Any information on a hitch?

notouareg · Apr 29, 2005

Does anyone have information on an Audi made hitch from any country for a bike rack?
Before you flame me for wanting to put a hitch on such a classy little car. I do not want to tow with the car. I only want it for a bike rack. The advantages are:
1) Better aerodynamics.
2) Less wind noise.
3) Easier bike loading.
4) No possibility of hitting low over passes or other low hanging objects.
5) Does not touch the vehicles paint.
6) Easily removable when not carrying bikes.
Additionally there is not an option for the roof rails in the US.
I have emailed Audi in New Zealand and Audi USA and neither have been helpful. I do not want to use an aftermarket hitch because many require drilling the body. I'd appreciate whatever help you can provide.

Modified by notouareg at 1:14 AM 4/29/2005

A3owner2B · Apr 29, 2005

Re: Any information on a hitch? (notouareg)

Go to http://www.audi.co.uk
Configure a sportback and you will see that there is a towing option (hope the pic works)

Even if it doesnt, all you need to know is YES, you can put a lightweight hitch on this car. Good for bike carriers, jetski, whatever. I think it fits well with the image and active lifestyle this car is going after. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

notouareg · Apr 29, 2005

Re: Any information on a hitch? (A3owner2B)

I actually saw that but it appears that it doesn't have the usual type of receiver, like a 1 1/4". I'm not sure how the hitch attaches.
If anyone is in the UK and can tell me I'd appreciate it.

GT17V · Apr 29, 2005

the OEM hitch--- isn't like a traditional hitch you would find in the US. THe ball-thingy is part of a "banana" shaped piece that latches onto the special bumper-reciever. It is engaged vertically (not horizontally like what we are used to).
As mentioned earlier, it is a complete bumper beam replacement.

A3owner2B · Apr 29, 2005

Re: (GT17V)

Cool. My point is that it is obvious that a hitch CAN be added. Whether made by Audi or not, its possible, and someone in the aftermarket will provide a solution if not already. I'm pretty sure someone in the UK on audi-sport.net has this setup.

GT17V · Apr 29, 2005

U-haul or someone equivalent would have a generic class I hitcher and reciever you can use. In most cases, it would probably require some drilling of the floor pan around the spare tire.
P.S. Bosal is the OEM supplier for the hitches. Not exactly cheap either.
try http://www.towitall.co.uk

Modified by GT17V at 11:03 AM 4-29-2005

notouareg · Apr 29, 2005

Re: (GT17V)

I have heard stories about hitches made by aftermarket companies like Dalan ripping out of their mount points on the car with a bike rack attached. Apparently it is because the hitches are not designed for the torque that is exerted on them by having a bike rack attached. Something like this (from the Audi New Zealand website) would be perfect.

A3owner2B · Apr 29, 2005

Re: (notouareg)

that is nice - good find

AudiRep · May 2, 2005

Re: Any information on a hitch? (notouareg)

The only car Audi has offered a factory hitch option for in the US has been the Allroad. And it's also a non-receiver style. So, I think you're either in for aftermarket receiver or waiting to see what kind of roof system Audi decides to offer for the A3. Seeing as they are marketing the car at the "active lifestylers", there will be gear hauling accessories. I agree on the junk offered on the aftermarket...we had to pull a U-haul hitch from a used Allroad last week. It was essentially bolted through the spare tire well - NO thanks.

Any information on a hitch?

notouareg

A3owner2B

notouareg

GT17V

A3owner2B

GT17V

notouareg

A3owner2B

AudiRep

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