How to Avoid Dual Exhaust With Cargo Carrier on 2013 VW Golf GTI

Question:

Just watched your video about 2015 Vw GTI.A brief statement about dual exhaust,heat sensitive,or perishable cargo is made.Those customers,may not realise this makes,8,10,or more inches of carrier width an incinerator.I am trying to find solution to this for my 2013 GTI,so I am very aware of this danger,and I believe any vehicle specific analysis with dual turbo exhaust aimed directly at carrier,should be a little more specific,or descriptive of likely result too most common cargo.Specific minimum clearance of common cargo from exhaust would be useful,and would help illustrate the effect caused by this proximity.A narrower carrier or higher clearance alternative,and even a shield option could be answers,if available.If you have any suggestions for my 2013 GTI please advise.

asked by: William M

Expert Reply:

There should be about 18" from the exhaust tip to the nearest part of the carrier, if possible, though another option is to add a cargo carrier with a rise in the shank.

Your 2013 VW GTI only has a Class I hitch available, the Curt # C11000, and there is one cargo carrier for a Class I hitch, the Curt # C18110 which has a rise in the shank of 3-3/4" that may allow it to clear the exhaust, particularly if you can down-turn the exhaust tips.

Otherwise, the only other option to raise a cargo carrier above the vehicle's dual exhaust would be to use Hitch Adapter # HT5R, which fits a 1-1/4" Class I hitch and gives you a 7" extension and 5-1/2" raise while turning it into a 2" hitch. You will want to use Pin and Clip # PC2 to secure this in your VW's hitch.

The only caveat with an adapter such as this is it reduces your hitch tongue weight by 50 percent. So, the Curt # C11000 hitch that fits your VW would go from a 200 lb tongue weight capacity to a 100 lb capacity, which means the carrier and cargo would need to weigh 100 lbs or less combined. This would not give you much benefit for the output.