Hitch and Body Kit

[Rocketeer]

Tried search but can't find anything discussing body kits that have been modified to work around a hitch (need to carry bikes). The only related one was the Westfalia hitch but I don't need a ball hitch. Just a receiver. I have been considering the votex kit and then modifying it but would rather find an oob solution if possible.

Thanks.

[v8a6]

Highly doubt you find any bodykit designed to work around a hitch. Just buy the one that looks the best and hack it up.

[seanj130]

why not put the bikes ontop of the car?

[Rocketeer]

why not put the bikes ontop of the car?

Roof mounts are usually too loud. Also, I already have a hitch bike mount and it's convenient to take it on and off if I don't need it...

[Rocketeer]

Highly doubt you find any bodykit designed to work around a hitch. Just buy the one that looks the best and hack it up.

Probably right. Anyone done this? I'd like to see some examples if possible...

[A3 Guy]

It's gonna look like complete ass unless you do it completely correctly, just go for the tried and true roof rack system.

Not sure whose car this is but it works as an example:

http://www.forums.carrackresources.com/attachments/car-manufacturers/audi/34d1177688656-any-car-racks-fit-2006-audi-a3-roof-rack-siderails-audia3.jpg

[Turbavanttro]

The new thule blades are really quiet, they dont even make a fairing for it anymore because it is so quiet. I am running the 53" (i think thats the length) blade, and was able to mount 2 thule bike racks and my atlantis 1600 cargo box for our trip to NC this year. It was awesome, access to all 5 doors, easy access to gear up top, and room leftover in the boot.

If you're dead set on the body kit, one solution could be to have a shop cut a perfectly placed hole for the receiver, and then fabricate the cut off piece into a removable plastic cover that can be removed or re-installed, similar to the front tow hook cover is used, but it would be larger.

[Rocketeer]

@turbavanttro - thanks. Good to hear they are very quiet. Looking at the prices of a roof rack I'm hesitant to jump in and then find I'm not happy with them. I have the Open Sky does it clear that?

[VeloHangar]

I have a 2012 A3 with the Open Sky. I'm using the Thule Aero Blade bars, 3 trays and it's very quiet.

[Turbavanttro]

@turbavanttro - thanks. Good to hear they are very quiet. Looking at the prices of a roof rack I'm hesitant to jump in and then find I'm not happy with them. I have the Open Sky does it clear that?

Same here, I am open sky, 100% seamless install and operation. I had a ton of stuff on my rack, 2 bikes, and the atlantis 1600, totally secure no worries and quiet.

[Rocketeer]

Thanks. Good to hear. did you look at the Yakima Whispbar as well? They are supposed to be quieter...

[Turbavanttro]

I did not, only because I already had a thule cargo box and wanted to have all locks keyed alike. Can't go wrong with yak or Thule though. One may be quieter than the other, but I doubt it is a significant difference.