Will Thule Helium 2 Bike Platform Rack TH44VR Fit 2020 Audi A4 W/ Curt Trailer Hitch C11448
Question:
Hi, Id like to buy a hitch-mounted bike rack and a trailer hitch for my 2020 Audi A4. After a bit of research, I think Id like to go with the Curt C11448 hitch and the Thule Helium Platform 2 model# 904010 primarily for ease of use as Im not a young person. However, the Thule website has a Hitch_Dimensionsinch pdf that states a 3inch maximum bumper-to-mounting hole clearance is required picture attached. Will this maximum 3inch clearance be met with the C11448 hitch on my A4? Just eye-balling various pictures on your website and others, doesnt seem like it. But I also see other pictures on the web of the Thule 904010 attached to various cars/suvs where it looks like the maximum 3inch clearance is exceeded but hard to tell for sure. In any event, if the 3inch maximum clearance wont be met on my A4, is there any kind of hitch extender that can be used? Thanks in advance for your help/advice.
asked by: John D
Expert Reply:
When we measured the clearance needed to install the Thule Helium 2 Bike Platform Rack TH44VR we actually found that from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the rack when folded was 5", and when not folded was 12", but Thule's measurement takes in to account 2" clearance to make sure the rack will not contact the bumper.
It will for sure work in the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11448 on your 2020 Audi A4 with the rack in the unfolded position, but when folded up will leave you 1-1/2" between the bumper and the rack. You will not be able to use a hitch extender as it would reduce the tongue weight rating of the hitch by 50% which would not be enough to carry two bikes and the weight of the rack.
For a rack that has more bumper clearance I recommend the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # KU74FR which will give you 2-1/2" clearance between the bumper and closest part of the rack, and will actually be able to carry bikes that are slightly heavier at 40lbs compared to the 37.5lb limit of the # TH44VR.
I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
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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