Receiver Hitch and Lightweight Bike Rack For 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

Question:

Hello - I see you recommend a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4inch - c11354 for a 2018 VW Beetle Convertible. My 2018 Beetle Convertable is a Turbo model. WIll this hitch still work on this model? I am using it for a bike rack. Also, what lightweight bike rack do you recommend for this car. I want to carry 2 standard women's 10 speed bikes.

asked by: Deb

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11354 is a great option for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo as long as it is not considered a R-Line model and/or has an AdBlue Def Tank. We have had customers successfully install the Draw-Tite hitch on their Turbo convertibles however, if it is considered R-line it will not be compatible. You can look in the owner's manual for your particular vehicle to see if it's considered R-line and if it has a tank for diesel exhaust fluid. If your vehicle is R-line or has the tank please let me know and I can recommend a trunk mount bike rack.

For the Curt Hitch I recommend Kuat Beta 2-bike part # B202-114 because it only weighs 12.6 lbs. The lightweight aluminum construction of the Kuat Beta makes it easier to put into the hitch and pin in. It also tilts completely away from the vehicle for easy rear cargo access when you need to get to your gear or cooler. I have attached a video of the bike rack on a Volkswagen Jetta for your reference.

I recommend protecting your investment with the etrailer.com Cable Lock part # e98891 to lock the bikes to the rack and the Kuat Bike Rack Hitch Lock part # HL1 to lock the rack to the hitch. Since you are carrying women's bikes you will also need an adapter bar part # UB01 because women's bike frames have a slanted cross tube. The adapter bar gives the bike a horizontal bar to hang from on the rack so that it hangs evenly. You would also need a stabilizing strap # 18050 any time you are using the curt hitch with an unsupported load like a bike rack or a cargo carrier.