Hitch Rack Recommendations for a 2019 VW Golf Regular Hatchback with Curt C11412 Hitch Receiver  

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We have several different options for 2 bikes that fit your 2019 VW Golf. The type of rack that is going to best serve your needs is either the platform or hanging rack. Platform racks are going to be much easier to lift the bike on and off the rack in addition to being able to carry heavier bikes. A hanging rack is going to be lighter weight to make it easier to take on and off your car when not in use and will typically be a bit more cost effective. When we measured a 2017 VW Golf we determined that there was 4-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the bumper using a Curt # C11412 hitch receiver.

Looking first at a hanging hitch mounted rack, the Swagman Trailhead # S63360 is a good choice. In terms of clearance from the center of the hitch pin, it has 11" of clearance from the center of the pin to the back of the center bar; this provides about 6-1/2" of space between the bumper and the center post on your VW. The center post also tilts away from the car in order to provide easy access the rear hatch. With hanging racks it won't matter what size wheels you have since the bikes are secured with straps onto the frame of the bike. If you have an oddly shaped frame, or would be carrying a step through frame (Women's or child's) this can easily be addressed by adding a frame adapter bar # 64005 . While this may not provide the biggest clearance from the bumper to the center post, it is going to provide more vertical clearance than the platform racks mentioned next. This is especially helpful when going over larger driveway lips, potholes and speed bumps that may risk damaging a platform rack.

For platform hitch racks, the Swagman # S64683 is one of my favorites since it comes with the locks already installed to provide extra security. You will have about 1-1/2" of clearance with the rack folded up and about 8" with the rack folded down (based on our VW Golf measurements above).

Another great platform rack is the Kuat Transfer 2 # KU74FR. In addition to not having a middle post to worry about limiting your clearance when not loaded, it is a great option if you have a bike with a little bit of an odd shaped frame such as a full suspension, women's or children's bike. This particular rack secures the bike with the wheels as opposed to the frame, like the Swagman. This rack has slightly less clearance than the Swagman with 6".

I recommend the Swagman Trailhead hanging rack. The difference in bumper clearance between these options is fairly minimal, especially if you plan on leaving the rack on most of the time and will have the platform up when it is not loaded. The additional height clearance that you gain using a hanging rack is beneficial considering the already low ground clearance of the VW Golf.

expert reply by: Erik B

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