Hitch for Carrying a Bike Rack with a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE

Question

Question:

I just bought a new 2018 VW Alltrack SE with blind spot monitoring. Would very much like to install a hitch for my bike rack since I am just not tall enough to comfortably lift my bike to a roof rack. But I am reading that installation of most racks involves removing the bumper, and since the dealer wont install a hitch, I am concerned about damaging the blind spot monitor when removing the bumper. What do you suggest? Additionally, I will most likely have the hitch professionally installed- Im not the girl for this job!

asked by: Valerie R

0

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitches that install behind the bumper are always intimidating because of sensors that can be located there. We typically recommend having a shop perform the installation unless you are really comfortable at working on cars because of how involved it is so having it professionally installed is a great idea! Please note that the owner's manual does say that a trailer hitch should not be installed on your 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack so the decision will need to be yours when it comes to a trailer hitch.

If you do decide to go with one then out of the available trailer hitches for your Alltrack I highly recommend the EcoHitch # 306-X7315. It sits at a higher price-point but it also has a 2" receiver which gives you the ability to use a wider variety of accessories down the road. The Curt and Draw-Tite trailer hitches have 1-1/4" receivers and stipulations on how to use them and what can be used in them as well.

For a bike rack you mentioned wanting one that is easy to load your bike on. Since it sounds like you will only be transporting 1 bike I recommend looking at the Thule RockyMounts HighNoon FC Solo Bike Rack # RKY87RR. This is a single bike rack that secures your bike by the wheel and is compatible with any bike style, even if they have fenders.

This bike rack weighs only 29 lbs so it is easy to maneuver, features bike and rack locks, and also has an anti-rattle solution. It can handle up to 60 lb bikes with a max wheelbase of 29" and a max tire width of 5". Attached is a review video that you can check out to see how easy this bike rack is to use.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Answer 1

A lot of people use trailer hitches to carry bike racks or cargo carriers which is why we offer trailer hitches for vehicles like your 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack like the Draw Tite part #24949. When you install an aftermarket part on your vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7315 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2017 VW Golf Alltrack. I was able to get ahold of the installation instructions for the hitch on your vehicle and found that you will need to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The correct EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is part #306-X7315. It doesn't look like we have had a chance to install said hitch yet so we don't have any measurements to provide and the manufacturer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

We do have hitches for your 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. For a 1-1/4 inch hitch we have the Draw Tite part #24949 as a confirmed fit or for a 2 inch hitch we have the EcoHitch part #306-X7315.

view full answer...

Answer 5

The EcoHitch part #306-X7315 does replace the rear bumper beam of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack that it installs on and it does not negatively affect the integrity of the vehicle in any way. This hitch was tested extensively for towing capacity and…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Yes, you are seeing it correctly on some of the item #306-X7315 photos. That's 100% installation error. They're not cutting enough of the fascia off to let the safety chain plate clear it. The Curt Trailer Hitch item #C11422 does not have the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

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…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

view full answer...

Answer 9

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I have a solution for you, but we do not carry Glo-Brite lights, so replacing it with the same brand will not be something I can offer you. Instead, to replace your Glo-Brite 9852-88, I recommend using the Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light #STL72RB.…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

view full answer...