Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation on a 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo Convertible

Question:

Can you please recommend a hitch for my 2004 VW Convertible Turbo. Ideally, Id like a hitch with a 2-inch receiver. I will use the hitch to attach a bike rack exclusively. Recommendations on a good rack are welcome, too. Thank you!

asked by: Janie L

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch # 24679 is the hitch for your 2004 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo. Your Beetle is only equipped to support a Class I hitch so you will have to stick with a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver. You could possibly use an extender to go to a 2 inch but then you would lose 50 percent of your weight capacity of the hitch, which is already only 200 lbs. of tongue weight. I definitely recommend sticking with a 1-1/4 inch bike rack.

There's a video attached of the Sportframe being installed onto a 2005 Beetle for you.

The Kuat Beta # B202-114 is a lightweight, sturdy bike rack that fits a 1-1/4 inch hitch. It will hold up to 2 bikes, which is all that is recommended on a Class I hitch. The Beta has anti-sway and anti-wobble systems to keep your bikes from moving around and coming into contact with anything.

Another option, if you need to carry more bikes since the Class I hitch will only allow 1, is instead of getting a hitch you can get a trunk mount bike rack. The Thule OutWay 3-Bike # TH56BV is a great rack that is compatible with your Beetle. It is equipped with No-Sway cages to keep the bikes from coming into contact with each other or with the car as well as 2 layers of cushioning to prevent the bikes from bouncing around in the first place.

Whichever rack you go with, if you are carrying any women's, children's, or other bikes that may not sit level you will want the Kuat Uber Bike Frame Adapter Bar# UB01. This helps bikes that do not have a level cross tube ride better on any hanging bike rack.

I've included a video of each bike rack and the adapter bar so you can check them out.