Fit of Draw-Tite Class I Receiver on 2012 VW Golf TDI

Question:

I understand this hitch is a bolt-on only. Does this hitch fit the 2013 Golf TDI without removing any equipment? How much ground clearance is lost after the hitch is installed? My plan is to use it for carrying bikes.

asked by: Lou

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Draw-Tite, their # 24825 Class I receiver will indeed fit your 2013 Golf TDI. When installed, the lowest portion of the hitch will be approximately 2-1/4 inches below the rear bumper fascia.

Measure from the bottom edge of the rear fascia to the ground. Subtracting 2-1/4 inches from that distance will give you an approximate ground clearance.

As you can see by examining the installation instructions I have linked to, installation is pretty simple and would not require removing anything from the vehicle, other than one bolt on each side.

To carry bikes, you will want to ensure you choose a bike rack that is compatible with a Class I hitch. Also, keep in mind that you will be limited to carrying two bikes on any rack installed in a Class I receiver. Additional bikes would place too much weight too far rearward of the receiver, causing excessive leverage that could damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle. This could result in the loss of the rack and the bikes during transport.

expert reply by: Mike L