Anyone here with an aftermarket or DIY trailer hitch install (Mk III specifically)?
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,228
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From: Northern NJ
Anyone here with an aftermarket or DIY trailer hitch install (Mk III specifically)?
Looking to add a trailer hitch to 2025 B10 (type GU) SQ5. This would be for carrying a bike rack, cargo carrier, and also occasional towing of a utility trailer. Was looking at Stealthhitches, really like the product and the clean/stealth approach to things. If it were just for bike racks or cargo carriers there is no issue. However, Stealthhitch does not offer a wiring connector for the Mk III Q5/SQ5 yet, complicating matters for when the trailer is needed. Spoke with someone at Stealthhitch and the issue they are facing appears to be the new electrical lighting systems - which Stealthhitch have not figured out yet.
e-trailer shows a powered light converter from Curt that on the surface may solve this issue? https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...ID=20266075830
Anyone here with non-OEM hitch experience who can point me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance!
e-trailer shows a powered light converter from Curt that on the surface may solve this issue? https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...ID=20266075830
Anyone here with non-OEM hitch experience who can point me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance!
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: May 2026
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I'm on the same journey. I plan to only use mine with a bike rack, but my rack has brake/turn lights so I also need to figure out the electrical.
I finally found a local (Cincinnati area) dealer and installer of Stealth Hitches willing to do the install. He told me Stealth doesn't actually do any of their own research to determine compatibility. They wait for someone to try it to confirm a fit and then list it on the website. Apparently I get to be this trial for the 2026 Q5, which Stealth believes to be the same as the Gen3 2025 Q5.
Regarding the electrical, they won't commit here. I suggested a likely compatible Stealth part and also the Curt part you referenced below. They don't believe either will work.
I take the car in this week for install and while it's apart, they will investigate the electrical system and have a recommendation of potential ways to get the wiring to work.
I'll post in here when I have more details.
I finally found a local (Cincinnati area) dealer and installer of Stealth Hitches willing to do the install. He told me Stealth doesn't actually do any of their own research to determine compatibility. They wait for someone to try it to confirm a fit and then list it on the website. Apparently I get to be this trial for the 2026 Q5, which Stealth believes to be the same as the Gen3 2025 Q5.
Regarding the electrical, they won't commit here. I suggested a likely compatible Stealth part and also the Curt part you referenced below. They don't believe either will work.
I take the car in this week for install and while it's apart, they will investigate the electrical system and have a recommendation of potential ways to get the wiring to work.
I'll post in here when I have more details.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,228
Likes: 5
From: Northern NJ
Thanks for the reply, it appears this will be an issue that affects any person who wants to tow with their latest generation Q5/SQ5 using non-OEM parts. Thought about just having the dealer do it - but the dealer quoted a price for the parts for the 2025.5/Mk III SQ5 (tow bar plus tow harness) and for just these parts they price is $985 (including tax). Add in 4-5 hours of labor and that's an additional $700 or so - so pushing $1700 all in cost using the dealer.
Have had a couple of follow-up calls with the Stealthitch team, and they do not believe any of the existing non-OEM electrical devices (like the Curt) will work on the new Audi electrical scheme. I have a Steathhitch on order (will be DIYing that installation) and, like you, am going to part of the testers on the latest generation Q5/SQ5 to see if we can find a solution that serve anyone needing non-OEM towing capabilities.
Let's stay in touch on this to track our progress please.
Have had a couple of follow-up calls with the Stealthitch team, and they do not believe any of the existing non-OEM electrical devices (like the Curt) will work on the new Audi electrical scheme. I have a Steathhitch on order (will be DIYing that installation) and, like you, am going to part of the testers on the latest generation Q5/SQ5 to see if we can find a solution that serve anyone needing non-OEM towing capabilities.
Let's stay in touch on this to track our progress please.
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