Recommended Method for Carrying 4 Bikes on 2009 Audi A4 Wagon

Published 02/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(23)

$272.13

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(549)

$100.36

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1702)

$233.95

Question:

Hello, It appears that the only receiver hitch option for a 2009 Audi A4 Wagon is 1-1/4inch correct? That limits me to only 2 bike carriers correct? Or is it feasible to use a 1-1/4 to 2inch adapter so that I can use a 2inch bike carrier for 4 bikes? Thanks for you help.

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

You are correct that there is only a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver # C11195 available for your Audi A4 Wagon. You are also correct that when using a 1-1/4" receiver that you are limited to a 2 bike rack. I have a solution for you to carry 4 bikes, but using a hitch extender or adapter like the # HTAD reduces the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50%, so it will not be a good option. Your best bet is going to be carrying 2 bikes on a rack and 2 on the roof, using a roof rack and roof mounted bike carrier.

If you don't already have a bike rack for a 1-1/4" receiver, the Thule Camber # TH9058 is a great solution that is both light weight and will tilt away from the vehicle to allow you access to your rear cargo area. To carry the bikes on a roof rack, you can use something like the Yakima High Road # Y02114, which is a sturdy roof mounted carrier that works with bikes with or without disc brakes. This carrier can mount on factory cross bars, as well as square, round or aero style bars that are found on aftermarket roof racks.

If you don't already have a roof rack on your Audi A4 wagon, I've linked all of the compatible racks for your vehicle to this answer. You'll need to determine if your vehicle has flush mounted rails or if it has the raised side rails in order to choose which roof rack kit will work on your vehicle.

If you've got the factory raised rails, the Rola # MPG216 is a cost effective solution for adding a roof rack that is compatible with the Yakima Raptor Aero mentioned above and comes with 58" long bars for plenty of bar space. If you've got the flush mounted rails (without space between the side rails and roof) the Rhino Rack # RRSX028 feet and Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126S-2 are a great solution that will be durable and aerodynamic to reduce wind noise.

Because of the available hitches for your vehicle, you will have to get creative in order to carry 4 bikes with your 2009 Audi A4.