OEM Audi Q7 Hitch vs Aftermarket Hitch
 

Hi all, hoping you can help me with a question. I purchased my 2017 Q7 Prestige Plus in November, totally not anticipating buying that day, but the dealer made me an offer i couldn't refuse. Anyway, the only item missing from the vehicle that I wanted was the tow hitch. We'll only be using it for bike racks / similar items, and not towing anything requiring the wiring, so I thought this would be a simple add on later. In speaking with the dealer it looks like an OEM hitch plus install will be over $1500 for the package. I've reviewed the install process and while laborious, it's not something I couldn't handle. However, the parts are the majority of that cost. In reviewing the market, there are several options for aftermarket hitches that are much, much less expensive. https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2017_Audi_Q7.htm

I can't really think of any reason to go with the OEM over the aftermarket, with perhaps the exception of a slight loss of ground clearance, which I'm not sure will impact us at all. I cannot find any comparison or dimensions that would allow me to compare the hitch height / ground clearance for each, which makes it a bit more difficult, nor can I find a clear guide on exactly what OEM parts would be required if I decide to go that direction. Can the experts help?

Thanks!

The OEM setup will require a bumper lower trip cutout to fit nicely back there. Not sure about the after market. If its just for bikes, why not go for the a bike rack that goes on the back hatch of the vehicle?

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I think that was one of the parts I saw related to the OEM setup, which was a new lower fascia / spoiler piece, probably that contains the cutout.

The hatch mounted racks are total crap and carrying 4 bikes on one is painful loading and unloading and can also damage the bikes.

I purchased a Curt Trailer Hitch on Amazon for my Q5 and was happy with it. I was able to install it my self in a couple of hours. They make one for the Q7, but it appears to be a little more complex to install so I would probably take it to the Mechanic.
You can see the installation instructions here including how much bumper needs cut.

Here is a video showing the install process with OEM parts. The only thing I like about this is the nice OEM trim piece. The price of the tow package is not that much if you get it from the factory but if you decide to do the OEM install afterwards it's pretty pricey.

If you don't want to spend that much on the OEM parts then just get the Curt hitch that timshuwy listed. It's the hitch that I was looking at getting before I decided to just do the OEM tow package during the ordering process.

Either way, the video will work for whatever hitch you buy.

Anyone have their local Uhaul dealer install a hitch on their Q7?

I don't have this particular hitch (or any hitch for that matter) but came across it a while back while researching.

https://stealthhitches.com/products/...ears-2016-2017

Wow, thank you nhatman! It will be $698 for the tow hitch and the Dallas preferred installer will install it for $375. Ordering now!

Their video is really cool. Please post pics after you get it installed.

No problem! Let us know how it goes (with plenty of pictures)!