archaus

I was wondering if anyone knew the part numbers for the factory towbar/hitch for a 2011 Q7 that was equipped with the factory tow package? I am interested in retrofitting one onto a Q7 that did not come with the factory tow package. The parts that I am able to find are rated for 550/5500 lbs tongue/max weight ie p/n 4L0092101C...or at least that's what Audi's website says. Also, did Audi make the parts themselves or was Westfalia the OEM supplier?

https://parts.audiusa.com/p/Audi__/T...L0092101C.html

Any help is much appreciated!

dreadlocks

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...it/4l0092101c/

archaus

Thanks Dreadlocks, but I saw this part on a Q7 today (it still had the plastic sleeve with the part number 4L0092101C and literature on the part in the trunk) and the hitch had a sticker that said max weight was 5500. It was also made by Westfalia. So is it the same part with a different sticker in the factory tow


package?

dreadlocks

Thats the same part number I linked above.. the above kit comes with all identical pieces you'd have if you would of got one with a factory tow package, minus the extra transmission cooling capabilities.. hence the lower ratings.

archaus

Thanks man. I guess that answers the question then. It’s not that the hitch is rated for 550 tongue weight and 5500 max trailer weight, but rather that the sticker is for the vehicle’s ratings. Same part regardless and made by Westfalia : ) I’m shopping for a TDI so I’ll have most of the cooling by stock then.

dreadlocks

yeah I think they derate the Q7 too much.. the Touareg and Cayenne both had 7700# tow ratings w/factory tow package.. and 6600# w/aftermarket.. so obviously the cooling system is capable of 6600# even w/out extra tow package cooling, I can buy the extra length behind axle derates it some.. probably not 1klbs, especially since the mk2 is 7700# across the platform.

I'm keeping mine under 7k# w/Air Suspension and its been perfectly safe in all forms.. still feels like its got plenty more at that and not like its overloaded.. my diesel did not come w/factory tow.

archaus

Last question. What do you use for a trailer brake controller? Or does this send braking signals to the trailer’s brakes as well?

dreadlocks

I use a redarc tow pro elite.. search this subforum and you'll find a thread w/part numbers for making your own harness to plug into the factory wiring under the dash.

archaus

Thanks again man. You’re a wealth of knowledge and very helpful!

cuatrokoop

The 1100lb derate would, I am assuming, come from the GCWR having to remain constant between Treg, Cayenne and Q7 since they use the same basic components. The Q7 has a higher GVWR than the other two if I remember correctly, since it weighs the most and can carry the most payload internally.

But, no 4.2 or TDI should be derated from 6600lbs since they all have added cooling capacity and a better transmission. The 3.6 is stuck with the 6HP from ZF, which is not as strong (max torque of 298lb-ft or so), so I can see that being allowed to tow less without added cooling. I've thought about adding a cooler for my 3.6, just because of how I drive (I tend to be a bit binary on the two pedals, "bad" habits from my younger days). Added benefit would be if I had to tow the horse trailer or my car trailer, I would feel more comfortable doing so (both trailers are over 3k lbs empty).

For a trailer brake controller, I have a Hopkins insight on the TDI (moved it from the 4.2) and a Reese Towpower Brakeman IV on the 3.6. Both work well, and are on opposite ends of the cost spectrum. The Hopkins is a three-piece setup, with a display, gain control and control box. So, you can mount those where they best suit you.