PEF

Hello everyone,

I've recently reserved an incoming Q5 that is coming with the tow package installed. I believe the sales agent said that side assist is disabled with the two package (not an issue for me since this is a premium plus Q5), however it made me wonder if packing assist would be disabled as well.

Can anyone confirm?

Thank you,

PEF

DriftDreamzSS

nope, parking assist works just fine with tow package.

PEF

Thanks!

Reisen

According to the manual, this is incorrect.

Page 134:

"For vehicles with a trailer hitch, the parking system rear sensors do not come on whenever you shift into reverse or when you press the parking sensor switch. Remember, there is no warning for distances to the rear. The front sensors remain activated. The visual display switches to the trailer towing mode. The picture from the rearview camera will not show the orientation lines nor the blue surfaces. If you install a hitch yourself, this function may not work."

ktmf

I read this too, but it is not correct as written. Just got my 2011 with factory installed tow hitch. Rear camera and sensors work fine. I wonder if there is some logic in the tow wiring that disables rear parking when there is a trailer attached?

Jusforfun

Correct the trailer electrics automatically disengage the other functions except camera. Try moving a trailer without the elecrics plugged in like when you launch. beep beep beepbeeep argh where's the button.

Thunder22

I ordered a 2012 with tow hitch and parking assist and called the dealer today after seeing this thread and the contradictory info. I was told that parking assist works with the tow hitch installed. Could he be wrong? Sure. But I trust him.

PEF

Good to hear... thanks for the info. On a side note, can anyone recommend a cap for the square hitch hole?

Jusforfun

The front sensors stay on, the camera stays on, the rear sensors mute or dont report though they still sense the trailer. They can actually tell if its a boat trailer or a caravan or box trailer.
I suspect he thinks you are asking if tow package eliminates parking assist and he is correct in that respect.
Having Tow hitch does not eliminate parking assist you still have both.

All that happens is once you plug in trailer electrics it modifies settings slightly which is what you want.

Other upsides of tow package are:
(while trailer electrics are engaged)
Anti sway programme via ESP.
Transmission adapts for heavier load (actually feels a bit like sport mode).
Brake balance shifts back and they become stronger.
Shocks adapt like in roof rack mode to cut sway.
Trailer bulb test and report. (I love that feature on my Q7).
Extra engine cooling while towing( not sure if its fan, air duct or oil cooler related)

Good luck with your 2012, looking foward to seeing it

HaveBullDogWillTravel

I got a 2" cap from etrailer.com when I was ordering a hitch for my Golf

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Covers...tch/80037.html