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Initially I will be installing an aftermarket towbar with a removable hitch to my Q5. A couple of weeks later, I will be installing the electrical 13 pole kit upon receipt. I chose to install a german 13 pole electrical harness kit which I will describe in a later post. The purpose is to make my Q5 capable to carry a bike rack and a trailer.
My Q5 came without tow bar / trailer hitch preparation (PR code 1D0).
The purpose was to save money but not sucrifice quality. So I tried to find the best value for money towbar (new) thus Audi towbar was not considered as an option.
After a research there were 4 contenders but most were location restricted. I preferred the angled and vertical detachable hitches. The horizontal or the fixed ones were rejected, so there were limitations on my choices.
1. 02029-VM (I think this is made in italy)
2. A-095 Steinhof (made in poland), they also have model A-106, the bolts on A-106 model seem longer but more importantly the hitch bumper plates (for connecting the hitch) I think do not stick out from the bumper level thus better design overall. You can observe from my pictures that A-095 hitch connector protrudes from the bumper, thus A-106 seems to be a better choice.
3. Westfalia (??)
4. Brink / Thule towbars (there are two types angular and vertical). In terms of appearance the angular Brink/Thule towbar/hitch was the best looking.
After asking locally I was quoted 500 for brink / thule towbar (though it was sold in UK for 250), 3 I could not locate locally or be shipped to my location, 4 could not be shipped internationally, 1 was 420 with the electrical 13 pole kit, thus only 2 choices remained. A-095 Steinhof which was shipped from Germany (at a price of less than 250). The german electrical kit Erich Jaeger was 130. (so cheaper overall than 1) but only by a small margin.
Towbar was delivered today, tomorrow will try to get this installed. The towball has 50mm diameter. One of my first reactions was why did the Steinhof manufacturer not include a towball cap??? for protection. So I ordered immediately 3 towball caps since these are really cheap (3-4 dollars for all). Checking pictures it seems to come with a towball cap, thus it is missing/ was removed from my package.
Last edited by apoelistas; 01-21-2018 at 10:36 PM.
Today I have completed the installation of the 13 pole electrical harness kit (incI CU) made by Erich Jaeger.
The harness was plug and play. No wire cutting. Instruction were enough apart from ground location, which was in a different place compared to the harness installation manual. I had to remove most plastic trims in the boot in order to find it.
After connecting - ve on battery, and starting car I got abs, tpms and other electrical faults. Coded CUs for trailer and problem sorted.
Trailer CU is recognized by CAN.
Note: Q5 prefacelift with Radio Concert
Codings: The control module is recognised and can be coded as original. Othewise use the full codings list below - Manual Method. This applies to Prefacelift Q5 (probably to all B8)
[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 6, Bit 3 Changed from 0 to 1
Check the following bit 3-5 is correct: Mine was pre-selected. Codings:
[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 7, Bit 3-5
depends mine is regulated double fan.
[03 - ABS Brakes][Security Access - 16] (Enter code presented by program)
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 1, Bit 7 Changed from 0 to 1
[09 - Central Elec]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 18, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1
[10 - Park / Steer Assist]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 0, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0000 to 0001
[19 - CAN Gateway]->[Installation List]->Tick 69
[046 - Central Convenience Module] - Long Coding 07- Byte 12 Bit 5 activate.
VCDS gateway list of trailer CU
Address 69: Trailer (J345) Labels:. 8K0-907-383.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 383 D HW: 8K0 907 383 D
Component: Anhaenger H09 0100
Last edited by apoelistas; 01-16-2019 at 03:00 AM.
Yes I agree that this model A-095 came with longer neck.. It is the old model. Newer model A-106 comes with short neck and bumper hatch door can be used. I confirmed this after installation with the Steinhof manufacturer. This is the main reason it was revised. In my case unfortunately the neck sticks out of the bumper by few centimeters. I was unlucky I guess since I got old model, whose production ceased 2016. I am selling the new bumper skirt I bought with the removable hatch door because I cannot install due to this reason.
Regarding the loop shape there are 3 types of detachable towbars. The horizontal the least attractive, the vertical same as one purchased, and the angular the most attractive. Brink/Thule in Europe has the angular type.
Last edited by apoelistas; 01-31-2018 at 12:40 PM.
apoelistas It seems to me there's nothing you're not willing to take on .Your posts are an inspiration to many.Sure are to me.
Thank you MurrayA4 for your compliment. I am glad to share my experience with audiworld members.
Worth mentioning, the following:
To install the towbar I visited my mechanic. 2 people are needed for this retrofit. Bumper cutting tool is required. My mechanic did not want to take the risk so I marked the opening myself, he did the cutting. We worked as a team of 2. Labor cost 3-4 hours because we never had a similar experience before (removing the rear bumper) . He only charged me about 50 dollars (40 euro) because now we can do this in less time.
To install the electrical kit no bumper removal is needed. The electrical installation manual has all info apart from ground location . This task was completed home alone. I spent a lot of time trying to find ground bolt and remove and reinstall trims.
Glad that this project was completed successfully
Next project: FMIC installation.
Last edited by apoelistas; 02-01-2018 at 03:33 AM.
This completes the retrofit. Original electrical control unit OEM bracket as per previous post now installed, fixed with velcro tape on plastic bracket. Much better.
Last edited by apoelistas; 04-10-2020 at 10:48 PM.
01-19-2018, 02:47 PM
Retrofitting Towbar / Trailer Hitch
