Audi release the software for the tow hitch. It is in stock at my dealer and I have made an appointment for install.

Audi release the software for the tow hitch. It is in stock at my dealer and I have made an appointment for install.


Do you know the cost? I'm getting mine port installed next week.

Aftermarket (Curt #13218) also just released for about $200 including shipping (hitch only, no wiring). It will be interesting to see how installation and appearance compare to the factory hitch.

Pictures please after your dealer installation.

Audi release the software for the tow hitch. It is in stock at my dealer and I have made an appointment for install.

What is the price for parts and installation?

What is the price for parts and installation?

There are two parts that are needed: the hitch and some type of bracket.

List prices:

Hitch $795.00
Bracket $17.00
Labor 5 hours at your shop rate

There are two parts that are needed: the hitch and some type of bracket.

List prices:

Hitch $795.00
Bracket $17.00
Labor 5 hours at your shop rate

That's a lot of money for a tow pkg! I need a trailer hitch but I just can't see paying around 1400 when all my other tow pkg's cost around 600 or less.

There are two parts that are needed: the hitch and some type of bracket.

List prices:

Hitch $795.00
Bracket $17.00
Labor 5 hours at your shop rate

Thanks for the info. I would love to see the finished product if you can find the time to snap a pic after the install.

Ron

This is great news! I ordered my 2010 Q5 on 7/22, but told them I would not take delivery of the vehicle until or unless the hitch issue was resolved (since I use it often). So I'm thrilled for the udpate -- thanks.

Any price or other differences between dealer installed and port installed tow hitch?

Does the Curt provide a tow rating?

Found it myself - 4000 lbs trailer / 400 tongue

The Curt hitch appears to mount below the bumper supports as opposed to the factory one that replaces the bumper bar and protrudes through the bumper cover. Much simpler (and cheaper) but probably the reason for the reduced load rating. What's not clear is the interface to our "prewired" electrical provisions. I'd also like to know the resulting hitch height for both.

My hitch was successfully installed yesterday.

IAmAudi took pictures of the install from start to finish. Complete details can be found at: http://www.iamaudi.com/audi-q5-tow-hitch-installation-sunset-imports-service/

My hitch was successfully installed yesterday.

IAmAudi took pictures of the install from start to finish. Complete details can be found at: http://www.iamaudi.com/audi-q5-tow-hitch-installation-sunset-imports-service/

So what's your opinion about the fact that the lower cover had to be cut out?

So what's your opinion about the fact that the lower cover had to be cut out?

I was aware that it needed to be cut and was a little hesitant. After seeing the finished product, I think it looks fine.

Looking from a standing position looking down or a distance you can't really tell that it was cut after the fact. The cover is black throughout. On close inspection, it is evident that it was cut; there is no trim piece to hide this fact. If it really bugged me, I think a little touch-up paint would make it look factory.

My other worry about having a hole was accumulation of water, snow etc. But, the bumper cover is pretty much hollow where the cut was made, so there is nothing to rust, corrode, etc. The water will just run out the underside. You can test this theory by sticking your hand up and under your bumper cover; just a big hollow spot until you get up by the park sensors where the actual crash bumper is installed.

Does the Curt provide a tow rating?

4000#'s GTW 400#'s TW. I installed it on my Q5 looks good, no cutting of the bumper. No bumper removal.

http://www.thehitchstore.com/class-iii-receiver-hitch-p-2112.html

4000#'s GTW 400#'s TW. I installed it on my Q5 looks good, no cutting of the bumper. No bumper removal.

http://www.thehitchstore.com/class-iii-receiver-hitch-p-2112.html


If you use it only for the bike rack then I understand but if you are really towing trailer and your tranny fails then don't bother to complain about the warranty as you didn't use OEM hitch with its computer that also adjusts the tranny for towing. :D

My OEM hitch is waiting at dealer parts and next weekend I'll install it at my own garage, have no issues to cut the bottom of bumper as you barely see the bottom anyway.

If you use it only for the bike rack then I understand but if you are really towing trailer and your tranny fails then don't bother to complain about the warranty as you didn't use OEM hitch with its computer that also adjusts the tranny for towing. :D

My OEM hitch is waiting at dealer parts and next weekend I'll install it at my own garage, have no issues to cut the bottom of bumper as you barely see the bottom anyway.

