2017 Volkswagen Golf Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack Recommendations for Good Ground Clearance

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/30/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(213)

$189.94

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(322)

$549.00

Question:

Is the CURT round tube hitch the only product you have available for a 2017 VW Golf? I was hoping for a 2 hitch and am concerned that the bar will reduce the ground clearance. Advice needed.

asked by: Barry F

Expert Reply:

Great question, Barry!

Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11412 is the only trailer hitch that will fit your 2017 Volkswagen Golf (if it's not a GTI or R model). It does have the smaller 1-1/4" receiver tube, and since the crossbar sits under your bumper you will see a little bit of reduced ground clearance.

With that being said, unless you're looking at some steep hills or driveways entries you should be just fine. For driveways you can enter and exit at an angle to give yourself better clearance.

If you're looking to use this with a bike rack then I highly recommend checking out the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU74FR because it's an easy-to-use bike rack that looks great, but we also installed this on a 2021 VW Golf GTI that had the same Curt hitch installed and it looks to have perfectly fine clearance. I'm linking that video to this answer page for your reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jerred H.

2/3/2026

Hey Barry, how did the Curt hitch end up working on your Golf in terms of ground clearance? Did the setup handle your driveways and hills the way you hoped? Your feedback could really help others deciding between hitch options for the same car.