Should the tow hitch have a cap on it?
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
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Should the tow hitch have a cap on it?
I opted for the tow hitch for my Q5 and it came without any sort of cap. This is the first time I've had a car with a tow hitch so wasn't sure if they should be capped when not in use. I've noticed that several other cars have a cap on theirs, though many others don't. If you have a tow hitch, do you cap it when not in use, and did your Q5 come with a cap?
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You can buy it separately at the parts department of your dealership.
It won't prevent rust. Hitches don't look good after a while which is why I hate putting one on a nice expensive car like this. On the other hand, no point in an SUV that doesn't provide utility...
It won't prevent rust. Hitches don't look good after a while which is why I hate putting one on a nice expensive car like this. On the other hand, no point in an SUV that doesn't provide utility...
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Joined: Jul 2013
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I agree that it lessens the elegant look somewhat but it is utilitarian. I actually don't anticipate towing anything but thought it convenient for bike racks, though it's likely overkill for that. I used to put bikes on a roof rack, but the height of the roof rack on an SUV coupled with shoulder problems makes this difficult for me now.
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Arguably the opposite...
Yes, it caps the end, but then notice the two sides where the > 1/2" hole is for the tow arm + ball assembly locking pin. Water goes in that hole and gets trapped inside over winter. I've seen exactly that on my two prior minivan hitches with 2" square set ups like the Q5. I need to see if the Audi design is sealed on the forward side; some are, some aren't.
Figure with or without a cover, water and eventually some surface rust will get in there. If you are in a snow area with road sanding, you will also probably fine grit in there over time too. I have found the covers help reduce a fair amount of that.
If you aren't an Audi brand/logo aficionado, you can buy ones in basic black rubber/soft plastic with maybe a common trailer towing brand name (like Reese) molded into the face either at the corner parts store on via Amazon for < $10. I'm sure there are generic plain face ones somewhere too; just haven't found one yet.
Figure with or without a cover, water and eventually some surface rust will get in there. If you are in a snow area with road sanding, you will also probably fine grit in there over time too. I have found the covers help reduce a fair amount of that.
If you aren't an Audi brand/logo aficionado, you can buy ones in basic black rubber/soft plastic with maybe a common trailer towing brand name (like Reese) molded into the face either at the corner parts store on via Amazon for < $10. I'm sure there are generic plain face ones somewhere too; just haven't found one yet.
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If you aren't an Audi brand/logo aficionado, you can buy ones in basic black rubber/soft plastic with maybe a common trailer towing brand name (like Reese) molded into the face either at the corner parts store on via Amazon for < $10. I'm sure there are generic plain face ones somewhere too; just haven't found one yet.
Importantly, there is NO branding, logo, decals, etc. Just a clean look. :-)
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