Hitch Step for 2014 Audi Q5

Question:

I want to be sure this will spin under the vehicle. I have not found this specific question in your FAQs. I am concerned about the clearance from the receiver hitch opening to the lower edge of the vehicle. I want to be certain it will rotate under the car and not impact it, preventing it from being stowed. How far will the top of the platform below the lower edge of the bottom of the receiver opening? Knowing this will allow me to determine if I can rotate it under.

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

The Heininger PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 can be set to several different heights. This can be seen in the linked video at the :43-second mark. 4 bolts are used to set the platform height.

At the lowest height setting the TOP of the platform will be 6-inches below the BOTTOM of the receiver opening. I confirmed this with my contact at Heininger.

She also noted that the minimum recommended hitch height above ground is 16-inches. This is from the bottom of the receiver opening down to ground level. When we installed Draw-Tite hitch # 75940 on a 2016 Q5 we found that the receiver opening was only 15-inches above ground, as per the linked video and photo. This will not give you enough ground clearance for entering driveways, rough road surfaces, etc. For this reason I recommend you consider another product.

We do have other hitch steps like Curt # C31001 which are smaller (6-3/8 x 10-3/4) but also far lower in price. This step does not pivot but it is small and light enough to be removed easily.

expert reply by: Adam R