers behind you on the roadway.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Class I Receiver Tab
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Answer 1

The only way to get a true towing capacity figure if even allowed for your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI would be to reach out to the dealer directly. I took a look in the online owner's manual but there was no towing capacity listed and this is the…

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Answer 2

I have one that does but the Hidden Hitch item #DT62GR will not. It will come out behind the bumper and hang significantly lower then your factory receiver. Instead, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch item #306-X7395. This hitch is custom…

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Answer 3

Yes, that note is accurate. A Class I trailer hitch receiver is limited to only 2 bikes regardless of the amount of weight it's carrying. This is due to the exaggerated force caused by the additional leverage from the bikes being further away…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver #24979 is currently the only receiver we have which fits your 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI S trim. This is custom fit receiver which only requires a small 2"x3" section of the rear fascia to be…

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Answer 5

The 4- to 7-Way adapter #37185 will need to have the 4-Way plugged into it and the white wire grounded to the frame of the vehicle. The other wires (black for 12 volt power, blue for electric trailer brakes, and purple for reverse lights) don't…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 10

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

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Answer 11

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 12

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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What Is The Difference Between The Class I and Class II Receivers When Using A Bike Rack On VW Golf?

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