Carrying 4 Bikes on a 2012 Volkswagen GTI

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Question:

Hi, I am switching to a hitch setup and I am ordering the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver 24904 and I am looking for a bike carrier. My GTI only has the 1.25inch receiver so my question is, The Thule 4 bike carrier, would I be able to carry 4 bikes on it using only the 1.25inch receiver? If not, is there any carrier that is 1.25inch and can support more then 2 bikes or is there another receiver I should consider besides the Draw-Tite? Thank You

asked by: Wai

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI are Class I trailer hitches with the 1-1/4 inch receiver. Class I trailer hitches can only hold up to 2 bikes because additional bikes put too much torque on the receiver and can damage it or the vehicle.

Class II trailer hitches also use a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can handle 4 bikes but there are no Class II trailer hitches that fit your GTI.

The most bikes you could carry on one carrier is 3 by using a trunk mount bike rack, see link. To carry a 4th bike you would need to go with a roof rack. For an inexpensive roof rack that fits the 3-door and 5-door models of the GTI you can use Rhino-Rack roof rack using the following parts;

Aero Crossbars # RRVA118B-2
Feet # RRRLKVA
Custom clamp kit # DK207

And then the most economical bike rack you can use with this system is # RBC035.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

SportRack roof rack #SR1010 is only a fit for the 5-door models of the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. For a 3-door (2 regular doors and rear hatch) I recommend Rhino Rack Roof's roof rack system #RRVA118B-2 (bars),RRRLKVA (legs),DK064(Custom DK Fit Kit).

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Answer 2

If you are using the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Crossbars like #RRVA137B they have a dimension of 54" long x 3-1/8" wide x 1-3/16" tall which works for Thule boxes that use the PowerClick quick-release clamps, including the Thule Vector…

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Answer 3

Since you have the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item #C13200 on your 2017 Toyota Highlander you aren't limited to a certain type of rack because your hitch is a class III hitch receiver. Both the Thule Apex XT 4…

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Answer 4

When you receive the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack #TH9025XT the shank is folded up against the main mast of the rack. Those two M6 x 25 mm screws are what help to keep the shank from folding up like that again. They are more or less a security measure…

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Answer 5

For me there is one clear choice between the two bike racks you asked about, and for one very particular reason - convenience. Due to how convenient it is, I definitely recommend the RidgeBack, which is the following part number: - Yakima RidgeBack…

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Answer 6

That bolt is what the anti-rattle device pivots on as you tighten it. As long as the knob can still turn by hand it's not too tight. If you went back to the same position it was in prior you are totally fine.

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Answer 7

The Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swinging #TH9027XT typically fits most Jeeps with spare tires on the back, but you will need to take a measurement to verify. The distance from the hitch receiver pin hole to the…

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Answer 8

The Kelsey Energize brake controller is a standard electric brake controller which the only thing you need to do to remove it is cut the four wires that it uses to install in your vehicle and tape them up and out of the way. There is no need for any…

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Answer 9

I checked your order notes and it looks like you ordered the Curt Ball Mount part #C45503 and the hitch ball part #A-82. For a standard hitch pin and clip you would want the part #F-4 or for one that would lock and give you a bit more security you…

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Carrying 4 Bikes on a 2012 Volkswagen GTI

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