ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Hello all,
I'm going to get a nice used Thule 440 2 53" bars & locks. Please let me know if there will be any issues while mounting them. The clamp look like this
<a href="http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/?action=view&current=Clamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/Clamp.jpg" border="0" alt="Clamp"></a>
<a href="http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/?action=view&current=IMG_0615.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/IMG_0615.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/?action=view&current=Bar_length.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x193/Bmle06/Q7_3_28_08/Bar_length.jpg" border="0" alt="Bar length"></a>

Thanks,

Jusforfun

it seems that the roofrail are a bit too close together for direct use of that system.

Perhaps you could keep/post a photo record if you do have to modify them.
The 53" seem to be a desirable size.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/q7/threads/3894.phtml#24975">https://forums.audiworld.com/q7/threads/3894.phtml#24975</a</li></ul>

jfischetti

The 440 set that is sold domestically has 47" bars which seem to fit just right, just long enough to clear the feet on either end - See link pic below:

440 Stock bars.
http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/119600/img_1116.jpg

The Aero bars that come with the UK version of the foot pack, seem to have longer bars that stick out farther, probably 53"
See pic below

UK Aero bars
http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/85357/dscf0293.jpg

i prefer the shorter bars, and am planning to buy the UK fit kit for the U.S. 440 set so that there is not a gaping hole, that apparently "whistles" a bit when driving.

the $12 Euro fit kit from the UK site can be purchased here:
http://www.roofrackshop.com/vehiclecheck/audi/q7/

mksap11

Probably won't be an issue, but it just doesn't look right - like it needs a different fit kit.

jfischetti

The Aero version is the fitted version from the UK that uses the correct fit kit to fill in the gap above the rails.

The pic of the 440 with the gap is without the correct fit kit. That kit can be purchased from the UK for $12 euro and will look like the Euro kit ---

Both kits use the same feet, but require the correct fit kit to have the finished look for your specific car.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Next will be the hitch, but the after market hitch seems to be higher than factory one. I have to see. I will design running boards with 3/4" or 1" copper bars, but they're not needed per wify...

Cheers,

jfischetti

I'm not sure if the guy who installed and put pics on this board made a bumper install error and it was mounted wrong.

The mount of the hitch is simple and cant be screwed up, but i cant believe curt would design their mount that jammed up into the bumper.

good luck with the 440, and just so you know, the fitkit from the UK totals $30 Euro for item and shipping to US.... thats $47.93 USD

mksap11

When you get around to removing the bumper cover or look at a Bentley manual, you'll see what I mean. There is *no* free play on the bumper install. I actually removed/reinstalled it twice to double check.

Incidentally, the Curt hitch isn't designed specifically for the Q7 and was initially designed foe the Touareg and Cayenne. I may end up dremeling the bumper to get a more "proper" fit, but doing this would be purely for cosmetic reasons.

jfischetti

I recently did an allroad fender flare replacement and stuff didn't go back the way i wanted, and without slamming it with a rubber mallet, it wasn't going where i wanted it to go.

So, it's the way it is.

it's a bummer the hitch fits like that -- a 1/2 inch would have made a big difference, but since it was close to $1000 difference from the dealer installed - i'm sure i could live with it on a leased car.

mksap11

I sometimes think about selling the Curt and buying an OEM one, but for my primary purpose (bikes) there is no functional difference. The OEM hitch comes with a trailer control unit which integrates with the rest of the car's electronics which would be quite beneficial if I need to tow my parent's boat.