HELP!!! BIKE rack

[Q7newbie]

I ordered the tow bar, purely for a bike rack! Expensive bike rack.

My thoughts exactly. And the cynic in me can't help but believe that Audi purposely made the q7 incompatible with any rear bike rack apart from their tow bar one.

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[Thakey17]

My thoughts exactly. And the cynic in me can't help but believe that Audi purposely made the q7 incompatible with any rear bike rack apart from their tow bar one.

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It's not just Audi. Part of my business is bike racks for cars and we are seeing more new cars unable to take rear mounted carriers. The reason for this is as new cars are made to be lighter for efficiency, the boot panels/hinges are no longer strong enough to take the weight.


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[sm02fly]

It's not just Audi. Part of my business is bike racks for cars and we are seeing more new cars unable to take rear mounted carriers. The reason for this is as new cars are made to be lighter for efficiency, the boot panels/hinges are no longer strong enough to take the weight.


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I ordered the factory tow bar (electric retractable) with the 'trailer assist'. Has anyone fitted a bike rack to this (clamps over the ball style) and not damaged the trailer assist sensor on the tow ball?

Given the previous thread about ALKO anti-sway hitches damaging the rotating disc on the towball, I am hestitant to use anything other than a standard trailer hitch...

Part of me wishes I had just ordered a ~£300 removable swan neck towbar... this could be a reasonable option for the original poster? I found a 4 bike towball carrier from Halfords for around £200 a few years ago.

[JMB7]

I used a Thule easyfold 931 rack on my original Q7 about 10 times before it was replaced for other issues. I wasn't aware it could damage the tow bar until I read this thread.

I'm picking up the replacement on Wednesday, will have a look at the bike rack and see if it's likely it will cause damage before using it in anger!

[Q7newbie]

It's not just Audi. Part of my business is bike racks for cars and we are seeing more new cars unable to take rear mounted carriers. The reason for this is as new cars are made to be lighter for efficiency, the boot panels/hinges are no longer strong enough to take the weight.


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Ahhh (mental penny succumbs to gravity). Well how crap!
So, since you're the man to ask, is my best option the tow bar set up then?

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[Q7newbie]

I ordered the factory tow bar (electric retractable) with the 'trailer assist'. Has anyone fitted a bike rack to this (clamps over the ball style) and not damaged the trailer assist sensor on the tow ball?

Given the previous thread about ALKO anti-sway hitches damaging the rotating disc on the towball, I am hestitant to use anything other than a standard trailer hitch...

Part of me wishes I had just ordered a ~£300 removable swan neck towbar... this could be a reasonable option for the original poster? I found a 4 bike towball carrier from Halfords for around £200 a few years ago.

Was the set up you found from Halfords generic to fit any tow ball, or was it a particular Q7 specified fit?

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[Thakey17]

Ahhh (mental penny succumbs to gravity). Well how crap!
So, since you're the man to ask, is my best option the tow bar set up then?

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As long as you buy a reputable brand then you can't go wrong. Any good brand will have a website where you can check if it is suitable for your car. I also think that how you carry bikes is totally personal preference. For me personally I will go with the roof option. It gives a lot more flexibility. If I'm taking one bike, only fit one rack, no need to be lugging around the big 3 bike carrier at the back of the car. If two or three, fit as needed. Also no electrics needed, trailer board (lights/number plate). Just watch the height restrictions on certain car parks!!!!!!!!! I've seen people totally strip their load driving in to these without thinking.

[sm02fly]

Was the set up you found from Halfords generic to fit any tow ball, or was it a particular Q7 specified fit?

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generic- used it previously on a Passat. Just clamps over (completely encloses) the towball and tightened with a spanner on the top to give a good fit. It's this that I am worried about damaging the rotating disc sensor used by the tow assist...

[Q7newbie]

As long as you buy a reputable brand then you can't go wrong. Any good brand will have a website where you can check if it is suitable for your car. I also think that how you carry bikes is totally personal preference. For me personally I will go with the roof option. It gives a lot more flexibility. If I'm taking one bike, only fit one rack, no need to be lugging around the big 3 bike carrier at the back of the car. If two or three, fit as needed. Also no electrics needed, trailer board (lights/number plate). Just watch the height restrictions on certain car parks!!!!!!!!! I've seen people totally strip their load driving in to these without thinking.

Thanks for that.
I couldn't ever go with the roof option because the only time I'd ever have the bikes would be for a outdoor break that would necessitate my having the roof box for luggage and camping gear. So my only option will always have to be the tow bar prep.

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[EssexGonzo]

My own view is that Audi have done you a favour by ruling out the rear mounted rack.

I carry decent bikes a lot and would never, ever contemplate mounting bikes on a tailgate for a whole number of reasons. Main one is that they're just not stable over bumps. Others include not secure from theft, bikes could be damaged if rammed from behind, road grime and salt is not good for the bikes, bikes can easily scratch the car......etc. On top of that, exhaust heat is apparently an issue with larger engines in a traffic jam. A mate had a C5 RS6 many years ago and the heat generated in a jam melted plastic toe clips and various other bits. That maybe just a V8 problem though........

Have you considered bikes on the roof plus one of these...? Thule EasyBase BackUp Box 900 - 900 I'm seeing more and more of them. You'd still need a towbar but if you do this regularly, it may be worth it.

Or maybe you need a bigger car than a Q7........