Originally Posted by mkassab

Check this out..... anti-sway for the trailers breaks.... https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...s/HA81775.html

Pretty cool device. Makes sense to me for the ultimate piece of mind.

Mark

Originally Posted by timshuwy

Yup... they DO may anti-sway bars that are distinct from non-recommended Weight Distribution systems... https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Wei...trol_Only.aspx
THAT SAID... I also went to the VIN Decoder Here: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/vindecoder.php which SAYS that the car does have "Towing w/Trailer Sway Control"... wondering if maybe the car already compensates for sway with electronic braking or something?

• Engine: 3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC
• 3.204 Axle Ratio
• GVWR: 6,479 lbs
• Engine Auto Stop-Start Feature
• Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler
• Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
• Engine Oil Cooler
• 75-Amp/Hr 420CCA Maintenance-Free Battery w/Run Down Protection
• Regenerative 180 Amp Alternator
• Towing w/Trailer Sway Control
• 1367# Maximum Payload
• Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
• Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
• Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering

Originally Posted by mkassab

Your question: Can someone shed any light about the description "Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt."? Thanks!

I already did. Look back a few posts and I have a link to etrailer.com when they have a very good description on Wt Dist.

Mark

Originally Posted by s5blitzer

Apologies if I wasn't clear. Yes, I saw your post and appreciate it but but the description came from the VIN decoder tech specs for my vehicle listed this - Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.7700 lbs 7700.0 min 7700.0 max.
Is it saying the factory tow hitch is a weight distributing hitch? I highly doubt so. Just wanted some thoughts on the way the description is listed.
Thanks again!

Originally Posted by timshuwy

Mine had the same thing, but if you look, the weight limits do not change with/without the wt Distributing Hitch"... I don't think that the VIN identifier is telling you to USE this type of hitch... I think that this is a template that they use for all cars/trucks to show what the specs are for various uses... and in our case, they are the same.
ALSO, the car's manual wins here... it SPECIFICALLY calls out NOT to use a Weight Distributing Hitch. From page 92 of my 2018 manual: "WARNING - Never mount a "weight -distributing" or "load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer hitch. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch can malfunction and the trailer can break off from the vehicle."
Seems clear enough to me.

Originally Posted by mkassab

I believe the Air Suspension would not detect or change with trailer sway, but does detect "out of level" with sensors, so when weight is added to the hitch to cause the rear to sag down, the air will bring the rear back to level.

Mark

Originally Posted by timshuwy

First off, you might try checking in the https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q7-...iscussion-211/ forum which is for the new generation Q7s (2016 and beyond).
Secondly, I did some research, and one of the reasons I purchased the 2018 Q7 Prestige with Adaptive Chassis was because of the increased tongue weight and tow limits.
1. It is my understanding that you should NOT use load leveling... if the hitch is not designed for it, the torque will destroy your car (I have personal experience where it ALMOST pulled the hitch off the Q5 when going over speed bump).
2. Factory Tow package also includes WIRING for brake control, but you have to purchase ($99?) a brake controller and install or have it installed.
3. Adaptive Chassis DOES account for factory Tow Hitch, and automatically changes the air suspension.
4. Adaptive Chassis also provides 4 wheel steering making it easier to handle.
5. the Rear vision camera and parking automatically changes when you are trailering so that backup warning sensors don't beep, and the camera has a hitch guidance line for hooking up.

I have NOT yet had a chance to try my trailer yet. I used to have a 2011 Q5 that could "just barely" tow my 3000 lb/300+Tongue weigth trailer.. it was good on flat land, but going up mountains felt a little under powered. Looking foward to towing my camper up to 10,000 feet this summer at Rock Creek Lake in Eastern Sierra Nevadas.

Originally Posted by s5blitzer

I specifically stopped myself from buying the MY18 SQ5 because the Airstream Sport 22FB has a max tow weight of 4,500 lbs and 450 tongue weight and it was cutting it way too close for my comfort. My new MY18 Q7 will do a better job at towing but since I picked one up at a year end deal, the Q7 did come with a towing package (extra $1,800 to install one on the SQ5 after the sale) with the 7-pin connector option, however, it did not come with the adaptive suspension option. I am still trying to research if there are any disadvantages not being able to use a weight distribution hitch with the Airstream. If there are anyone out there who are familiar with the Airstream Sport 22' FB, please share your towing experience.

Thanks!