B8 A4 hitch?

[aemulle]

Hello everyone, I've been giving some thought in purchasing the roof railing/rack for my B8 A4 to carry my roadbike but I'm not really looking forward to taking it off everytime I'm not using it nor keeping it on all the the time. I drove past a B7 A4 today and noticed a Yakima bike rack with a hitch mount. It seemed like the hitch was not very noticeable and almost hidden. This got me thinking that if I can have a hitch I installled that was unnoticeable when the rack was not on it would be perfect. Does anyone have this setup? I'd like to see some pictures if you do. I would love to just have a hitch attached bike rack as long as the sporty A4 look wouldn't be traded for a utility truck look.

Thanks in advance for the pics,

[hoppy6698]

Hitch on B8 - Ugly as sin and just wrong, imo of course. Should be a few threads on rail/overhead mount options - or even those horrid trunk mounted options.

[TexasEric]

Hitch on B8 - Ugly as sin and just wrong, imo of course. Should be a few threads on rail/overhead mount options - or even those horrid trunk mounted options.

Went into a local bike shop this past weekend asking about bike racks. The guy strongly recommended roof or hitch mounts. He said that a customer of his bought a trunk-mount and came back a few weeks later to get the roof rack because it pushed two dents into his trunk. Without me saying anything, he closed his comments with "he was driving an Audi".

[PaulTheo]

Fit a quick release removeable hitch best of both worlds. I am thinking about getting one and fitting it later this year.

[TexasEric]

Got a brand or model in mind?

[Stuck'ite]

I have a Yakima hitch tray style rack now and had a Thule before that. I was looking into putting the Curt hitch on my B8 to accommodate the rack. I have not pulled the trigger yet though.......exhaust etc coming first. :)

For biking, HITCH RACKS ALL THAT WAY!

[jfo]

I'm just about to install the Curt hitch for my Yakima hitch rack on the Avant. Far better than hoisting the bikes up onto the roof and then taking the roof racks on and off, since I don't like them on full time. I don't like the look of the hitch, but I can live with it. You can buy the Curt and electrical connector online for about $265 delivered. I just did the electrical and will do the hitch in a day or two.

[rippin'av]

I believe it was SupFly that had a small hitch on his avant to pull his trailer with a race bike or something like that. He would be a good contact to ask. I've worked with Curt Manufaturing before and their hitches are top notch.

[jcs]

I've seen a B8 local to me with a hitch. He had to cut a notch out of the bottom of the stock valance but it looked very OEM. I believe he was using a Hidden Hitch something of that sort.

You could also import a hitch with detachable/foldable bar (as suggested PaulTheo) but then you have to import everything you want to use with that hitch as well because European hitch bars have a different size ball than NA.

[BMWBig6]

This thread is useless without pics. Does anyone have a pic of the Curt already installed? Here's what it looks like bare:



Is modification (cutting) of the rear valence necessary? Here the instructions I lifted from Curt's website:

INSTALLATION STEPS

1. Removing (1) nut from both driver and passenger side rear exhaust hangers. Remove (3) screws holding bottom of
rear fascia. Remove (4) bolts holding crossmember and remove cross member. Remove (2) bolts from front exhaust
hanger. Remove (2) nuts from other front exhaust hanger. Wrap wire around the exhaust to allow the exhaust to hang
low without damage. Retain all hardware to reinstallation.
2. Raise hitch into position. Using a center punch, punch through the center hole of the hitch and into the heat shield.
3. Lower hitch and cut out the area of the heat shield covering the access hole. See heat shield trim detail.
4. Fishwire 1/2-13 X 1 1/2" carriage bolt and SP6 spacer through the access hole and out the forward most hole in
frame, both sides. (SEE FISHWIRE TECHNIQUES)
5. Reverse fishwire 1/2-13 X 1 1/2" carriage bolt and SP6 spacer through the access hole, both sides.
(SEE REVERSE FISHWIRE TECHNIQUES)
6. Open rear hatch and remove middle lid covering the spare tire.
7. Remove the rear most tie down latches from both side rails.
8. Remove the side rails.
9. Remove the forward most bumper bracket fastener and return to owner.
10. Replace bumper bracket fastener with M10-1.5 X 110 hex bolt and 7/16" flat washer, both sides.
11. Torque M10-1.5 X 110 hex bolts to 35 ft-lbs.
12. Reinstall all trunk components and close hatch.
13. Raise hitch into position, as shown.
14. Secure the (4) forward most bolts with 1/2" flange nuts.
15. Secure the rear most bolts with 7/16" conical toothed washer and M10 hex nut.
16. Torque all M10 hardware to 35 ft-lbs. Torque all 1/2" hardware to 75 ft-lbs.
17. Reinstall exhaust.

