Compatibility of Swagman Dispatch Platform Bike Rack with Curt # C11000 Installed on 2013 VW GTI  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I wish I could provide you with a definitive yes or no answer, but we have not yet had the opportunity to install a hitch on a 2013 GTI, so we do not have any dimensions telling us how far the receiver will be recessed under the vehicle, which is the key indication of whether a bike rack will be compatible with a given vehicle. If you already have the hitch installed, you would simply measure from the hitch pin hole rearward until you reach the furthest rearward point of the bumper, which would represent the minimum clearance your bike rack can provide. You would then choose a bike rack whose hitch pin hole to closest portion of the bike rack dimension exceeds the measurement you took. I have edited a photo showing this dimension as well as linked you to an article showing how to take the measurement. When we installed this on a similar 2010, we found that the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the bumper was 7". Since your2013 is so similar, this leads me to believe that the Saris SuperClam EX # SA4025F would work, even when folded.

If you do NOT have the hitch yet your best bet would be to get the hitch, install it and then determine how much clearance you will have. If you do not wish to purchase the hitch first, you can take some measurements that will get you in the ballpark if you do not mind crawling around under the rear of the vehicle.

If you can locate the weld nut in the passenger side frame member that is used as a hitch attachment point (see diagram), and measure 7-5/8 inches rearward from that point, this is roughly where the hitch pin hole will sit once the hitch is installed, although transferring this measurement to the center of the vehicle might be difficult.

The Saris SuperClamp EX bike rack you mention, part # SA4025F measures 15 inches between its hitch pin hole and the closest portion of the carrier, which should be more than enough clearance. However, this rack is capable of folding up into a storage position, in case you wish to keep the rack attached to the vehicle without carrying bikes. When folded up, this clearance is diminished to 8 inches. You would certainly be able to install and use the rack, but I also believe you would be able to used this rack in the folded position.

expert reply by: Mike L

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