Trailer Hitch, Bike Racks, and Roof Rack to Carry 2 Single Bikes and 1 Tandem Bike on a 2013 VW GTI

Question:

I am interested in carrying 1 tandem bicycle plus 2 single bicycles on my 2013 VW GTI using a towing hitch mounted bike rack e.g. the DraftMaster. I am told that a Class 1 hitch will be subjected to too much torque for the load of 3 bikes, and thus wonder what my options are. Also, if I go with a Class 1 hitch and limit myself to 2 bicycles e.g. 2 singles or 1 tandem, how much ground clearance with I loose with this option?

asked by: Nicholas G

Expert Reply:

On a Class I trailer hitch you are correct, there would be too much torque on the hitch because of having the weight of a third bike that far away from the receiver. It is like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.

What you can do is use the hitch to mount a Class I compatible bike rack, like the Swagman Titan, # S63400, to carry the 2 single bikes. This hitch has a 3 inch rise in the shank to provide better ground clearance. With a hitch like # C11000 installed the top of the receiver will be directly below the bottom-most part of the rear bumper. If you measure from the ground up to that point and then add 3 inches, it will give you a good indication of ground clearance.

If you will be carrying any bikes on this rack that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across you will need to use an adapter bar, # 64005, to carry those bikes more level and provide better ground clearance.

The tandem bike will have to be carried on the roof using a roof rack. For the 2013 VW GTI 3-door or 5-door models Rhino-Rack's Vortex Aero Crossbars offer a great roof rack system. There is a different custom fit kit whether your GTI is a 3-door or 5-door model. For a 3-door use # DK064 or for a 5-door # DK207. Both GTI models will use the same crossbars # RRVA118B-2 and mounting legs # RRRLKVA. This rack offers aero bars for less wind noise and integrated locks.

You can then use a special bike rack for tandem bikes, # TH558P.