Can Hitch Extension Be Used with Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Rack Part TH934XTR

Question:

I put it together the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Rack Part #TH934XTR over the weekend and it fit great but when I went to open my tailgate, I couldnt!! I tilted it down but it wasnt enough to allow me to open my tailgate! Any suggestions? is there another extension part? Thanks.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your 2017 Audi A4 is the 5-door Allroad hatchback version.

The Thule Hitching Post Pro Folding/Tilting 4 Bike Rack # TH934XTR does tilt a full 45-degrees as shown in the linked photo.

If this does not allow your rear hatch to clear the rack you could use a hitch extension like # HTAD to give you more clearance BUT please note that use of any such hitch adapter will cause you to lose HALF of your hitch's rated tongue weight (TW) capacity. The hitches made for your A4 are the light-duty Class I type rated for 200-lbs of TW. Using any adapter means your capacity drops to 100-lbs total. That means the total weight of the rack (40-lbs) plus the weight of the 2 bikes cannot exceed 100-lbs.

You will also find there will be more random motion of the rack if you use an adapter, since you're adding a whole new mechanical connection point to the system. This will allow for more rack motion as you drive so you will want to use a support strap like # 18050 to help support the rack weight.

Also, note that a Class I hitch can handle ONLY 2 BIKES, even if your bike rack can hold more bikes. Do not load more than 2 bikes on any rack in a Class I hitch, even if an adapter is NOT used.