Is Stabilizer Strap Really Required when Using Trailer Hitch on 2014 Volkswagen Passat
Question:
Im looking at your 1.25inch receiver - for use on a 2014 VW Passat TDI SEL. My plan is to use the hitch with a Thule T2 2-bike rack. I see the advice to use stabilizing straps. Pardon my ignorance, but I do not know what these are. Do they come with the hitch? If not, where do I obtain them? How are they used/installed? Second question . . . from reviewing the instructions and watching the video it appears that installation should be quite doable for a DIYer . . . am I understanding that correctly? Third question . . . Is the drawbar the ball holder for trailers? Thanks.
asked by: Hal
Expert Reply:
The stabilizer strap like part # 18050 is required by Curt on their lighter duty trailer hitches like the # C11234 you referenced when carrying a non-supported load like a bike rack. I attached a video that shows exactly how it is used typically.
Since I personally wouldn't want to mess with using the strap I would recommend you go with the Draw Tite hitch part # 24880 instead as it does not have this requirement.
These hitches are pretty simple to install. A DIYer like yourself would have no problem.
The draw bar (sometimes called ball mount) is what holds a hitch ball. For example, the recommended one for your Passat is the part # 3590.
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 >
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise - 6-5/8" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Draw-Tite
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
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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