Does Trailer Hitch For 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Require Stabilizing Strap For Bike Rack

Question:

Hi, I have a question regarding a trailer hitch / bike rack combination. With my previous vehicle a VW sedan I used a Curt hitch and a 3-bike rack 1-1/4. Curt recommended using an additional strap, a stabilization strap, which wrapped around the bike rack and hooked along the front trunk ledge. However, when lookin at hitches for my current vehicle a VW Tiguan, there does not appear to be any similar types of straps shown. Also, if there were, Im wondering how that would work given the car has a hatch rather than a trunk. I just want to make sure once I come up with new setup, that I dont have to worry about my bike rack causing too much stress on the hitch.

asked by: Jeremy B

Expert Reply:

With previous Curt hitches - mostly ones with 1-1/4 inch receivers - they would often either recommend the use or require the use of Stabilizing Strap # 18050 to maintain the warranty. They have gone to just recommending it on fewer hitches recently, and it is neither required or recommended with the Curt hitch that fits your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan:

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13381

You can still use the strap if you like, and it would generally hook onto the top of your hatch from the bike rack, but again, it isn't needed for the Curt # C13381 or very similar etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e43ZR.

These very similar hitches, with the only difference being the glossy finish of the Curt compared to the matte black finish of the etrailer hitch. Both have a 525 lb tongue weight capacity which is more than enough to handle the rigors of a bike rack and bikes.

expert reply by: Kyle S