2018 eGolf - Trailer hitch for bike rack (or roof rack)

[KaijinGaijinDesu]

Hello all,
I've found threads around the internet and one here for older model eGolf, but wondering if anyone has experience installing a trailer hitch for bike rack on a 2018 eGolf.
Here's the previous thread on possible Curt hitch models. I understand it's a modular frame, so the standard 2018 Golf hitches *should work, but kind of an expensive gamble...
Here's the other thread for reference:
http://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=217&hilit=bike

Also, I need to carry 2 bikes. I was hoping to use a trailer hitch and only install the bike rack when needed to avoid loss of range. A roof rack is a valid option, but I wonder if it'd kill range, even if I bought one of those expensive fairings. If anyone has pictures of a roof rack on 2018 that'd be apprectiated as well.
Thanks!

 

[2016golfse]

Here's the bike rack:

https://parts.vw.com/accessories/Volkswagen__e-Golf/Transport---Bike-Rack.html

 

[kmelara]

Hey there. I just got a 2019 e-Golf and I am searching for the same thing. I would like to use a tow hitch instead of a roof rack. Has anyone had any success doing this? I would like to buy the stealth version of the tow hitch.

 

[bumbledad]

I bought this for my 2017 eGolf

C11412 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" for $112.56 from etrailer.com

Couldn't be happier..had it installed at a trailer shop, they said it was trivial. I carry my bikes on a Quik-Rack single and it's perfect for a mountain bike. Doubt a double would be good as it might stick out too much. I also worried it might not fit the eGolf, but no worries there.

 

[egolf4vv]

C11412 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" for $112.56 from etrailer.com


Will above work for 2019 e-golf?


V

 

[mpulsiv]

C11412 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" for $112.56 from etrailer.com


Will above work for 2019 e-golf?


V

Yes, it's compatible. I installed one. Looks like the price went up to $191 www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C11412.html
Amazon got it for $125 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8

 

[PeterS]

I have the same Curt Hitch installed (See https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2455&start=10#p19967). Just for a bike rack so no electrical wiring.

It is an easy DIY install since the e-Golf has no muffler to remove. I actually did it in about 30 min crawling under the car w/o lifting anything.
You need to fit the screws into the holes and may need to scrap out some of the protective goo.

There are other hitches for the Golf that are more hidden but require to remove the rear bumper to install (and are more expensive too).

 

[MetalMan]

This one is for 18 and 19. It is a little pricey.
https://torkliftcentral.com/trailer-hitches/rear-mounted-receiver-hitches/ecohitch/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf

 

[where2]

MetalMan, I'll post my thoughts on the EcoHitch stealth model when mine arrives next month. I had e-Trailer find the part for the other size adapter so I'll have both the 1-1/4" receiver and 2" receiver versions of this hitch. This way, I can use my Yakima or my Thule bike rack. (pricey? oh yes, it was! However, I hope it's as well built as your tools).

 

[NeilBlanchard]

This one is for 18 and 19. It is a little pricey.
https://torkliftcentral.com/trailer-hitches/rear-mounted-receiver-hitches/ecohitch/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf

I have a 2" Ecohitch on our Bolt EV - these are excellent, and worth the cost. They are the packaged the best of any of the hitches - my brother works for UPS, and he has seen them all. Everybody else's packaging is weak, and gets beat up.

 

[egolfdude]

I bought a hidden trailer hitch from eTrailer for my 2017 eGolf. I got it installed, and it didn't fit. Part of the back of the receiver protruded too much as the bumper could not be put back on properly: the eGolf has a pretty seamless plastic flashing that runs under the main bumper... and that is what was having an issue fitting overtop of the hidden receiver. I sent it back to eTrailer and worked with their Engineer who then ended up confirming that it didn't fit, even though at the time on eTrailer it said it did.

Here is the quote from eTrailer to me:

"We have checked into the VIN and it does check out, while the hitch will work with your frame it will require additional fascia trimming to allow use of the hitch as intended. As there is no other fitment available if you wish to keep and do the additional trimming you are welcome to do so. As it was an error on our behalf, I can also offer you a Pre-paid UPS label for a full credit upon return of the application if you wish to have it returned. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused."

You can now see on eTrailer.com that the 2017 eGolf no longer lists any hidden hitch as working. So now... what can I do? Has anyone successfully installed a hidden hitch in their eGolf? I can't find anything out there, and now I'm thinking I'll need to try to do a custom hitch. I only need it for a bike rack.

https://pasteboard.co/K08UJWH.jpg

https://pasteboard.co/K08V8zC.jpg

 

[mpulsiv]

I bought a hidden trailer hitch from eTrailer for my 2017 eGolf. I got it installed, and it didn't fit. Part of the back of the receiver protruded too much as the bumper could not be put back on properly: the eGolf has a pretty seamless plastic flashing that runs under the main bumper... and that is what was having an issue fitting overtop of the hidden receiver. I sent it back to eTrailer and worked with their Engineer who then ended up confirming that it didn't fit, even though at the time on eTrailer it said it did.

Here is the quote from eTrailer to me:

"We have checked into the VIN and it does check out, while the hitch will work with your frame it will require additional fascia trimming to allow use of the hitch as intended. As there is no other fitment available if you wish to keep and do the additional trimming you are welcome to do so. As it was an error on our behalf, I can also offer you a Pre-paid UPS label for a full credit upon return of the application if you wish to have it returned. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused."

