Trailer Hitch for 2017 Volkswagen Beetle for Use with Hitch Bike Rack and Trailer
Question:
I have a 2017 VW Beetle that I would like a recommendation for a trailer hitch. I will use it to haul a bike and pull a small trailer.
asked by: Michael M
Expert Reply:
For your 2017 VW Beetle, we have the Curt trailer hitch Curt # C11354, but will NOT work on the R-Line versions nor on the diesel model with the new DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank.
Since both hitches offer the same capacity I suggest the Draw-Tite # 24922 since it does not require you to use a support strap # 18050 which is required with the Curt hitch to retain your hitch warranty coverage.
In your new Class I hitch you can use a 2-bike Class I-compatible bike carrier such as one of those shown on the linked page. You can carry only 2 bikes on a Class I hitch and will need to use a support strap # 18050. Among the more popular options are the Kuat Transfer # KU74FR platform-style racks, as well as hanging style carriers like Thule Camber # TH9058.
If you happen to have heavier bikes such as electric or beach cruiser models you might consider the Thule EasyFold # TH903202 which offers a higher weight capacity than most racks (65-lbs for each bike) and since it includes a handy loading ramp so you never have to lift those heavy bikes to load them. You can click on the video I included to see more on this standard-setting bike carrier.
Towing will require a ball mount and hitch ball, and if the trailer has lights you will also need a wiring harness to power those lights. You can use Ball Mount # 3593 along with either 2-inch hitch ball # 19258 or 1-7/8-inch ball # 19256 (choose the ball size to match the trailer's coupler size). For a wiring harness you can use kit # C56380. Always check your vehicle owner's manual to confirm its towing capacity before towing a trailer.
I linked a few helpful articles that will give you guidance on the hitch installation and general towing practices.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 150 lbs TW
- 1500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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