Transporting Watercraft with 2014 Hyundai Veloster

Question:

I have a 2014 Hyundai Veloster. Im looking into adding a hitch and the load will be very light. I plan to use an Extender but see theyre mostly for 2inch receptacles. I was looking at this one, C11254 and this one 75579. Couple questions.. can you tell me the difference between Class 1 and Class III. The class 1 has a 1 1/4inch while the Class III list has 2inch but is quite a bit less. Also... is there a pic of the class installed on a veloster. This is what Im trying to do. I windsurf but due to the small space between normal racks due to the the door configuration, I plan to have a single rack on the roof with the board resting on the extender. So the load will be light but I dont see extenders for 1 1\4inch hitch. I appreciate your time.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The only available trailer hitch that is confirmed to fit your 2014 Hyundai Veloster is the Curt Class I Round Tube # C11254. This Class I hitch features a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening and has a 100 pound tongue weight capacity. I have attached an installation video on your Veloster that you can use for reference. Please note that Curt does require that a stabilizing strap like # 18050 be used for any non-trailer load.

The Draw-Tite Class III Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75579 that you also referenced is designed for certain model Dodge and VW vehicles, so it will not fit your Hyundai Veloster.

The differences between a Class I and Class III hitch are going to be the receiver size that you mentioned (1-1/4 inch for Class I and 2 inch for Class III), along with their particular weight ratings. A Class III hitch will be able to handle much more weight than a Class I (or Class II) hitch. The reason that only a Class I hitch is available for your vehicle is because trailer hitch manufacturers typically try to match up a hitch's ratings with that of the vehicle it is designed to fit. A higher class option is not available for your Veloster simply because the vehicle cannot handle the type of weight that a higher class hitch can support.

It sounds like you are wanting to use a single crossbar and T-Load assist like # RTL002 to support your watercraft. Unfortunately, all of the available load extenders are only compatible with 2 inch receivers, so they will not work with the Class I hitch on your vehicle. There are adapters available to expand the 1-1/4 inch receiver to 2 inches, but it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. Given the already low 100 pound tongue weight capacity on the Curt hitch, this is not a feasible option.

Your best bet for transporting your watercraft might simply be to secure it to a light trailer and pull it with your Veloster. The Curt trailer hitch does have a 1,000 pound towing capacity, but you will also need to check the vehicle's towing limits as stated in your copy of the owner's manual.

If you decide to go this route, you can use the Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness # C56153 to install a 4-Way connector, which will power a trailer's basic signal lights. Then for a ball mount, the Curt Drawbar # C45521 is a nice option with a 2-5/8 inch rise or 3-1/4 inch drop. You can pair it with a 2 inch hitch ball like # A-82 or a 1-7/8 inch ball like # A-80.

I have attached a few video demonstrations on the products mentioned, along with a couple articles on trailer towing that you might find helpful.