Trailer Hitch Reciever and Cargo Carrier for a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle SE Convertible
Question:
Hello I have a VW New Beetle convertible 2017 SE, and as I live in South Florida, going to the beach is a must. As the trunk is not great for carrying beach chairs, refrigerator and umbrella and I want to install a trailer hitch to be able to hang a folding cargo carrier. Can you explain me the difference between 2inch or 1inch 1/2, for that use? What do you recommend to me? Thanks a lot.
asked by: Martin C
Expert Reply:
You have a few options for a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible SE.
For a hitch, you'll be using a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch. This is a hitch designed for passenger vehicles that are not usually intended for towing. This provides the mounting point for your vehicle to use most cargo carriers that fit the 1-1/4 inch receiver.
I've attached a help article that goes into the trailer hitch sizes and classes a little more, but in the most simple case, the Class of a trailer hitch determines the amount of weight that the attached accessory can hold. You will still have to verify your vehicle's towing capacity in your owner's manual to ensure your safety.
For your 2017 Beetle, I recommend using the Curt Class I Round Tube, part # C11354 . With this hitch you need to use a support strap, part # 18050 when using the hitch for a non-trailer load.
The Curt hitch can be installed without any drilling, and I've included an article that gives general tips on installing a hitch to a vehicle.
The total weight of your carrier plus your cargo will need to be less than the lower of the hitch's tongue weight or your vehicles' capacity which can be found in your owner's manual.
Given that your primary goal is going to the beach, you'll want to have a grate bottomed carrier so that sand and water fall through and don't get carried with you. Unfortunately, 1-1/4 inch hitch cargo carriers generally do not fold, as they all sacrifice the feature to save on weight. I've included a link to three options that will fit your new hitch, but recommend the Reese Cargo Carrier, part # 63155 as I think it is the best choice.
I've included videos for the three carriers so you can compare them for yourself, as well as links to all of the options that you have for a hitch and a cargo carrier.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 21 Inch Wide
- Standard Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 49 Inch Long
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 150 lbs TW
- 1500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation Tips for a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, Remove Taillights
- Q&A: Replacement for Lippert 3500 Lb Axle
- Q&A: Differences Between Curt Hitches C11260 And C11354 For A 2013 VW Beetle
- Q&A: Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Q&A: Comparing Thule T2 TH9045 & Swagman XTC S64670 Hitch Bike Racks for 2016 VW Beetle Convertible
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Could Swagman XC2 Bike Rack be Used With Bike that Weighs Between 34 and 36 lbs
- Q&A: Best Bike Rack for Carrying 2 Specialized Como 5.0 E-Bikes on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Bike Racks, Carriers, and Accessories
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips