Least Invasive Way to Carry Bikes on a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta

Question:

Looking at Curt trailer hitch #C11474 and hitch adapter Brophy HT5R on my 2014 Jetta. I will be using it for a bike rack w/ a 2inch hitch. Will this combo clear my bumper? Cutting into the bumper as another buyer did is not an option for me. There are no specs that I can find on your site to clarify this. Also the pdf link on the Curt trailer hitch is not working. Im aware of the strap requirement for the hitch receiver and the 50 decrease in tongue load capacity. Im not interested in the Draw-Tite model unless the Curt combo will not clear the bumper. Thanks.

asked by: Amy

Expert Reply:

The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the bumper when we installed the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C11474 on a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is 5". The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" part # HT5R is 3-5/8" therefore will not work for you.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C11474 is also going to require you to trim the underbody panel (see photo) so if this is not an option for you then the best solution I have for you would be to use a trunk mounted bike rack. For this, I recommend the Thule Passage 2 Bike Carrier part # TH910XT or the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier part # TH911XT.

The Thule Passage will be a good bike rack for you. It has anti-sway cradles to prevent bike to bike contact, a six point attachment for security, and soft rubber pads to protect the vehicle's finish. If you would like to prevent theft of the rack then I recommend the Thule Passive Security Strap part # TH533. You may also want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar part # TH982XT if you have any alternative frame bikes.

I have attached a review video for you as well.