[alski]

Any thoughts on best way to carry bikes on Q5 - we will occasionally have 4 bikes (2 adult and 2 kids). Am wondering if need to order tow bar so that I can get one of those Thule tow bar mounted bike rack. Obviously a VERY expensive way to end up with transport for 4 bikes but would welcome any other ideas.

 

[Guest]

I have the tow bar fitted to my S-line. The tow bar itself when stowed is completely hidden so the car looks no different. To utilise, you remove a small panel located on the underside of the rear bumper cover. The release mechanism is inside the boot on the left hand side behind the cover hiding the tools. You pull the lever an the tow bar comes out. A simple tug on the ball then gives a click to lock it in place. There are visual light checks on the release mechanism and the dashboard to show it is secured properly.

If you are thinking about needing a tow bar then order the manufacturer fit. Doing it post delivery is a very expensive option. After sale quotes easily exceed ?2,000.00.

I have the same problem as you. I need to carry between 1 and 4 bikes, with the normal being 2 to 3.

I have therefore opted for the Atera Strada as listed below. The item is due for delivery next week, so I cannot comment on actual usage.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehs ... RYoJEYzTmI

Reasons for this choice are size, cost aand weight. It will easily fit across the boot, and I also think it looks neater.

Please be aware of the limitations in the Q5 manual about using tow bar mounted accessories. The manual gives the moment (defined from the towbar) for differing weights that can be carried. A 4th bike using either the Thule or Atera extension is right on or just over the limit.

 

[alski]

j2910 - thanks for the very quick response. I'm staggered that Audi would charge ?2k+ for aftermarket tow bar. Must be able to get one much cheaper from towbar specialists but not sure what advantages / disadvantages are. When it comes down to it I'm sure the factory one is made by specialist manufacturer such as Witter / Westphalia etc..But as you say even if factory option is couple hundred quid more than independent aftermarket it's prob worth it.

I guess my only other option would be 2 bikes on roof and 2 hanging off rear fit rack - OK for short journeys but prob not as good as the Atera solution for long trips to France etc..

 

[Guest]

Although at this time I am not yet the proud owner of a Q5, I can thoroughly recomend a tow bar mounted bike carrier. It makes loading and transporting bikes so simple, no lifting trying to avoid damaging the paintwork and I'm sure you'll agree that one slip, which results in the paint being scratched and you'll wish you had invested in a towbar. It also allows you to tow a trailer etc. if the need arises. Only possible negative that I can see to a tow bar mounted rack is that the bikes are very vulnerable in a rear end shunt, but here's hoping that never happens!

 

[Bamburgh]

at present i have a 330DSE BMW tourer with tow bar. My Q5 3.0 TDI due in 2 weeks. I use a Theule platform style bike rack that is excellent. It holds 3 bikes with an option to buy the kit for a fourth bike. Whilst the rack is quite heavy it is very good. It locks on, can swivel and you can lock all the bikes individually. First class. I paid ?300 for the rack so it is not cheap!

Mike

 

[nsm3]

I was quoted ?2,750 to retro-fit the towbar (I was looking for a Used Approved Vehicle), which led me to order a new car with the tow bar fitted.

Apparently all the costs on the retro-fit are in the relocation of various parts of the car, replacement rear body panels etc, most of the costs involving the labour element?

I had similar with my A3 which was an ex-demo, but the sales guy screwed up and quoted me the same ?550 as a factory fit option - fair enough they stood on with the deal, but the car had to have a new rear bumper which had to be sprayed, so they definately lost out on that one! BTW, the towbar fitted was a Bosal one in that instance.

I doubt if one of the retro-fit routes will provide the completely hidden version that Audi offer (unless you shell out the ?2k + of course), but if you were happy with a permanent towbar, I am sure someone will have figured one out by now?

Regarding the bike rack, I have the Thule (2 bike version) and think it is one of the best purchases I have ever made - the tilting mechanism which allows you to use the rear hatch without taking the whole thing apart is invaluable!

 

[alski]

I've called a few towbar specialists this morning. The best quote for a Bosal detachable came to ?400 inc Vat. The 3 others I called all mentioned a problem with Q5 to do with cooling system upgrade that needs to be done as 'recall' type event by Audi to accomodate towbar. Probably wouldn't be an issue on new factory order car.

However have come to conclusion that given the time / hassle to get towbar fitted later it's not worth the small saving - so factory option it is for me.

