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This completely hidden hitch keeps your vehicle looking like it just came off the assembly line. Remove the receiver for a fully concealed look when you're not carrying your bikes to the trail. Only for use with hitch-mounted racks and carriers.
Features:
Specs:
Note: This rack receiver is for hitch-mounted accessories only. The receiver tube included with this hitch cannot be used for towing.
If you would like to upgrade this rack receiver for towing, you will need to purchase the Stealth Hitches towing kit (391CONVA5 - sold separately). The ball mount included in this kit inserts into the center block of the hitch in place of the receiver attachment. A 2" hitch ball is included with the ball mount, making it ready to tow with out of the box.
If you want to take your bikes to the trail with your family this summer, you have plenty of options. You can carry your bikes on top of your car with a roof rack, but that bulky rack can increase drag on your ride. You can use a trunk rack, but that's a pain to mount and it can scratch your car's paint. Or you can install a hitch on your ride and use a hitch-mounted bike rack to carry your bikes.
This rack receiver is designed to act as a mounting point for your hitch bike rack or cargo carrier. Just slide the shank of your carrier into the receiver for use, and when you're done you can not only remove the carrier, but the receiver as well, leaving your vehicle looking clean and unmodified.
Nothing can ruin the clean, stylish look of your vehicle like a giant piece of metal bolted beneath its bumper. Luckily, with the Stealth Hitches rack receiver, you never have to worry about messing up your vehicle's lines.
This hitch installs behind your bumper, keeping the cross tube concealed and leaving only the hitch receiver visible. Even better, the receiver can be easily removed from the cross tube when it's not in use so that you won't see any trace of the hitch. This means that you can retain that clean, from-the-factory look for your ride, while still being able to carry your bikes and gear on the next family road trip.
The receiver can be attached or detached in seconds with no tools required. To insert the receiver, simply pop the base up into the stainless steel block at the center of the hitch until it automatically latches in place.
Be sure to then press the lock on the side of the block to fully secure the receiver. When you're finished carrying your bikes or cargo, use the included key to unlock the latch. Then turn the handle on the block clockwise and remove the receiver. You can stow the receiver in a safe place, like your vehicle's rear cargo area, or you can use a convenient carrying case (391CASER - sold separately).
And when you're not using the receiver attachment, the included hitch plug covers the center block's opening to protect the hitch's body from dirt and debris.
At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it, and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Alternate Instructions
Tech Tip
The included receiver is not designed for trailer towing. The Towing Package Upgrade Kit, 391CONVA7 (sold separately), is required for towing capability. No drilling required for installation , Requires temporary removal of bumper/fascia during installation , Fascia trimming required
Average Customer Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (9 Customer Reviews)
This completely hidden hitch keeps your vehicle looking like it just came off the assembly line. Remove the receiver for a fully concealed look when you're not carrying your bikes to the trail. Only for use with hitch-mounted racks and carriers.This is a very high quality hitch system. The color printed instructions (also easily available .pdf online) are fairly clear. The detach system is very high quality and works great. I am giving 4/5 for the high price.
Tips:
I have installed this type of hitch on a 2012 VW Jetta and now a 2011 S4 Sedan. When it came to cutting the plastic bumper to gain access to the hitch assembly, just take your time and get it close. As long as you are close to the proper area you will not be able to see the cuts. On my VW I spent over an hour making sure all of my measurements were perfect and it was exact. Then I drove that VW for 2 years and you could not see any of those cuts, and this Audi one is even more hidden.
Pro's:
- Very high quality and well made materials.
- Assembly went smooth and easy. Just take your time and follow the instructions. (may have to guess at some things see CON below)
Con's
- Price (it is very expensive but very few options for this car)
- The instructions had very clear and laid out instructions for the A4/S4 and A5/S5 with color codes and all. BUT when I began working on the car the instructions/photos did NOT match my 2011 S4. My car looked much more like the A6 and in some cases did not look like any of the photos or instructions. (example: the instructions to cut the back bumper for the A/S4 were completely wrong and mine looked just like the A/S6).
- Several of the pieces came out of their protective cardboard in transit and scratched each other up.
When installed on my 2016 Audi S5 Cabriolet it has only 6.5 inches of ground clearance and drags on the ground whenever you go down a curb or up an incline and that’s without any bike rack attached to the car. Once installed the hitch cannot be returned to etrailer. They should have a warning on their website indicating ground clearance may be an issue.
I have been using this product to attach a bike rack and carrying an e-bike or two. I have had Zero issues with this product on my 2014 Audi S5 in combination with a OneUp bike rack. Although I have not used this product for traditional towing purposes. The tongue weight and ground clearance were my biggest concerns, but I am happy to report I have had almost no issues so far, other than a minor issue with the cap rubber breaking to cover the lock mechanisms.
Just finished the install. The trunk threshold and bumper on the 2015 S4 are tough to get off. Just have to be patient and pull with purpose. The directions were adequate to point you in the right direction nearly all the time. Installed, the rack and mount feel robust, and I’m excited to have the 2” receiver to fit my current rack from previous SUV.
Jay
2/13/2023
One year in, the hitch and mount are still functioning like new. Stout and sturdy enough to carry 4-bike rack and 4 bikes, and invisible when the mount is removed!
Product is very well-built - Solid, heavy and very sturdy. I couldn't find a body shop near me that was willing to install it for me because none of them had ever done anything like this before. I had the right tools, so I did it myself and the installation on my 2010 Audi A4 took several hours vs the recommended 2hrs. It was my first (and last) time taking apart the rear bumper, tail lights, trunk floor and the whole shebang. But the included instructions (with pictures) were excellent and very detailed.
My Ikuram bike rack holds up to 4 bikes so it gets pretty heavy when fully loaded. It's been a year since I've installed the hitch receiver, and it's still solid after a dozen short trips to the beach, parks etc. I love that it's totally stealth when the receiver is detached.
The only negative: If you're like me, you'll permanently secure your bike rack to the detachable receiver. The problem is the bike rack + receiver combo is very heavy (easily 60+ lbs in my case). To attach the receiver, you need to aim for the hole in the cross tube UNDER the rear bumper...which you won't be able to see. Meanwhile, I also need to lift 60+ lbs to snap the receiver into place. The first few times were a struggle - took me 10-15 minutes. These days, I can do it in maybe 3-4 minutes, but there's no way my wife could do it. Detaching the receiver is a lot easier, but you need to insert a key (again, blind) to unlock it then twist a knob really hard to release the receiver. I wish I'd cut a bigger hole so my hand can more easily reach the knob.
Overall, this is worth the money spent and I'd recommend this to my friends if they are confident of the installation and/or can find a workshop to install it for them.
Etrailer's correspondance and quick shipment were wonderful. Got the hitch in a matter of days. I would highly recommend any potential customer to seriously consider buying from etrailer.
Right hitch fast !
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Hugh
8/4/2022
After one year with the hitch I have no complaints. It operates and functions just like brand new and I have no issues. I only use it for a 2-bike tray style bike rack and most of the time I dont even remove the bike from the receiver, I just release the receiver from the car.