Who else has a hitch for our cars? I checked Hidden Hitch and they list a part number for the sedan (wonder if Avant is different, since the exhaust is always dual on Avant but only single on 2.0T sedans). No pics on their site.

Ideally I'd like a downward-facing receiver opening, so it's completely hidden until you need to use it. I think the factory hitch for the older A6 Avants and Allroads were like this.

[TexasEric]

What about buying a hitch and then unwelding the hitch box from the mounting and then re-attaching it so that the hitch box points to the ground. Then buying one of those "L" shaped attachments to 'turn' it back outward when you want to use it. The end result would be a "hidden" hitch.

Start with something like: http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/s...85325_CL_1.jpg
Re-weld it and then add something like this: http://www.dodgepartsstore.com/popup_image.php?pID=523

Any thoughts?

[jfo]

What about buying a hitch and then unwelding the hitch box from the mounting and then re-attaching it so that the hitch box points to the ground. Then buying one of those "L" shaped attachments to 'turn' it back outward when you want to use it. The end result would be a "hidden" hitch.

Start with something like: http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/s...85325_CL_1.jpg
Re-weld it and then add something like this: http://www.dodgepartsstore.com/popup_image.php?pID=523

Any thoughts?

This won't work with the Curt style hitch for the B8, which is the only one I've seen available, other than the expensive Euro models. The receiver attaches to a tube which is also visible and can't be hidden. The hidden hitches require removal of the bumper and then the hitch replaces the crash bar under the bumper, so it is fully covered. Then the detachable receiver "plugs" into the bottom, similar to what you had in mind.

[jfo]

This thread is useless without pics. Does anyone have a pic of the Curt already installed? Here's what it looks like bare:



Is modification (cutting) of the rear valence necessary? Here the instructions I lifted from Curt's website:



Who else has a hitch for our cars? I checked Hidden Hitch and they list a part number for the sedan (wonder if Avant is different, since the exhaust is always dual on Avant but only single on 2.0T sedans). No pics on their site.

Ideally I'd like a downward-facing receiver opening, so it's completely hidden until you need to use it. I think the factory hitch for the older A6 Avants and Allroads were like this.

No mod's to the valence are needed. The round tube and receiver sit right under the bottom of the valence are exposed. Google Westphalia and Bosal hitch and you will see the fully hidden style. I don't like the exposed part, but I already bought the hitch before I saw these. I also have a hitch mount bike rack which won't fit the euro style hitch.

[Stuke'ite]

Ok I googled the, looks interesting based on pics on the VW TDI club pictures....but have not found any pics of them on our cars. It also says that no bumper mods are needed.

Plus, I at least need a 2" or 1.25" receiver for the bike rack I want to use the hitch for. Looks like the Euro options wont give me that. They do look clean when you are not towing though!

[jfo]

Ok I googled the, looks interesting based on pics on the VW TDI club pictures....but have not found any pics of them on our cars. It also says that no bumper mods are needed.

Plus, I at least need a 2" or 1.25" receiver for the bike rack I want to use the hitch for. Looks like the Euro options wont give me that. They do look clean when you are not towing though!

On our cars you wouldn't see it unless you are down on the ground. They usually need a small notch cut out of the valence, but again, you can't see it unless down very low. I know that Bosal also makes bike racks that will fit their hitch, but haven't seen them in NA. You might have to import.

It is a more elegant solution, but I can live with the exposed hitch for now.

[SupFly]

y'all ain't roll'n flat till you be drag'n some shit off that ass

tow up to ya throw up

ok - not a sedan, but if you can...& it's for a good cause - I believe acceptable :D

[Stuke'ite]

SupFly, I have an Avant! Can you shoot me a pic of your hitch........ I want to see it from the rear. Which hitch do you have? Thanks!

[ericpro]

Here are pictures of the UHaul version of the Curt hitch (link below). Installed at a UHaul in an hour or so for $210 ($180 for hitch, $30 for install). They had to cut out a small portion of the underside of the bumper that isn't visible (see Installation Instructions on linked page for a picture of the area being cut out). Use it for my mountain bike with the Kuat Beta rack. Works great.

Hitch: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2010300610

[jfo]

SupFly, I have an Avant! Can you shoot me a pic of your hitch........ I want to see it from the rear. Which hitch do you have? Thanks!

Here's the Curt hitch on an Avant...