You are correct, I don't plan on towing a boat with a small car like the Q5. I installed the Curt for my bike rack. The Q5 does not offer much option to carry a bike other than on the roof. You are looking at $400 for the roof rack for 2 bikes. You can not even attach a Trunk (back lid) bike rack because of the spoiler. $200 for the curt was the best option. Both hitches are attached to the same frame rails so I do not see how it is or is not going to damage the trans. I believe the Q5 is rated to tow a 4400# load, Audi claims "Best in Class". The Audi trailer wire harness does turn on and turn off the back up assist when the trailer lights are plugged in, but I do not know how it would change the trans shifting when it does not know what the additional load is on the vehicle. You can always shift yourself with tiptronic.
Just could not justify $800 plus installation (from what others are saying $1200-$1800) for a hitch from the Audi Dealer. Even my Audi salesman recommended I go to U-Haul to have a hitch installed. U-Haul will not touch a car with back up sensors that requires the bumper cover to be removed.
I agree with others, why doesn't Audi offer a hitch as a factory installed option (at a reasonable price?) on the Q5?

TTR2002:

Do you have pics of your install including electrical.

I only need a hitch to trailer 1-2 motorbikes on a very light trailer (which actually disassembles and fits in the trunk). While I understand that the OEM ECU+hitch includes connections for trailer brakes and what not, I think I would only miss the revised transmission/shifting that supposed to come with the OEM ECU.

It appears there are tow choices:

Audi

1. ECU that contains a trailer brake controller and integrates with park distance control, stability control, electronic brake distribution, and the transmission.

2. Full 4400 lb capability

3. No loss in ground clearance

4. No loss in safety functions because the hitch replaces the rear bumper and supports the same load characteristics as that bumper as well as crash behavior in the event of a rear collision

5. Peace of mind - installed and warranted by Audi technicians

Curt

1. Cheaper cost and and quicker install

2. Generic wiring kit that will needs to be somehow connected - no current T-connector listed in Curt's application guide - I guess the wiring would be spliced or tapped into the brake light lines - not sure how this would affect the brake light diagnostic circuit

3. 4000 lb capability

4. Reduced ground clearance - the hitch protrudes under the bumper cover

5. Changed crash profile - not sure if this matters, but based on my install photos, there is a gas tank behind there

6. Curt warranty only for the hitch - no warranty if other systems are affected by the install

If I was only going to attach a bike carrier and really did not need a light circuit, the Curt hitch might be the way to go. However, I tow a trailer and opted to go with the Audi hitch, even though the cost is much higher.

It appears there are tow choices:

Audi

1. ECU that contains a trailer brake controller and integrates with park distance control, stability control, electronic brake distribution, and the transmission.

2. Full 4400 lb capability

3. No loss in ground clearance

4. No loss in safety functions because the hitch replaces the rear bumper and supports the same load characteristics as that bumper as well as crash behavior in the event of a rear collision

5. Peace of mind - installed and warranted by Audi technicians

Curt

1. Cheaper cost and and quicker install

2. Generic wiring kit that will needs to be somehow connected - no current T-connector listed in Curt's application guide - I guess the wiring would be spliced or tapped into the brake light lines - not sure how this would affect the brake light diagnostic circuit

3. 4000 lb capability

4. Reduced ground clearance - the hitch protrudes under the bumper cover

5. Changed crash profile - not sure if this matters, but based on my install photos, there is a gas tank behind there

6. Curt warranty only for the hitch - no warranty if other systems are affected by the install

If I was only going to attach a bike carrier and really did not need a light circuit, the Curt hitch might be the way to go. However, I tow a trailer and opted to go with the Audi hitch, even though the cost is much higher.

I contacted my Audi parts dealer and was told the 2010 Q5 is prewired for trailer lights. I was told all I need to do is purchase the pigtail from the dealer. I went in on Sat so the parts man is looking up the part number and going to provide a print out where I am to find the pre-wire connections.
He also told me that there is no adjusted software program for the trans. The trans will adjust shifting based on load. The prewire connection will detect you have a trailer light plugged in and turn off the back up parking sensors and side assist.

The Curt Hitch has a skid plate but does not sit that low. The Curt hitch is not lower than the main suspension in the rear of the car. I do not plan on 4 wheeling a $50,000 car. The gas tank is not by the hitch at all(that is the spare tire tub) . the Q5 has a plastic gas tank located in the center of the car.
If anything the Curt Hitch is going to deter from the cars crash profile less than the Audi hitch. With the Curt hitch you are not replacing the existing aluminum crumple zone bumper with a solid steal hitch that is not going to crumple or bend.

I don't disagree, if you need to pull a full 4400 load, go and pay the $1500 (or more) for the hitch. I am packing 3 bikes on the hitch and maybe a jet ski once in a while. I opted for a $1200 savings.

