What Is The Difference Between The Class I and Class II Receivers When Using A Bike Rack On VW Golf?

Question

Question:

Hello, I am interested in buying a hitch for my 2017 vw golf. It will be used to haul two bikes, and preferably with the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes Item # S64650 My question is, what is the real difference between the this curt class 1 # C11412 hitch is versus ecohitch class 2 # 306-X7310 as far as I can tell, they both have the same specifications ie tow/tongue capacities and what not. Would I be able to use the bike rack with the class 1? or is there something I am missing that requires the class 2? Thanks

asked by: Paul

0

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11412 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7310 do share some characteristics but there are some important differences as well. Both receivers have the same 2,000lbs trailer capacity rating and have a 1-1/4" receiver tube. The EcoHitch is rated for a higher amount of tongue weight at 300lbs versus the Curt at 200lbs. The most important difference is that with a class I receiver like the Curt you are only allowed to use class I accessories and ball mounts. Some class 1 receiver tubes have a tab that will prevent the use of accessories and ball mounts that will work on a class II receiver.

The Swagman XC2 Bike Rack # S64650 that you are wanting to use, can only be used on a class II or higher receiver.

I recommend installing a Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118646, unless you have a GTI. For the GTI you will need a ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # 119250KIT. This will provide you with a 4-way flat connector that is needed to be able to use Auxiliary Lights # C53201 when you have your bikes loaded. The lights are required as your tail lights view will be impaired to the drivers behind you on the roadway.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Class I Receiver Tab
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite, part #24949, and Curt, part #C11422, hitches that fit your 2018 VW Golf Sportwagen are the same in a couple of ways. Specifically they have the same specs and install using the same basic process. I've linked the install details…

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Answer 3

When we installed the EcoHitch part #306-X7309 on a similar Volkswagen Golf as your 2016 model we found that from the top of the hitch to the ground measured 11 inches. So based on the dimension that UHaul lists and how they measure you'd want a…

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Answer 4

I would be happy to help you. We have a couple of options for 2" hitches depending on what model your 2017 VW Golf is. I have listed them below. All are custom fit and bolt to your Golf with included hardware and will work with the Hollywood…

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Answer 5

Yes, the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter #C59236 will work for your 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE. If you check out the attached installation video you can see us install it on a 2017 GTI. If you don't already have a trailer hitch then I…

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Answer 6

The trailer hitch we offer for your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI with the best ground clearance is the EcoHitch part #306-X7309 which fits right up to the bottom of the rear bumper fascia. It also does not have a crosstube that hangs down as low as the…

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Answer 7

I am happy to confirm for you that the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch #306-X7310 is, in fact, a Class II hitch! That means you can carry three bikes with your Thule bike rack on your 2017 VW Golf whenever you like. I have added a link to a video of…

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Answer 8

I do have some trailer hitches that are hidden for your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI but #306-X7332 will not fit. I recommend going with the EcoHitch #306-X7310. Once this hitch is installed only the receiver will be visible. This is a 1-1/4 inch Class I…

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Answer 9

The following information explains how to remove the various items that have to be removed on a 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in order to install trailer hitch #24949: 1. Remove tail lights: Open tailgate and remove panels (each side) to gain…

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Answer 10

I can confirm that you were right on about the trailer hitch receivers that fit your 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, and that two of them require bumper fascia trimming while one of them does not: Requires Bumper Fascia Trimming (see accompanying cut…

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Answer 11

I was able to find some pictures to give you a pretty good idea of what the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7311 looks like after installation and with a bike rack as well. I reached out to EcoHitch see if I could provide you with the…

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Answer 12

For your 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen I recommend the Draw Tite hitch part #24949 as we had the chance to install it on a vehicle exactly like yours and found it fit really well and unlike the Curt hitch for your vehicle does not require a…

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