Trailer Hitch for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE for Bike Towing Use
Question:
I am looking to install one of your trailer hitches on my 2018 Atlas SE R-Line for bike towing. Couple quick questions. 1. Will this void my warranty? 2. Will this change my overall clearance? 3. How difficult is the install? Thanks!
asked by: David V
Expert Reply:
For your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE the hitch I suggest for your bike transport application is the Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III model # 76176. This hitch offers a substantial 900-lb tongue weight rating, making it easily capable of handling even the highest-capacity and heaviest 2-inch hitch bike racks out there. If your use is towing a motorcycle trailer this hitch again has the capacity you need and then some.
The Curt hitch you referenced, part # C13366, has identical weight ratings. The Curt hitch is made in the USA while the Draw-Tite is made in Mexico. Both are excellent quality products.
Bolting on a hitch will not void the car's warranty. Consumers are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. So far none of our hitch customers have advised us of any warranty problems from simply bolting on a hitch. So no worries.
The hitch bolts on to the bottom of the car's frame rails, using an included hardware packet. The complete instructions are linked for your review and these also detail the tools needed. This install is pretty easy as these things go. Plan on an hour or so.
I measured this hitch from the mounting bracket's top surface (that contacts the car's frame) down to the bottom of the receiver tube reinforcement gusset, which is the lowest part of the hitch. You can use this measurement as you view the car's undercarriage to let you visualize the position of the receiver tube once the hitch is installed. This will give you a good estimate of your resultant ground clearance. From the bottom surface of the frame rail the lowest part of the hitch, the edge of the gusset, will be lower by 9-inches. Please refer to the linked photo.
Andy S.
4/18/2020
Chris R.,Thanks for other options like a trunk mounted rack like the Saris Bones, witch I have it, but i need a hitch. I can wait when the right a hitch been available. If it possible to let me know.
Chris R.
4/20/2020
Andy S.
4/16/2020
Hi, Just got 2020 Atlas Cross Sport SEL and not find a Trailer Hitch Receiver for this a new VW model.Please let me know what a product/model/number of trailer hitches for bike towing.Thanks
Chris R.
4/17/2020
Helpful Links
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Completely Hidden
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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Jr R.
6/30/2020
David, thanks for asking the exact questions that have been rolling around my head. That is for the thorough response Adam. I've also read a couple of the other queues, particularly on the concealed Eco hitch. Just more than I hoped to spend. (I'm the primary bike transport in the old 4Runner, this is for my wife's Atlas only occasionally when I'm out.) Adam, do any of the Curt, Drawtite or other brand adjustable fit hitches fit the Atlas? (Regular Atlas) I see they don't come up under fit, but didn't know if that's bc they aren't an absolute fit or bc even under adjustment bolt holes or whatever don't line up. It's hit or miss on the auto store sites depending how their filters work. I'm asking honestly bc I can find a few on eBay and CL that fit my budget. But don't want to be hasty. Thanks