3 Bike Rack for a 2016 Audi Allroad

Question:

I see in the QandA section that one of your responses was that the Class 1 hitch the one Im inquiring about can only take on two bikes at a time and not three. Why? Is there another product you have that can take on a three bike tray-style or hanging-style bike rack?

asked by: Pat R

Expert Reply:

For all Class I Hitches available for your 2016 Audi Allroad like the Curt Custom Hitch, part # C11195, the design of the hitch and its mounting location, even as a 2 inch variant, is designed to carry weight without support in a certain zone behind the car.

The hitch works effectively like a pivoting lever, with the weight of the bikes acting as the downward force on the lever. Too much weight, or too much weight outside of its safe zone, and the lever breaks. In this case, that means that the hitch shears away from the frame of the vehicle, or the bike rack's shank fails, causing damage to your vehicle and anyone that could be behind you.

If you need to carry three bikes, I instead recommend a trunk mounted rack, which avoids this problem all together. Specifically, the Thule OutWay, part # TH56BV is a great rack that fits your needs. This will work as a hanging rack without having to worry about a trailer hitch.

The OutWay includes integrated security features, such as a bike lock and a rack lock, and installs at a wide angle on your vehicle to avoid resting weight on the spoiler.

Using this rack will require the use of a frame adapter bar, like part # 64005 to help women's, children's, step through or aggressive framed bikes ride level to the ground. This helps the bikes avoid contacting each other, and the road, helping to avoid damage.

I've included a video review of this rack so you can see its features and performance in action, as well as a video illustrating how a frame adapter bar helps out.