 

[Hooplescat]

I am a bit gutted, I need a towbar, and should have gone factory fit - it just seemed like an expensive option.

My car is due to be confirmed this week for a March 22nd build date, so in theory I could probably still add it - but last time I added an option after making the initial order it put my delivery date back by over a month...

Anyone recommend the best aftermarket option from anywhere?

 

[alski]

I am a bit gutted, I need a towbar, and should have gone factory fit - it just seemed like an expensive option.

My car is due to be confirmed this week for a March 22nd build date, so in theory I could probably still add it - but last time I added an option after making the initial order it put my delivery date back by over a month...

Anyone recommend the best aftermarket option from anywhere?

The 'best' quote I had was from Indespension http://www.indespension.co.uk/b2c/app/I00010. I called their Redhill branch who quoted ?335+Vat.

I previously had a new shape ML and got a towbar fitted by Thameside Trailers in Staines who were very competitive and did a great job. Tel: 01784 464655. I called them this am regarding Q5 but they haven't got back to me yet.

 

[Guest]

Finally got to use the Atera Strada bike carrier yesterday (weather has been appalling), and I have to say it was brilliant.

It fits easily width ways in the boot for stowage and mounts on the towbar in seconds.

The only complaint is instructions are a little brief. You must read the supplied sheet with the diagrams to understand how to get it on and off!!

It has 13 pin plug reversing, brake, night and turn lights.

It also extends very easily to allow access to the boot without having to remove the bikes. As you can probably tell I am very happy with the purchase.

The product can be viewed here:

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehs ... RYoJEYzTmI

 

[bry]

My dealer included a couple of audi bike carriers when i bought the car. I think they are about ?70 each

View attachment 271

 

[Hooplescat]

bry, how easy is it to get the bikes up and down on the rack?

and j2910 - nice bike carrier - how do you get round the park sensors going crazy?

thanks

 

[bry]

yes - its is a bit of a stretch and lightweight road bikes are easier than mountain bikes. You tend to develop a knack of lifting the bike on and off in a positive go for it kind of way SO AS NOT TO DROP IT ON THE CAR. I am 5' 10 and manage ok but my roadbikes are very light and the mountain bikes are no more than 27 -28 lbs.

 

[Guest]

When you attach something to the tow bar (trailer, bike rack etc) and hook up the electrics, the rear park sensors are automatically disabled. The MMI shows a picture of a trailer attached.

 

[nsm3]

When you attach something to the tow bar (trailer, bike rack etc) and hook up the electrics, the rear park sensors are automatically disabled. The MMI shows a picture of a trailer attached.

That is good to know - the sensors on my A3 are really annoying when even just the towball is fitted - continual tone!

 

[Hooplescat]

My car has been confirmed and I am REALLY gutted I didn't order the audi towbar.

SO...

Is anyone using an aftermarket bar? Is there a button to turn off the parking sensors? Most cars I have had did have one, but I can't see one on the interior dash photos I can find...

The link someone sent for a good bar company lists dedicated wiring looms rather than general electric hookups - these are apparently to allow proper integration with the cars for ESP and such the like - I wonder of the audi one will disengage sensors.

The irony is, apart from not yet being released, the tow bar with the proper loom is likely to cost as much as the factory fit option

(

 

[El Jadius]

There is a switch in my A4 to turn the parking sensors on or off which you must remember to do manually if you want to use the front sensors without engaging reverse gear, I recall seeing a picture on here with the same switch so I would assume the same would apply to the Q5.

 

[Rowanlaw]

Hi,
Regarding tow bar for Q5. My dealer tells me Audi do not recommend tow bar mounted bike racks citing something to do with weight. Anyone know anything more definitive than this?
Thanks,
Rowanlaw.

 

[nsm3]

Sounds like nonsense to me?

The towbar will come with a recommended "nose weight" or the dead load of the tow hitch (not the towing weight), which is normally 70-90 kg from memory?

It doesn't matter what you put on the towbar as long as you stick within the parameters of nose weight and towing load.

2 bikes, even heavy ones plus the carrier, shouldn't come to more than 40-50kg, so I would think even 3 is possible?

If the nose weight for the Q5 is less than that, I doubt there will be any single axle trailers that could be towed?

 

[Guest]

Rowanlaw,

Your salesman is having you on. Audi, themselves, produce the following part

Part number
4F9071105G
Price
?354.00

This is a towball mounted bike carrier. They also sell an extension kit for a third bike.

The towball on the Q5 nose weight is rated for 80Kg.