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...+trailer+hitch

I didn't realize until now that the sedan takes a different hitch. It's a cleaner install than the Avant

[SupFly]

SupFly, I have an Avant! Can you shoot me a pic of your hitch........ I want to see it from the rear. Which hitch do you have? Thanks!

believe this is the one right here - http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2010_A...tm?style=Avant

this is about the best I have for an on the fly request - but it's really more about 'what' your towing that should be your largest driver:) meaning I didn't care what it was going to look like, there was no way I was not gona tow my bike to the good roads

but in the end, depending on your use it don't look too bad. just adds more manly utilitical functionality & outside the box-like extra dimensional thinking when people are checking out the back of this wagon...like, oh wow, check it out...it's got a HITCH - coooool!

[betacar]

I installed a westfalia removable hitch on my '10 sedan. Love it!

Just like this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A98hjeqGuF8

50mm ball, for the US, a 2" ball is 51mm so there is only 1 mm difference it seems to work just fine so far.

[xstwin]

Haven't received my '11 A4 yet, but I plan on cutting up a perfectly good hidden hitch and rewelding a vertical 2" square tube for a bike only mount. No electrical, no chain loops. Just very rigid bike mount. Car arriving late May, hopefully I have the hitch done by mid June. Will post picks once I'm done.

[BMWBig6]

Hmm, I wonder why Curt's sedan and Avant hitches are different. Is it just the dual vs. single exit exhaust? (If so, wouldn't that mean an Avant hitch would be specified for a 3.2 sedan too?) Or is there another reason they are different?

How much are the Westfalia/Bosal setups (after accounting for exchange, shipping, customs, etc.)? Any recommendations on best (cheapest) source?

[jfo]

Hmm, I wonder why Curt's sedan and Avant hitches are different. Is it just the dual vs. single exit exhaust? (If so, wouldn't that mean an Avant hitch would be specified for a 3.2 sedan too?) Or is there another reason they are different?

It seems the trunk space/floor design is different if you look at the installation pic's and they attach differently.

[SupFly]

I think those WF's are kind of pricey if I recall...I looked at them a number of years back while owning my 02 Avant, but I'm sure it's eveloved since then..$$ :)

[A5MD]

^ Never heard of westfalia hitches so I did a search earlier. They were around $600+ if I recall. ALOT more than the curt hitch which sells for $200 max

[SupFly]

yup - $625...then your install with wiring harness. by the time it's all said & done your close to a grand all in.

http://www.eurohitches.com/index.php...0354117e812816

It was not a job a I wanted to do on my own. I undid one exhaust hanger when I first got mine thinking, "eh, how hard could it be? It's all bolt-on." :) I quickly put the exhaust hanger back on & decided to let pro's do it for $200 bucks harness included. Here's a DIY on an M3 :) http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=349258 -

[rhino7]

There are photos of the Westfalia removable hitch on my Avant in the UK in this thread:

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4...ml#post1184711

The hitch was a little under $300 and the oem electrical harness was $200. When removed it is completely invisible unless you look get down on your knees! This is the kit that Audi fit when the hitch is bought as a factory option.

[aemulle]

Wow when I started this thread I didn't get many replies but I see it has now picked up.

Just like mentioned above, without pictures we can really make choices. I love the Westfalia removable hitch but it only seems to be a solution if you are looking to tow. I am simply looking for a solution in which I can have a bike rack with a hitch mount and not have it stick out like a soar thumb. Anybody out there with something like that with pictures?

[jfo]

Wow when I started this thread I didn't get many replies but I see it has now picked up.

Just like mentioned above, without pictures we can really make choices. I love the Westfalia removable hitch but it only seems to be a solution if you are looking to tow. I am simply looking for a solution in which I can have a bike rack with a hitch mount and not have it stick out like a soar thumb. Anybody out there with something like that with pictures?

If you go through the posts you will find pic's. The sedan is shown above and the Avant in the link I posted.

[SupFly]

I hadn't VAG'ed the car for towing. Everything seems to be fine, but I wonder about this :)

I finally got around to getting this sorted out at the dealers. Afterwards I used VCDS to see what changes had been made to my 2010 S-Line Avant TDI:

[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 4, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0011 to 0100

[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 5, Bit 4 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Installed" in VCDS)

[03 - ABS Brakes][Security Access - 16] (Enter code presented by program)
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 1, Bit 7 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed" in VCDS)

[09 - Central Elec]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 18, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed" in VCDS)

[10 - Park / Steer Assist]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 0, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0000 to 0001 [Trailer Hitch Not Installed to Trailer Hitch Installed (Manually Removable) via pull-down list in VCDS]

[5F - Information Elec]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 10, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1

[19 - CAN Gateway]->[Installation List]->Tick 69 - Trailer

Hope this is useful to others!

