Trailer hitch request

[JHZR2]

Hello,

Ive searched and seen a few threads where folks have apparently gotten class I hitches for their rabbits.

My wife and I desire to get one to carry our bikes on. I know VW sells roof racks, but the significantly increased drag (thus lower MPG) and higher difficulty of getting the bikes up there makes it undesirable to us.

THe problem with all the old threads is that there is never an actual picture of an install. There was one thread of a UK install with what apparently is a VW OE hitch apparatus (comes with a different rear fascia to hide everything), the problem is that the geometry of this item makes it not work for a bike rack, where the lower support which mates to the receiver needs to be parallel to the ground.

Id like to see our options and see what we can do... Any pics or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

JMH

[rangerbrown]

this about as good as i can do for you right now this is a old picture

it bolts right up no real touble to get it in other than its heavy so get some help for that.

[rabbitransit]

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showth...?t=3019&page=2

[rangerbrown]

i dont know if i lake that one better or not, but its hidden better for sure

[nitroscope8]

Before anyone asks, look at the very back of your owners manual for hitch types, loads, and towing applications.

Take a picture of your car with the hitch and bike rack on the back and your spouse posing next to the car. Print it and put it in plain sight by the shifter or cluster everytime you bring it in for service. This way they know you are not towing a boat with your rabbit and don't say anything. Not that they will, but sometimes the question comes up that you overloaded the car.

[H20loo]

this about as good as i can do for you right now this is a old picture

it bolts right up no real touble to get it in other than its heavy so get some help for that.

do you remember the manufacturers name?

[rangerbrown]

draw tie

not sure why the pic resized but here is a link
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6092511

[VWRabbitFan2007]

Hello,

I'm also looking to possibly install a hitch onto my '07 rabbit. ( would really like it if it didn't involve cutting into my bumper) I got laid off from my job and am possibly moving from new england down to atlanta. I'm trying to figure out cost effectiveness in just installing a hitch and pulling a small uhaul trailer. instead of having to rent a truck and tow my rabbit. ( I don't have that much stuff..but enough that it won't all fit in my car) has anyone done this or heard of anyone doing it. My father said he has seen a gti pulling a small trailer. anyways if anyone has any suggestions i'm open. Also i know i will have to get wiring installed too to make it legal. anyone know how much that will run? can my dealer do it?


thanks

[H20loo]

Hello,

I'm also looking to possibly install a hitch onto my '07 rabbit. ( would really like it if it didn't involve cutting into my bumper) I got laid off from my job and am possibly moving from new england down to atlanta. I'm trying to figure out cost effectiveness in just installing a hitch and pulling a small uhaul trailer. instead of having to rent a truck and tow my rabbit. ( I don't have that much stuff..but enough that it won't all fit in my car) has anyone done this or heard of anyone doing it. My father said he has seen a gti pulling a small trailer. anyways if anyone has any suggestions i'm open. Also i know i will have to get wiring installed too to make it legal. anyone know how much that will run? can my dealer do it?


thanks

you could try etrailer.com but I went thru a local trailerhitch shop and got a Curt cheaper. The Curt tucks up in better than the Drawtite but requires the reshapping of your valance. It doesn't take much to add up to 1000lbs but you wouldn't be the first to go beyond a manufacturers recommendation. People live outside the VWManual in almost every section of this forum. I guess its all about doing what you can live with in your situation.

[rangerbrown]

from what i read in the book 2000 is the max trailer weight the touge weight need to very carfuly balanced or it will make towing it a night mare

to little and the trailer will sway to much and it will sag the rear springs

i have a manual and just had to watch how i started from a stop.
if you have a auto. well im not sure i would tow at all, unless it has a trans cooler
if you must i woulnt go over 1k at all.

heat kills auto trannys!!!

[nitroscope8]

An upside and a downside of the auto trans 09G and 09M is that they are water cooled. The cooler is ontop of the trans with two engine coolant hoses going into it. There are no trans lines, so an aftermarket cooler is NOT possible. That might also be the reason why VW gave the auto trans a lower towing rating than the manual.

Read the manual before attempting to tow anything and keep your tires at specification.