My Audi dealer does not even know how to install the Audi hitch yet or what it really costs. Audi should have pre installed a hitch, but if you look at most cross over suv's on the road today, none have hitches.

I contacted my Audi parts dealer and was told the 2010 Q5 is prewired for trailer lights. I was told all I need to do is purchase the pigtail from the dealer. I went in on Sat so the parts man is looking up the part number and going to provide a print out where I am to find the pre-wire connections.
He also told me that there is no adjusted software program for the trans.....

If you mean with pigtail the socket where you connect the trailer plug to get power to trailer then just pigtail does not help you at all as there is no power.

I went through same crap with VW Tiguan and without control box there is just prewiring with both ends loose.

No power, no turning signals...

Don't trust too much your dealer and what they say as after all personal experiences from American VW and Audi service writers and managers I have lost my trust on their professionality and brand knowhow.

My European dealer I used to deal with have been double checking and correcting EU and US spec's and parts etc information I have got from my local dealer.

Now rest of you who have good dealer be noted I'm not bashing your dealer, just be lucky you happened to stop at right spot :D

Ever get that "pigtail" part number and other info from the parts guy?
This is the missing link for the Curt hitch, and it would be nice to avoid having to buy an expensive electronics module if you don't want those features!

Ever get that "pigtail" part number and other info from the parts guy?
This is the missing link for the Curt hitch, and it would be nice to avoid having to buy an expensive electronics module if you don't want those features!

No not yet. The parts guy has not called back. Very upsetting. I have been busy with work, but will call on Tuesday (again).

I took the plunge and bought the OEM hitch and installed it myself. I've set the "check" in the computer for the trailer hitch but am getting an ESP error. does anyone have the computer config documented to make sure I'm doing it correctly or does anyone have the software update if one is needed?

thanks in advnace for your help :)

No not yet. The parts guy has not called back. Very upsetting. I have been busy with work, but will call on Tuesday (again).

Let me assure you that I've bought and installaed all the parts and unless you're looking to splice wires you will need the control module. I can't tell you the price since it came with the hitch I bought but there is a ~$20.00 bracket that holds it in the back right panel. The install is somewhat easy if you take your time but I can see it being very frustrating if you're in a rush or get upset. I had a couple of snags, but luckily my neighbor came by and the two of us figured it out. It was what I thought, but it's alway nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Anyway long story to tell you that you need the control module IF you don't want to splice. Of course if you want to cut in to your Q5 wiring harness to find your lights, keep in mind that the Q5 has LEDs and you might need to do something special for that. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking resiters or something.

......long story to tell you that you need the control module IF you don't want to splice. Of course if you want to cut in to your Q5 wiring harness to find your lights, keep in mind that the Q5 has LEDs and you might need to do something special for that. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking resiters or something.


So far I have not seen post that that someone have spliced yet as most of us fears screwing up the car computer.

If folks have money to buy that +40k car then is this really that big amount of money to cry about as if that splicing screws up the car computer, you have +40k pile of steel without warranty......

So far I have not seen post that that someone have spliced yet as most of us fears screwing up the car computer.

If folks have money to buy that +40k car then is this really that big amount of money to cry about as if that splicing screws up the car computer, you have +40k pile of steel without warranty......

+1

ok so I looked through the VCDS and found 4 spots to code for the trailer hitch and a trailer hitch section that might make itself available after I code the other 4. I don't have time to test tonight because my wife wants to go to diner and a movie but I'll be testing tomorrow AM first thing. My goal is to have the module connected with no ESP errors!

Once I test I'll come back on with my findings and let you all know. Maybe I can save myself and others in here a trip to the dealer.

I'll keep you all posted.! to make sure I don't double up on posts, I'll be updating http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=23960229#post23960229

If folks have money to buy that +40k car then is this really that big amount of money to cry about as if that splicing screws up the car computer, you have +40k pile of steel without warranty......

+2

+2

+3. I worked it into my deal (even though sales and service were separate) and only spent $1000 for the hitch and install. I also use mine for a bike carrier with 5 bikes.

So, what about pulling a trailer with electric brakes? Then what?

So, what about pulling a trailer with electric brakes? Then what?

Well there is two options...

1) Dump that trailer with relic electric brake system and get trailer with hydraulic surge brakes so you are not depended on electric brake controller.

2) Install electric brake controller to Q5. The controller is main reason why I got trailer with hydraulic surge brakes so I don't need to worry about electric controller.

Information on electric brake controllers fitted to Q5's:

Here (http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26570)

And here. (http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22556)