[Stuck'ite]

I ordered my hitch through Uhaul yesterday. The guy confirmed it was the Curt hitch, would be $185 plus install. Interestingly he said the factory where they are made is in my backyard, Stark Florida....even though Curt is in Wisconsin. I will post pics of the install etc when it happens.

Very interesting VAG codes above. We need someone to figure out what they all do.....esp the engine and steering codes. Wonder how the car knows a trailer is hooked up?

[jfo]

I just finished the Curt installation on my Avant. My camera isn't here, so no pic's. Thanks for the codes SupFly. I also wonder what difference they make. I'm waiting for my VCDS from Ross Tech but I'd like to understand what these changes do before implementing. I'll dig around and post if I find any info.

[rhino7]

Very interesting VAG codes above. We need someone to figure out what they all do.....esp the engine and steering codes. Wonder how the car knows a trailer is hooked up?

The car only "knows" that something is hooked up if you have the oem electrical wiring kit installed (it adds a new module into the car) and you have a trailer/light board/etc. plugged into the electrical connector.

[betacar]

I think I remember reading that the code changes tweak the ESP and cooling if you have Auto? Not sure.

I got a Westfalia setup from the UK from PF Jones last June.

"Westfalia model 305365 for £180.50 plus electrics kit and £10 carriage"
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/a4-saloon-2...e-tow-bar.html

I installed it myself without much difficulty, took my time and followed a FAQ about how to remove the rear bumper.

I didn't want to go with a curt or similar setup as they all seem to hang low bottoming out on steep transitions (had one on my B5) and at least in this area (boston) in a year or so it starts to rust. The WF set-up stays in my trunk till I want to use it and the major part of it replaces the entire rear bumper frame, it is seriously Beefy!

Yes, with shipping it came to just below 600 bucks but I am really glad I went that route, when pulling a small trailer with a dirtbike on it it is so much more rigid and seems more secure than the draw-bar arrangement I have used in the past.

YMMV

[languiduck]

believe this is the one right here - http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2010_A...tm?style=Avant

this is about the best I have for an on the fly request - but it's really more about 'what' your towing that should be your largest driver:) meaning I didn't care what it was going to look like, there was no way I was not gona tow my bike to the good roads

but in the end, depending on your use it don't look too bad. just adds more manly utilitical functionality & outside the box-like extra dimensional thinking when people are checking out the back of this wagon...like, oh wow, check it out...it's got a HITCH - coooool!

I'm looking at adding one of these hitches to my Avant. I have a truck so not looking to pull anything but the wife is crying for a way to carry bikes on her car. Roof rails really aren't an option because she's short, and she can't lift her bike up that high. I'd like to use the hitch as we already have a receiver mounted bike carrier. Looking at Curt's instructions it says a bike rack needs to be tethered. Interesting. How could a bike rack be tethered anyway? Is anyone using this hitch for a bike rack?

[jfo]

I'm looking at adding one of these hitches to my Avant. I have a truck so not looking to pull anything but the wife is crying for a way to carry bikes on her car. Roof rails really aren't an option because she's short, and she can't lift her bike up that high. I'd like to use the hitch as we already have a receiver mounted bike carrier. Looking at Curt's instructions it says a bike rack needs to be tethered. Interesting. How could a bike rack be tethered anyway? Is anyone using this hitch for a bike rack?

I use mine with a 2 bike Yakima rack. I didn't see that in the instructions, but I assume it means they recommend a cable or something just in case it comes loose? It may just be a CYA statement. I recall something about non-trailer loads needing stabilizing straps, but don't know what that means. Maybe if you are using one of the large, heavy high capacity racks or platforms? It's class 1 and rated at 200lbs tongue and 2000 for towing....should be plenty for bike racks!

[languiduck]

I take the word tether as meaning a safety cable of some sort. But reading curts website it appears they want it strapped. I guess to prevent any bouncing and side side side movement. I can see how a rack would have leverage to pull on the hitch but I have anti rattle brackets that hold it tight. Just wondering if the rest of you bothers with it. Not like there's exactly a good place to hook straps to.

[Stuck'ite]

I have been using mine slot and not tethering. I have had zero issues with it as a result. I would sat the tethering is hate lawyers getting a little cautious.

It does make after market exhausts a challenge. I slightly modified the rear exhaust mounts and have no rubbing. With out doing shut though the APR muffles did slightly rub the hitch.

Bottom line I love mine,

[languiduck]

Well I had placed an order for one through etrailer but after it soaking in for a couple days over the long weekend I cancelled it. I just can't bring myself to put that thing hanging off the rear of the car. For the 2-3 times a year it would get used, we'll just keep using the truck if we want the bikes. I gotta think about it some more, sometimes going out of town I want the economy of the car but have to decide if I can live with it on all the time.