Will the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch # 24679 Fit on a 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

Question:

Will the DrawTite hitch also work for a 2010 VW New Beetele Convertible? Want to use a bike rack, maybe occasionally one of the small cargo racks but not for more than 100# the beetle sure doesnt have much space anywhere!. Thanks Also, how much below the rear bumper does the hitch bar or receiver tube protrude that is, how much clearance is lost? Thanks againi

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

Convertibles are not typically compatible with trailer hitches due to the additional support braces attached to the frame for the convertible top, so I spoke with my contact at Draw-Tite and he told me that while they have not specifically tested the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch, # 24679, on a 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible, they have not received any fit issues of this hitch with a convertible.

I have attached the installation instructions of this hitch for you to check out. Before purchasing a hitch, I recommend looking under your vehicle to make sure each of the bolt holes for this hitch are accessible.

As far as the loss in ground clearance, I have some information that will help you determine how much lower the receiver will sit, but we have not had the chance to install this hitch, so I cannot give you an exact measurement. Once this hitch is installed, the safety chain loops welded to the bottom of the receiver (see photo), will sit approximately 1/2 an inch below the bottom of your trunk pan. If you measure from the ground to the bottom of your trunk pan and subtract 1/2 an inch, you will find the approximate ground clearance you will have once the hitch is installed.

expert reply by: John H