Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8L and Kuat Sherpa Bike Rack

Question:

Need hitch for a new 2017 Passat SEL, 1.8, single exhaust. I checked Curt MFG and they dont have it listed yet. Also in one of the reviews on the Curt for a 2015 Passat, the owner said he was disappointed with the lack of sufficient ground clearance after the installation which caused bottoming out too easily. Please tell me what you think whether it will work or not. Need hitch for a Kuat Sherpa bicycle rack. Thank you.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

First, since you want to use a hitch for a bike rack I recommend avoiding the Curt hitch because it has a special requirement when using the hitch with a bike rack. Per the Curt warranty requirements you would have to use stabilization strap # 18050 when using a bike rack or cargo carrier. On the Sherpa there is no good place to attach the strap.

I recommend the Draw-Tite hitch # 24880 which is a confirmed fit for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8. This hitch does not have a strap requirement.

Regarding ground clearance the vehicle already sits fairly close to the ground. The hitch is going to reduce ground clearance by about 2 inches at most. There is no way around that. There are no hitches that mount higher on the vehicle. If there were it would require cutting holes in the rear bumper fascia.

expert reply by: Michael H