Trailer Hitch, Bike Racks, and Roof Rack to Carry 2 Single Bikes and 1 Tandem Bike on a 2013 VW GTI
Question:
I am interested in carrying 1 tandem bicycle plus 2 single bicycles on my 2013 VW GTI using a towing hitch mounted bike rack e.g. the DraftMaster. I am told that a Class 1 hitch will be subjected to too much torque for the load of 3 bikes, and thus wonder what my options are. Also, if I go with a Class 1 hitch and limit myself to 2 bicycles e.g. 2 singles or 1 tandem, how much ground clearance with I loose with this option?
asked by: Nicholas G
Expert Reply:
On a Class I trailer hitch you are correct, there would be too much torque on the hitch because of having the weight of a third bike that far away from the receiver. It is like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.
What you can do is use the hitch to mount a Class I compatible bike rack, like the Swagman Titan, # S63400, to carry the 2 single bikes. This hitch has a 3 inch rise in the shank to provide better ground clearance. With a hitch like # C11000 installed the top of the receiver will be directly below the bottom-most part of the rear bumper. If you measure from the ground up to that point and then add 3 inches, it will give you a good indication of ground clearance.
If you will be carrying any bikes on this rack that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across you will need to use an adapter bar, # 64005, to carry those bikes more level and provide better ground clearance.
The tandem bike will have to be carried on the roof using a roof rack. For the 2013 VW GTI 3-door or 5-door models Rhino-Rack's Vortex Aero Crossbars offer a great roof rack system. There is a different custom fit kit whether your GTI is a 3-door or 5-door model. For a 3-door use # DK064 or for a 5-door # DK207. Both GTI models will use the same crossbars # RRVA118B-2 and mounting legs # RRRLKVA. This rack offers aero bars for less wind noise and integrated locks.
You can then use a special bike rack for tandem bikes, # TH558P.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Swagman Titan Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 3 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
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