Ground Clearance Issue When Using Surco Cargo Carrier # 52017 on Class I Draw-Tite # 24825

Question:

Hi. I have a 2013 VW Golf and I purchased tow hitch and hitch basket from you guys a while back. I find that the hitch sits very low, below the exhaust and rattles against the exhaust making noise while on the road. I also found that with the hitch basket on it is very low and I cannot drive up and down driveways as I would normally. I have been searching for a hitch riser but cannot seem to find one. Do you have any suggestions?

asked by: Angel R

Expert Reply:

First, thank you for your hitch and cargo carrier purchases from etrailer back last summer. We appreciate your repeat business and your confidence in us.

Sometimes parts of a vehicle exhaust assembly can make contact with an aftermarket trailer hitch. This can occur because auto makers may have fairly loose tolerances for the positions of the exhaust hangers. Also, the rubber isolators that suspend the exhaust can stretch out over time. Even so we can help you with correcting the rattle. Please refer to the linked article to your right. This describes several easy fixes to correct that rattle between the exhaust and hitch.

As for the ground clearance issue when you're using your Surco hitch-mount cargo carrier # 52017, this is a tougher challenge. Many cargo carriers we offer have an angled shank (the part that fits into the hitch) to provide additional ground clearance. The Curt # C18110 has 3-3/4-inches of rise. Your Surco basket has no rise in the shank.

We do offer adapters with added height to provide more clearance, but use of any adapter will also have the unavoidable drawback of reducing your hitch's capacity by 50-percent. This means your 200-lb-rated Class I hitch will have only a 100-lb tongue weight capacity if used with this adapter. Rola tested and rated this adapter only for use with a 2-bike carrier application, not with a cargo basket. Although it will give you the height increase it will do so at the cost of reduced (and untested) capacity.

If you do choose to try an adapter I recommend also using a stabilizing strap like Curt # 18050 or similar item to steady the cargo carrier and take off some of the weight burden from the hitch. Please be advised that you will have to proceed very carefully with loading cargo to ensure that you do not cause damage to the hitch since such damage will not be covered under warranty.

A better option is to choose a new Class I-compatible cargo carrier with an angled shank, one of the items noted above.