You can now see on eTrailer.com that the 2017 eGolf no longer lists any hidden hitch as working. So now... what can I do? Has anyone successfully installed a hidden hitch in their eGolf? I can't find anything out there, and now I'm thinking I'll need to try to do a custom hitch. I only need it for a bike rack.

https://pasteboard.co/K08UJWH.jpg

https://pasteboard.co/K08V8zC.jpg

I've installed CURT 11412. It's a perfect fit.
$147 www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C11412.html
$129 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8

 

[where2]

Clearly there TorqueLift makes more than one EcoHitch for the VW Mk7 Golf platform. I used the 306-X7375, and purchased the 1-1/4" receiver part to swap out with the 2" receiver (shown below) so I can use any of my hitch goodies with this car.

Here's the guts behind the one I fitted to my 2019:

And here it is with the Yakima hitch rack attached, once I put the bumper back on, and installed the 1-1/4" receiver...

 

[egolfdude]

I bought a hidden trailer hitch from eTrailer for my 2017 eGolf. I got it installed, and it didn't fit. Part of the back of the receiver protruded too much as the bumper could not be put back on properly: the eGolf has a pretty seamless plastic flashing that runs under the main bumper... and that is what was having an issue fitting overtop of the hidden receiver. I sent it back to eTrailer and worked with their Engineer who then ended up confirming that it didn't fit, even though at the time on eTrailer it said it did.

Here is the quote from eTrailer to me:

"We have checked into the VIN and it does check out, while the hitch will work with your frame it will require additional fascia trimming to allow use of the hitch as intended. As there is no other fitment available if you wish to keep and do the additional trimming you are welcome to do so. As it was an error on our behalf, I can also offer you a Pre-paid UPS label for a full credit upon return of the application if you wish to have it returned. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused."

You can now see on eTrailer.com that the 2017 eGolf no longer lists any hidden hitch as working. So now... what can I do? Has anyone successfully installed a hidden hitch in their eGolf? I can't find anything out there, and now I'm thinking I'll need to try to do a custom hitch. I only need it for a bike rack.

https://pasteboard.co/K08UJWH.jpg

https://pasteboard.co/K08V8zC.jpg

I've installed CURT 11412. It's a perfect fit.
$147 www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C11412.html
$129 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8

You're not getting it. I am only interested in a hidden hitch. What you refer to is not a hidden hitch, it's a dropper one that is exposed. No thanks to that. But thanks for the note.

 

[egolfdude]

Clearly there TorqueLift makes more than one EcoHitch for the VW Mk7 Golf platform. I used the 306-X7375, and purchased the 1-1/4" receiver part to swap out with the 2" receiver (shown below) so I can use any of my hitch goodies with this car.

Here's the guts behind the one I fitted to my 2019:

And here it is with the Yakima hitch rack attached, once I put the bumper back on, and installed the 1-1/4" receiver...

This is interesting. The one I ordered was the 306-X7310. Mine is the 1-1/4"? I can see in the pictures that yours is totally straight across, whereas mine dropped down some. What the hell. And I don't think there's any difference between the 2017 and 2018 eGolfs in the back bumper... So the part that drops down on mine is the issue. It drops down so the grey flashing of the eGolf bumper has to fit overtop of it, and that was the problem. With yours, because it's straight across, it doesn't drop down and cause the grey flashing to have to fit overtop of it. Just the white bumper section. I think then that I now can see and understand why my model, the 306-X7310 did not work and why yours works.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/EcoHitch/306-X7310.html

 

[blossomvalley]

For 2017 model this fits right in, takes about 1hour without lift at home. Need torque 110ft-lb wrench and 3/4 socket:

CURT 11412 Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver

 

[FrankMCG]

Clearly there TorqueLift makes more than one EcoHitch for the VW Mk7 Golf platform. I used the 306-X7375, and purchased the 1-1/4" receiver part to swap out with the 2" receiver (shown below) so I can use any of my hitch goodies with this car.

Here's the guts behind the one I fitted to my 2019:

And here it is with the Yakima hitch rack attached, once I put the bumper back on, and installed the 1-1/4" receiver...

This is interesting. The one I ordered was the 306-X7310. Mine is the 1-1/4"? I can see in the pictures that yours is totally straight across, whereas mine dropped down some. What the hell. And I don't think there's any difference between the 2017 and 2018 eGolfs in the back bumper... So the part that drops down on mine is the issue. It drops down so the grey flashing of the eGolf bumper has to fit overtop of it, and that was the problem. With yours, because it's straight across, it doesn't drop down and cause the grey flashing to have to fit overtop of it. Just the white bumper section. I think then that I now can see and understand why my model, the 306-X7310 did not work and why yours works.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/EcoHitch/306-X7310.html

Hi and thank you for sharing! As I understood right, this rack is for 2 bikes, can you advise some budget pick for 4 bikes(choosing from this list of racks)?

 

[Phil0110]

I have Yakimaa one ramp, it's perfect for my two Tommaso. Love it but know you can’t use a double hitch if towing from rv or motorhome it’s too wide. Easy to use and satisfied.