hanshinji

so i found out that installing towing package for q7 is quite expensive ( not a surprise).
i don't plan to tow anything heavy and i just want to install bike rack (like yakima/thule).
someone mentioned that there is an aftermarket towing port(?) i can get for less money.
has anyone done it? as long as i have the square port, i can use it. if there's a DIY guidebook, it'll be awesome.

ps: does anyone hang their bike rack over trunk door? research tells me it's a bad idea for many reasons.

hanshinji

would this work for me? also, is it going to be ok with the sensors if i install bike rack behind?

Jusforfun

If you are using lights plugged into trailer socket then rear sensors de-activate automatically

hanshinji

hmm.. i think the aftermarket one i found does not have any socket? isn't it the bare bone?
i'm not exactly sure where the sensors are located on our Q7's, but if i install aftermarket towing mount and then a bike rack on it, would the sensor work correctly? i hope i'm making some sense here.

Hodge

Plenty of sense. The sensors will see your bikes once mounted all the time and constantly sound in reverse, they only become disabled with the aux lighting plugged in as suggested or probably using the vcds to switch them off

HTH

EJPlasticman

i have a 2013 q7 wth tow package and have installed my Thule revolver bike rack without difficulty. With no bikes on rack and arm in down position, this will set off the rear sensors. i think the sensors would still go on if the arm was in the up position even without bikes.

hanshinji

thanks for the explanations.

is it relatively easy to take the bumper off? i've taken bumpers off for my previous coupes and sedans, but not Q7 yet. i have the typical house-hold tools in my garage. would it be enough?

thanks

Jusforfun

There are two retrofit hitch write ups (with pics) 2008 and 2011. Links in the spreadsheet DIY section. They include some useful tips.