What Bike Rack Do I Need to Clear My Bumper and Give Added Ground Clearance on My 2008 Jetta?

Question:

Hello - I measured this part, and it will not clear the rear bumper based on the extension length. Do you have any suggestions on what else can be done? Is there another part with a longer extension, or should I trim the rear bumper? And if you suggest trimming the rear bumper, any tutorial or guides on how to do that? Do I need to remove the bumper first? At the end of the day, I want: 1 2” receiver to connect my bike rack into 2 Elevated clearance for the rack, as it’s quite low to the ground now.

asked by: Henry

Expert Reply:

Judging by the included photo (thanks so much!), it looks like you need about 8 inches of bumper clearance with your current 2-inch hitch on your 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. We do have bike rack options that have long shanks and have a rise already built-in like the Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
Item # C18085. However, the bend for the rise could interfere with your rear bumper.

With that being said, I recommend using the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # C45791 along with the Sport Rider. With these two accessories, you will get the extended shank you need to clear your bumper as well as 5 additional inches of ground clearance when using the rack. The Sport Rider comes with a 50 pound per-bike weight capacity and comes with theft-deterring locks to protect both your bikes and the rack itself. If you have bikes that have women's-style frames, alternative frames, step-thru frames, or children's bike frames, I recommend the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005. The adapter bar will give your bike a straight horizontal plane to attach to the ratcheting hooks of the Sport Rider.

It is important to note that any time you use a hitch adapter or extender, you will reduce the overall weight capacity of the hitch by 50%.

expert reply by: Bob C