Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Has anyone installed a hitch harness in their B8? I need some help identifying the correct wires.

Edit: I found the wiring.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Hi guys, newbie here and this is my first post. I'm looking for a hitch for my 2011 A4 Avant to install a bicycle carrier. Are there any good installers in the Toronto area or should I have the dealer install it? Any ideas on the cost? I'm assuming the dealer price will be much higher.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

I'm sure the dealer will be outrageous, as usual on parts. Curt makes a hitch for our car and it's a fairly simple installation. I just installed one on my 2011 Avant.
For reference, the Hitch Depot will charge you about $290 for hitch, electrical connector, delivered with taxes in. I don't know the typical installation rate.
If you don't need the electrical you can reduce this by about $90.
Any hitch shop around town should have it. Uhaul also sells the Curt hitch.
You can also install a fully hidden Euro style hitch but they are about $600 and may not be locally available.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Its just for a bike carrier so no need for electrical. Is it relatively easy to install?
I saw a bike carrier at Costco for only $67 so I thought this would be a good alternative to a roof rack. I'm relatively short so for sure I'll scratch the car if I try mounting bikes on the roof.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

I will use mine 90% for the bike rack and occasionally with a small trailer. Much preferred over roof racks. If you have tools and are comfortable with DIY projects, it's not that hard. You need ramps or jack stands to raise the car, some sockets and torx drivers. You need a helper to raise the hitch into position while attaching the bolts. You may want to get a price on installing to see if it's worth the bother. I would guess it would be about $100. Be sure to match the rack to the receiver size...1 1/4 or 2"

You can see the install instructions on the Curt or Hitch Depot site. http://www.hitchdepotusa.com/

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

the Curt hitches look good so I'm looking for a Canadian seller so I don't have to deal with duties etc. Thanks for your help!

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

No duty, etc with HitchDepotUSA. It's free shipping and they ship from a Mississauga warehouse. The exch rate is in your favour also.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Perfect, thanks again!

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

so I found out that my Avant only accepts a Type 1 Hitch that has a 1.5" receiver. However, I'd like to install a 4 bike rack that apparently uses a 2" receiver. Does anyone have a solution to this?

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Sounds like you need a 2" to 1/14" adaptor...

Hitch Adapter Hitch Accessories | etrailer.com


Google is your friend...:p

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Jim you're the best, never even thought of an adapter, thanks man!

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Just a reminder to read the fine print. They recommend cutting your tongue weight in half when using an adapter, so it's only for a bike rack,etc. I believe the Curt hitch is rated at 300, so 150 should be plenty for 4-5 bikes.

Jim

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

Hi Jim, I've been doing some research and there's one hitch :)
Apparently an adapter is is not recommended, especially if I do 4 bikes because with the leverage effect it could bend the frame of my car. Its a brand new 2011 Avant so I don't think I want to risk that. A guy at Rack Attack mentioned that a Honda CRV came in with a bent frame because of this. So back to square one it seems.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

The tongue weight for our hitch is actually 200 lb so cutting it in half would still be 100lb, which you would think would still handle 4 bikes. I can't imagine this kind of weight bending a frame..maybe the hitchframe? I understand your concern though. You may have to buy a new rack with a 1/1/4" receiver then. Yakima makes a 4 bike model in both sizes. Time for a Craigslist search!

2011 Yakima DoubleDown 4 Hitch Bike Rack for 1.25" & 2" Receiver Hitches - 8002424

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

The Yakima looks good but I actually got one from Costco that carries four bikes and it fits both 1.25" and 2.0" receivers. After I bought it I spoke to someone at Rack Attack who recommended that I not use it. I'm now wary of installing a hitch and debating what to do. I suppose I could still use it for only 2 or 3 light bikes just to be safe.

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

I'd suggest another opinion from other installers or contact Yakima also. I installed the hitch and can tell you it is robust even though it 's a class 1. The tongue weight ratings are usually conservative and even with leverage 200lb seems like plenty to handle 4 bikes plus the hitch if you're not using the adaptor. You could also talk to your dealer to see if they have any advice.

I only need to carry 2 bikes though and tow a utility trailer, so have no concerns.

Jim

Re: Avant trailer hitch harness
 

I ended up just getting the hitch to fit the 1.25" receiver. Everyone told me that getting an adapter wasn't safe due to the leverage effect, too much strain on the car frame. Better to be safe on a brand new car under warranty. Cheers