Recommended Hitch and Platform-Style 2-Bike Hitch Rack for 2007 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door

Question:

Hi, I have a 2007 VW GTI 4dr and I am looking for a hitch and a platform bike rack. I am decided between 2 different bike carriers and 2 different hitches and I would like to know which one will fit and whether they can fold up. Pros/Cons of Bike Carrier 1. Thule T2 Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier or 2. Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Platform Rack Pros/Cons of Hitch 1. Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame Receiver Hitch - 2007 Volkswagen GTI or 2. Curt Class I Round Tube Receiver Hitch - 2007 Volkswagen GTI Also, please let me know if you have any better recommendations and their pros/cons. Thank you.

asked by: Alex S

Expert Reply:

We offer several light-duty Class I hitches for your 2007 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door and I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24825 since it offers the very same capacity as the others but costs a bit less. To help your installation I have linked for you the written instructions, an install video and a helpful article.

With a Class I hitch you'll use a matching Class I platform-style bike rack. All Class I platform racks are shown on the linked page. The Thule T2 Classic # TH9045 and the Kuat Transfer # KU74FR are both compatible with the Draw-Tite hitch. Note that both of these wheel-mount racks will work with bikes without fenders.

To help you decide which of these two racks is the best fit for you and your bikes I will call out the key differences between them.

The T2 weighs 55-lbs and the Transfer 47-lbs. If you intend to install and remove the rack often you might consider this substantial weight difference. Also, if you happen to have two fairly heavy bikes - say 45-50-lbs each - and you use a heavier carrier like the T2 you will have a bit less safety margin in your overall hitch capacity. The hitch's 200-lb tongue weight rating must include the weight of the bike rack plus the weight of your two bikes.

The T2 can handle bike wheelbases up to 48-inches, while the Transfer's maximum is 50-inches. The maximum tire widths are 3-inches for both.

In terms of clearance at the back of your GTI the T2 provides a generous 18-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the nearest wheel hoop while the Transfer provides 6-inches; both of these dimensions are with the rack in the down position. When folded up they provide 3-1/2 and 6-inches of clearance, respectively. You can refer to the linked article for help in determining how much clearance you need. Both include locks for your bikes.