Loaded Trailer Hitch on 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Flexes and Makes a Lot of Noise

Question

Question:

Hello, I noticed that the T2 xt pro rack puts such torsion on the hitch that the VW Golf specific install tends to flex bounce and squeak hitch/chassis interface by experience, with a single, 16lbs road bike. The squeaking is unbareable and I will need to carry two, 30lbs mtn bikes. I am absolutely willing to change my new hitch drawtite to solve my problem. Can you recommend a better hitch or a solution to fix this? Thanks!

asked by: Remi

0

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitches have to be able to flex. They all do. They absorb stress and flex back into position when that stress is relieved. The noise you are hearing is likely something rubbing against the hitch. The Draw-Tite hitch # 24949 is almost completely hidden from access though without removing the rear fascia.

It would be worth checking though to make sure all the bolts are torqued down to the specs indicated in the instructions. You could also push down on the receiver to simulate a bike rack moving around and see if you can find the source of the noise. If you don't hear it then it is likely something in the bumper beam or rear fascia that is causing the noise.

If you are just not happy with the hitch then the EcoHitch # 306-X7315 is a great option. The only thing is this hitch has a 2 inch receiver instead of a 1-1/4 inch like the Draw-Tite and Curt # C11422 options. So if you went with the EcoHitch you would need to use an adapter sleeve, # HT02, to use the 1-1/4 inch bike rack in the 2 inch shank.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Yes! There are actually a couple of different Thule T2 options that will work with the Curt Class I trailer hitch on your 2012 Volkswagen Golf. We have the T2 Pro, #TH23JV. The Pro is a completely new design, easier to use, easy to tilt with the…

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Answer 2

When you install a hitch on a vehicle you end up bracing the rear chassis of the vehicle as the hitch attaches to both side of the frame and provides basically like a cross-bracing. What that can end up doing is causing the vehicle to have a…

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Answer 3

Have you tried retorquing the hardware to see if that gets rid of the creaking? You might also try loosening the hardware and then retorqueing when the weight of the vehicle is on the suspension (so not jacked in the air in any way) as that will make…

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Answer 4

There are a few things that could cause a squeaking noise when carrying your loaded bike rack on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13409. First if your Thule bike rack does not have an anti-rattle hitch pin the bike rack will move in the receiver…

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Answer 5

The Firestone #F4170 Coil-Rite Air Helper Spring kit is what I'd recommend. The single path system allows you to tailor the amount of support according to the load placed on your rear suspension. As you stated, the system won't increase the…

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Answer 6

The first thing you will want to check is the hardware used to install the trailer hitch on your 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. If the hardware is not properly torqued down to the specifications indicated in the instructions (linked to the right for…

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Answer 7

I spoke to my contact and B and W and he told me that their hitches don't usually squeak. If anything they would rattle if something wasn't tightened down all the way. In most cases squeaks come from trailers and not from the hitches. It…

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Answer 8

For your 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack I would recommend the Draw Tite hitch part #24949 for two reason. One being that this hitch does not have the same stabilizer strap recommendation when carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier like the Curt does,…

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Answer 9

For your 2017 VW Golf Alltrack, I would recommend the Draw-Tite #24949 which is a fairly difficult hitch to install with bumper removal and fascia trimming required. I believe the owner's manual suggests not adding a hitch to this vehicle, so you…

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Answer 10

The 2017 and 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagens essentially are the same so a hitch install would be the same between the two vehicles. The Draw Tite hitch part #24949 is a confirmed fit for your vehicle and would work well.

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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