Trailer Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack Recommendation for 2018 Audi A4 Allroad
Question:
I realize that I had been looking at some pretty heavy racks so I have narrowed my search I am looking for a platform wheel clamp rack – one that folds, tilts and is light – <30lbs I found two so far – the thule helium and kuat transfer – for road bike and < 3inch tire on a mountain bike with suspension Please let me know what you think of these racks with the following additional questions: How fast can you or should you travel with these time of racks – planning on going 3-4 hours on the highway Are the rack that can go from 1 bike to 2 – stable with that 2nd bike and again what speed and distance can I go with add on Will these rack interfere with my back up camera On the kuat transfer 1– is this only for fat bike – I get the sense from reading all of the info that it would need a different cup to hold the fat bike tired and that the one it comes with will fit the road bike to 3 inches without a different piece Any other models you would recommend Also you gave me advice on the curt trailer and I was told by the person who I will install this rack that the lighting system will get messed on the car - - isn’t the lighting kit external to the car lighting system – how does that work – ( thinking of towing at some point) Thanks so much
asked by: CARLA R
Expert Reply:
We can help you out with a trailer hitch receiver and bike rack for your 2018 Audi A4 Allroad, starting with the hitch. For that I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11448.
I really like this hitch for your Audi because it is a fantastic value relative to other hitches that fit your vehicle, and has a nice design with a hidden crosstube. This is an installation that many people can do themselves though if you aren't comfortable with it you can absolutely get a local auto body shop or mechanic to do it very easily. I have added a link to the directions for you to check out as well of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11448.
As far as the bike rack, the Kuat Sherpa is highly recommended, is lightweight at just 32 lbs and is overall one of the best bike racks available. The Sherpa installs in your hitch with the swift and simple turn of a knob, making it one of the easiest bike racks to use. This knob also works as an anti-rattle device, giving you a very quiet ride. Additionally, the Sherpa 2.0 comes with a hitch lock to secure the rack to your Audi and a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack, helping protect your investments. It even comes in your choice of colors:
- Black: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # SH12B
- Gray: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # SH12G
- Pearl: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # SH12P
I have added a link to a video review of this rack for you to check out as well.
Finally, since you mentioned wanting to occasionally tow, you can do so with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11448 with a few parts for your 2018 Audi A4 Allroad. You will need a wiring harness, the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236, Ball Mount # C45521, Pin and Clip # F-4, and either 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # A-80 or 2" Hitch Ball # A-82 depending on the size of your trailer's coupler.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2-1/2" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- 2-1/2 Inch Long
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- 2-1/2 Inch Span
- CURT
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Pearl
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Thule Helium Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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Instructions
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Carla R.
9/17/2020
I realize that I had been looking at some pretty heavy racks so I have narrowed my search I am looking for a platform wheel clamp rack – one that folds, tilts and is light – <30lbs I found two so far – the thule helium and kuat transfer – for road bike and < 3inch tire on a mountain bike with suspension Please let me know what you think of these racks with the following additional questions: How fast can you or should you travel with these time of racks – planning on going 3-4 hours on the highway Are the rack that can go from 1 bike to 2 – stable with that 2nd bike and again what speed and distance can I go with add on Will these rack interfere with my back up camera On the kuat transfer 1– is this only for fat bike – I get the sense from reading all of the info that it would need a different cup to hold the fat bike tired and that the one it comes with will fit the road bike to 3 inches without a different piece Any other models you would recommend Also you gave me advice on the curt trailer and I was told by the person who I will install this rack that the lighting system will get messed on the car - - isn’t the lighting kit external to the car lighting system – how does that work – ( thinking of towing at some point) Thanks so much