Trailer hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2007 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

Question:

I have a 2inch receiver bike rack that I want to use this hitch with. I know I need a 1-1/4 to 2 inch adapter but I dont know if there will be sufficient clearance to install without dinging the paint on the bumper. Sometimes the hitch is snug with the underside of the bumper and with the larger size mount, it could rub during use. The other related question is, can I use an adapter that provides some rise. Ideally some finished pictures of the installed hitch from the back and the side would be nice to see how low and far out the hitch opening extends. Thanks in advance,

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

I do not recommend the use of a hitch adapter because doing so will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. For example Curt trailer hitch # C11180 is rated for 200 pounds tongue weight. The use of an adapter will reduce the capacity to 100 pounds. So the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 100 pounds. The adapter will also increase the amount of stress on the hitch and attachment points on the vehicle.

The only adapter with a rise that we have that also fits a Class I trailer hitch is # HT5R. We do not have any pictures of it installed but it will likely not work on your 2007 Audi A4 Wagon because the distance from the pin hole to the back of the 2 inch receiver is only about 3-1/2 inches.

I recommend a bike rack specifically for a Class I trailer hitch such as the Swagman Trailhead # S63360. This rack is Class I compatible, holds 2 bikes (the most a Class I hitch can handle), and it has a rise in the shank for added ground clearance. I have included a link to a video review of this rack for you.

expert reply by: Michael H