The etrailer Trailer Hitch and Thule Bike Rack Compatibility for a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Question:

A few questions: i is this hitch appropriate for a Thule T2 2-bike carrier? What about adding the +2 bike add-on to this rack? ii for any of the above, is a stabilizing strap required as it is for some CURT hitchs? iii it appeasr that the mounting of this hitch is less solid being mounted to the fender frame, as opposed to the vehicle frame rails, but installing is much simpler. What is the difference?

asked by: JP F

Expert Reply:

First, the etrailer trailer hitch # e98906 is a Class III trailer hitch with a max tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds. The 4-bike version of the Thule T2Pro XTR, # TH96TX, weighs a little less than 100 pounds and has a capacity of 160 pounds. Loaded to the maximum that would be 260 pounds of tongue weight which is within the capacities of the hitch.

Consult the vehicle owner's manual for the tongue weight capacity of your 2012 VW Tiguan. If it is lower, you would have to go by the lower rating. The rack will clear the vehicle with room to spare. I have included a link to the installation instructions and a video showing a typical installation of the hitch for you.

No stabilization strap is required for the etrailer # e98906 trailer hitch. You could use one if you wanted to but etrailer does not require it like Curt does on some of their hitches. If you want a stabilizer strap, I recommend the # 18050.

This hitch installs on the steel crossmember, not a fender frame, that is attached to the vehicle frame rails. This is a very solid connection and is more than capable of supporting a bike rack and 4 bikes. Frame mount hitches are typical but in some cases where the crossmember or bumper structure is welded to the frame rails, it becomes an extension of the frame and is very safe and secure.

expert reply by: Michael H