Lotus99

So basically it's a 2" receiver for all intents and purposes? Is it possible with that type of receiver to hook up a 2" hitch mounted bike rack too, for example?

And I presume the weights on PF Jones, notwithstanding it's a UK site, are in Kg's, so the 90 nose weight and 2100 towing weight, are in Kg's, in my link?

sfcacique

Negatve, the square "receiver" hitches are not common in EU, if at all. EU uses a goose/swan neck with an integrated (actually forged together) ball, vice the USA straight, parallel to the ground square bar with a removable ball. USA receiver hitches are usually parallel to the ground. This EU towbar has a vertical, circular sleeve to mount the gooseneck to, which then bends under the bunper to the rear of the vehicle.

To further complicate matters, the USA reinforcement "bar" under the BMW bumper cover is not the same as the EU version. This is secondary to the USA 5mph collision damage limit requirements.

Another bit of bad news, since the towbar is not a USA "receiver" the the USA bike mounts won't fit. Transversely, the EU mounts will, which are really impressive. Check out the Thule EU sitem

Lotus99

Thanks for the insight. So it sounds like if you're getting this thing just to mount a bike rack, you'll have to buy an EU bike rack too... Sucks. Was going to recommend it to a friend with an A4 Avant who wanted a 2" receiver so he could get his hitch mounted bike rack.

What about for towing trailers? I presume the EU gooseneck it comes with, you can just pop the trailer onto?

sfcacique

If all you want is a bike rack, get the Curt with the 1 1/4" receiver, and the 1"1/4 to 2" adapter bar.

The EU Gooseneck "theoretically should" perform just like a normal ball when towing trailers.

gman6262

I thought about going the 2" route, then decided to save a bit of money and went with the Curt hitch. I have a Softride Element 4 bike mount, and it all fits perfectly. Note the photo of the hitch installed from below - no drilling for a 2010 535xiT. When travelling any distance, I put a Thule crossbar right at the back of the roof, then run a cargo strap to support the top of the bike rack - rock solid at speed, even over rough roads and dips. I also have the fork down roof mounts, but like the silence of the rear rack when travelling.

Lotus99

Further to my post above, I was looking at this page, describing hitch classes and typical weights, and am confused how the 5 wagon's class 3 hitch from the UK can only take 90 kg / 200 pounds, which is equal to a class 1 hitch, but tow 4,400 pounds, which is almost a class 3? A class 3 hitch is supposed to take a 500 tongue weight. Even class 2 is 300/350 pounds...

sfcacique

Apples and oranges, the Westfalia removable swan neck tow bar can tow 4840lbs..2200kg

Lotus99

And yet its supported tongue weight is only 200 lbs??? That's my point. It's not apples to oranges IMO.

sfcacique

My apologies, answering from smart phone and misread context,

sfcacique

Receiver Adapter for Bosal Hidden Euro-Style Trailer Hitches - 2" x 2" Bosal Hitch Accessories BSL043964 is a EU to US 2" receiver hitch which would give the ability to tow with the EU limits, and still have 2" receiver hitch functionality for US bike kits etc.

Shame I have already invested in the EU Westfalia...