Comparing Class I Hitch and Hitch Bike Rack to Trunk-Mount Racks for 2013 Audi A4 Sedan

Question:

hello i have a 2013 audi a4 sedan and am looking to get both a hitch and a platform style bike rack. Your site offers 3 different class I hitches for the car. Of the 3 hitches, the Curt hitch C11186 states that bike racks should be supported with stabilizing straps, while the hidden hitch and draw-tite hitch 60219 and 24830 do not have this requirement. All three hitches look identical and have identical installation instructions. I was hoping you can offer some clarification as why the straps are needed for one hitch while not the others if everything else is the same. Additionally I was hoping you could recommend a couple platform bike racks that would fit with my car. im unsure if the platform style racks have different clearances for how far they stick out from the hitch and how high off the ground they raise. my car has a large bumper the hitch would sit pretty deep into the car and is pretty low to the ground. thanks kindly

asked by: Nick V

Expert Reply:

We do offer several light-duty Class I hitches for your 2013 Audi A4 Sedan including the Curt # C11186 which does require you to use a support strap (for retaining your Curt manufacturer's warranty) when using the hitch with non-wheeled loads such as bike or cargo carriers. The other hitch brands do not have this requirement but just the same it would not be a bad idea to use a strap like # 18050 with any light duty Class I hitch.

I have linked the written installation instructions as well as a helpful article with tips for easier hitch installation. The tools required are listed in the instructions.

Class I hitches are limited to carrying 2 bikes, no more. This is because such a light-duty hitch or the vehicle's mounting points could be damaged by the weight of a larger loaded carrier. You can choose a platform carrier like the Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack # S64650. The linked article will explain how to measure to verify that any given bike rack will fit on your car. You can do this once your hitch is installed.

If you need to transport 3 bikes on a single carrier you'll need to use a 3-bike trunk-mount type rack such as the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV or one of the others shown on the linked page.