Thule Racks Installed on A4 Avant
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Thule Racks Installed on A4 Avant
After many hours of researching the Thule and Yakima rack systems for my new Avant, I decided on Thule and couldn't be happier with my choice so far. Here's what I went with if anyone else out there has been thinking of racking their ride:
#RB47 Rapid Aero Cross Bars
#4007 Fit Kit
#460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack
8 pack locks
Thule offers many bike racks but I decided on the #518 Echelon because of it's sturdiness, ease of use, and its clean looks. I also had to get the #XADAPT9 adapter since the mount that comes with the Echelon does not work on the Aero Bars. A little bit of jimmy-rigging had to be done to keep the rubber strips on the top of the aero bars but it was an easy fix. When winter hits and it's time to dust off the snowboard I went with the #91725 Universal Flat Top 6 Carrier which will fit 4 boards or 6 pair of "misery sticks" if that's how you choose to slide down the hill. Here are some pics of the bike set up.
#RB47 Rapid Aero Cross Bars
#4007 Fit Kit
#460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack
8 pack locks
Thule offers many bike racks but I decided on the #518 Echelon because of it's sturdiness, ease of use, and its clean looks. I also had to get the #XADAPT9 adapter since the mount that comes with the Echelon does not work on the Aero Bars. A little bit of jimmy-rigging had to be done to keep the rubber strips on the top of the aero bars but it was an easy fix. When winter hits and it's time to dust off the snowboard I went with the #91725 Universal Flat Top 6 Carrier which will fit 4 boards or 6 pair of "misery sticks" if that's how you choose to slide down the hill. Here are some pics of the bike set up.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Scotty - thankfully there's only a little wind noise between 40-50 mph. You would think that the noise would increase as your speed increased but there is no wind noise over 50/55 mph...kinda trippy but I'm not complaining. On a side note, did you order those chrome tips yet?
A G A - I lined up the front feet where the pinholes are but have the back feet set a few inches behind the rear pinholes for a little more stability with the bike trays. The Thule's do not attach or have screws that mount in to these holes so you can set as for forward or back as needed. The Thule's simply grab the lip of the rail when tightened.
A G A - I lined up the front feet where the pinholes are but have the back feet set a few inches behind the rear pinholes for a little more stability with the bike trays. The Thule's do not attach or have screws that mount in to these holes so you can set as for forward or back as needed. The Thule's simply grab the lip of the rail when tightened.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Looks good! Approximately how tall are the black feet, and how many inches is the bar above the centerline of the car (at the shortest clearance distance)?
Would you mind taking a photo straight from the front of the car, and perhaps one directly from the rear (to show the bars spanning the width of the car)?
Would you mind taking a photo straight from the front of the car, and perhaps one directly from the rear (to show the bars spanning the width of the car)?
Trending Topics
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Whitby, Ontario
Very nice setup....I will probably go with a different bike carrier but the overall package looks great. I still can't believe the price of base bars....something that comes standard with many SUVs.
My preference is still a tow hitch carrier.
My preference is still a tow hitch carrier.
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)
Brett Foote
Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Audis That are FINALLY LEGAL to Import to the U.S.!
Joe Kucinski
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 33
Scotty - thankfully there's only a little wind noise between 40-50 mph. You would think that the noise would increase as your speed increased but there is no wind noise over 50/55 mph...kinda trippy but I'm not complaining. On a side note, did you order those chrome tips yet?
With regards the OEM racks, I only had mine on once and it was only around town so I don't know if they quieten. I'm on a months leave (had a baby a few days ago) so I'll probably have them on to get some decking etc whilst at home. I'll give them a go and see at what speed they quieten down or if I run out of road first
