Jayhawk94

I agree with the bad info suggestion. I have the panoramic roof and factory towing. Dreadlocks has it right about getting a factory package and not losing out on all the automated intelligence baked into the vehicle.
Just went car camping a few weekends ago with a rented travel trailer and plenty of gear. Total trailer weight was over 6000#. I wasn't blazing up the mountain but, given 30s or so, could still pass semis and slower class A and C RVs. I wasn't hearing any creaking or groaning from the vehicle either on the road or while parking and pulling out from the campsite.

2012Q7204

Thanks everyone. When I get a chance to take off the rear bumper cover, I'll report back with what I find. In the meantime, I'm investigating how to remedy the creaking panoramic roof...thankfully I won't be towing with this rig as I can see it becoming even worse with some lateral stresses on the frame.

Edd W

You can just try cleaning all the seals with a silicone based spray and see if that cures the noises.

I fitted an aftermarket towbar with factory electrics and a Pano roof with no issues.

I tried in vain to find out why Audi do not recommend fitting a tow bar with a Pano roof and there is no further information available. I suspect they had some leaks on early test cars and put it down to increased flex in the roof when loaded up and on uneven ground.

dreadlocks

I think I recall seeing that a weight distribution hitch is not recommended, perhaps the unibody and hitch wont like the distribution forces put through the hitch?

Greg5OH

Does anyone have the part number for the OEM electronics kit? I too think it is silly to pay 900 for a tow hitch when a 150$ curt will be fine hardware wise, but I do want the factory configured electronic goodies though.

dreadlocks

Cheaper to buy the hitch kit, they installed a curt hitch w/no wiring on mine.. I demanded wiring and it cost em $1100 for the tow module and wiring kit, whereas the whole tow package was on ECS Tuning for ~$800

Greg5OH

good to know. hoping to use some of that bosch money to do this.

do you perhaps know the part number or the trans oil cooler and lines so I could retrofit the tow package onto our Q?

Hoosier1661

I bought the Curt hitch, the control unit from a wrecked Q7 in a junk yard, and the wiring here: https://cars245.com/en/item/audi-vol...1124F-harness/

$460 total.

Greg5OH

Thanks Hoosier.
anyone know if this control module number which a guy used on an 11 will also work with a 13?
4E0907383J


Also, do I need to run any wires to the rear? Vehicle has no hitch or prep package.

Thanks,

Hoosier1661

I believe that part # works up to 2015...it's just the revision that changed (B,C,D,etc instead of the J). I think you need the electronic brake controller if you don't have the tow prep installed from the factory.