Roof boxes and racks, new car WWMD?

[Roxtar]

Wiring is required to actually use them to tow, not just hanging toys off the back. OEM Audi hitches are all done at the port, not the dealer.

I understand that, but changing out the hitch has nothing to do with the wiring.

[Shredhead]

I understand that, but changing out the hitch has nothing to do with the wiring.

No, it just costs more. It just sucks that you have to order the 1.25" hitch to get the wiring in the Allroad. The Q5 comes with a 2" hitch.

[LT]

^^^ This doesn't make the hitch-to-vehicle attachment any stronger, which is the whole point I was trying to make above: the 1 1/4" hitches just aren't rated for much tongue load, which is why you can't put 4-bike T2s on them.

Here's an example of a typical 2" hitch (for a 4Runner) -- note the long flat section with multiple bolts to spread the load onto the vehicle:


Here's a 1 1/4" hitch (for a 2002 Audi Allroad, according to google images) -- note the minimal hitch-to-vehicle bolts:

Probably because the 4-runner is body on frame construction VS. unibody on the Audi.

[Roxtar]

No, it just costs more. It just sucks that you have to order the 1.25" hitch to get the wiring in the Allroad. The Q5 comes with a 2" hitch.

What really sucks is how much Audi charges for that cheap pseudo-hitch when a good Reese 2" is under $300

[Arty50]

I also have a tahoe with a kuat NV core hitch rack. It comes with an adapter to make it fit a 2" hitch; forgo that and it fit's a 1.25". Pretty sure that's the case for all Kuat hitch racks, but maybe I'm wrong there. Had it for a season and a half and with an occasional run through on the main bolts it's stayed nice and tight.

If I'm reading this correctly, that's not true. I have a NV with the 2 bike extension; and the backbone on the primary rack is not 1.25" with a 2" adapter, it's a true 2".

[grabtindy]

If I'm reading this correctly, that's not true. I have a NV with the 2 bike extension; and the backbone on the primary rack is not 1.25" with a 2" adapter, it's a true 2".

Good call, here's the NV vs NV Core:

[Roxtar]

Good call, here's the NV vs NV Core:

There looks to be serious difference in strength and rigidity between those two.

[grabtindy]

Yeah, whatever the difference between 1.25" and 2" box tubing is. That said, I can stand on the cheaper core with no flexing, etc. The upper mechanism is identical excepting the workstand/lock.

[Particle]

Just FYI, a hitch on a well-balanced car like the Audi will throw off its front-rear weight ratio pretty badly... deteriorating handling and well, kinda negating the point of a car like that. I'd just go box + bike rack on top. Which is what I did with my 3 series. I have the low-profile Yakima skybox, love it. Also looked at the lo-pro Innos, those look rad as well.

[Roxtar]

Hitch weighs what? 20-30 lbs at most?
Having a person sitting in the back seat will make more difference than that.
My .02

[El Chupacabra]

Just FYI, a hitch on a well-balanced car like the Audi will throw off its front-rear weight ratio pretty badly... deteriorating handling and well, kinda negating the point of a car like that. I'd just go box + bike rack on top. Which is what I did with my 3 series. I have the low-profile Yakima skybox, love it. Also looked at the lo-pro Innos, those look rad as well.

1) It's a station wagon = meant to hold people/gear/weight.
2) It's a station wagon = not a sports car.
3) It's a lifted station wagon = even less of an emphasis on handling/balance/dynamics.
4) A roof rack + box + bikes on roof = better handling than a hitch + bike rack?

[Particle]

Hitch weighs what? 20-30 lbs at most?
Having a person sitting in the back seat will make more difference than that.
My .02

Yes Chup... serious.

Getting as close to 50/50 front/rear weight balance is a huge part of what makes a car handle well. But point taken on raised wagons. However, passengers and roof boxes sit between the axles; a hitch hangs a bunch of weight behind the rear axle... not so good. I'd never do that to a nicely balanced German car, personally. But that's just me.

[Particle]

3) It's a lifted station wagon = even less of an emphasis on handling/balance/dynamics.

See other post for other responses. But this one... sport wagons eez what Germans do, mang. Just because it's a wagon doesn't mean it doesn't handle like a sports car.

[Dee Hubbs]

Just FYI, a hitch on a well-balanced car like the Audi will throw off its front-rear weight ratio pretty badly... deteriorating handling and well, kinda negating the point of a car like that. I'd just go box + bike rack on top. Which is what I did with my 3 series. I have the low-profile Yakima skybox, love it. Also looked at the lo-pro Innos, those look rad as well.

You're right, my Audi handles really bad when I put a 50lb suitcase in the trunk. I tried putting the luggage in the passenger seat, but now it turns left better right.

[Danno]

1up racks are the best hitch mount. Fatbike compatible too if you're a chubby chaser as well.

http://www.1upusa.com/bicycleracks.html

I agree that 1ups are awesome, I love mine. The regular rack comes with 1.25 plus an adapter to fit a 2", so it'd be very easy to use on the Audi and shift it over to a different car, if there was ever a reason to do that. I think the limit is 3 bikes for this rack.

[Rontele]

I agree that 1ups are awesome, I love mine. The regular rack comes with 1.25 plus an adapter to fit a 2", so it'd be very easy to use on the Audi and shift it over to a different car, if there was ever a reason to do that. I think the limit is 3 bikes for this rack.

Three bikes would be great. I have queried to them whether I can fit the three bike rear on the 1.25 hitch or if it is only for the 2"

[Rontele]

Confirmed can run three bikes. Ordered.