dsackman

I would go factory hitch. Much better integrated. I had a Curt after market hitch on my 2011 and took it off before selling it - just thought it was better to get the car back to standard and I believe I got a better price for that.

I have an OEM hitch on the 2013. Works great and I can tow if I want to. Using it mainly for the bicycle rack.

The old Curt hitch is still in my garage waiting for a good home. Free to anyone interested to pay shipping from Southern California.


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koobah

After my dealer tried to rape me on the OEM hitch (around $2000 with labor), I started looking at aftermarket. I'm sure OEM hitch is a quality product, however, I just wanted a hitch for a bike rack and I think I found a much better option: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2858310

Mark P

Update: On Q5 got an adapter from 2" down to 1-1/4" for our rack (Tiguan has 1-1/4" hitch), and the increased length allows the Q5 tailgate to open/close with the rack still in full upright position. I didn't get a photo of that but will sometime in the future when I use it next. I did grab these two quickly while testing it out. I assume one could get a 2" extension that would provide the same benefit.

mwaarna

Nice. I just read the description for the T2 and it seems very nice!

The Add on Piece, to add 2 more bikes is 320 bucks on amazon!

Making the complete 4 bike holder 700!

I currently only have 2 bikes to worry about, but cant pick up others for their bikes, but that is rarely the case.

I will strongly consider the Thule T2, due to the reviews here and on amazon.

Loafer123

I had the dealer install a 2" factory hitch without the electronics harness because I wanted a smaller 'cut-out' in the plastic plate, and I am using the hitch for a bike rack only.

The rack I am using is a Kuat rear bike rack, currently outfitted for 2 bikes (but this can be expanded to 4 bikes, if I want to do so. When this rack is in a tip out mode (which is very easy to do), I have complete access to the rear compartment without taking the bikes off the rack.

In the brief time I have had this system, it works very well- connection to the hitch is very solid.

Jasonindenver

I had a Thule T2 for years and liked it but it did interfere with my hatch and back-up camera on my Pathfinder and Outback.

I switched to a 1Up rack and can say it is the best I have ever had for quality and convenience.

www.1upusa.com/

I currently have the one bike option as 90% of my trips are just getting myself to the trailhead. I will get the second bike add on option soon, though.

Kuat makes a great rack as well.

Transfer

1Up, Kuat, Thule, and even the Yakima HoldUp are good premium racks but they certainly aren't cheap. Especially not cheap when you've already shelled out $700-$2500 for an installed factory hitch. For me, I mountain bike every chance I get (sadly usually weekly) and having an easy to use, strong rack is of huge importance.

Loafer123

Of course to each his/her own on what one is willing to spend/invest in a rack. For me, when I look at the investment in my bikes and the vehicle, I am willing to spend money for a good quality rack and hitch. I was fortunate to have my dealer install a factory hitch and cutout for about $800-did not include the installation of the electronics for a trailer hitch since I use the hitch for a bike rack only.

Stephen Charles Rea

This is the one I ended up buying a few years ago for my Durango and have since started using it on My Q5.

Jasonindenver

Agreed. When I have an expensive carbon bike, I am more than happy to make sure my rack protects its as much as possible. I would never dream of putting on one of those cheap racks that let the bikes bang together.