2018 SQ5 : factory installed vs dealer installed tow hitch

[truckee]

We're about to purchase a used SQ5 not currently equipped with a tow hitch. When we bought our travel trailer today (Nucamp 400 BD) the sales person mentioned that a "tow package" (stronger rear springs, transmission cooler, etc.) might be necessary. He admitted he had no idea what Audi did with respect to tow hitches. So my question is whether an Audi SQ5 with a factory installed tow hitch is identical (or not) to an Audi SQ5 with a dealer added tow hitch. If all we need is to add the tow hitch we will have an easier time finding just what we want. Is there a definitive reference somewhere in the Audi universe on the issue?

Many thanks.

[spindlewood]

It should be identical, only about twice the price. Verify, obviously, with the dealer, but that is the way it works. Hitch was about $850 port installed. Price for the parts is about that and then add dealer labor which is significant.

[WtA4WtQ5]

Not sure about 2021 SQ5’s but my ordered 2020 SQ5 with the factory tow package appears to get an additional trans cooler that non tow package SQ5’s do not get. Not sure about any rear spring changes.

[truckee]

Thanks all for your replies.

I ended up stopping by the local dealer to see what's what. The service advisor sent me to the parts guy who ended up saying he couldn't add a hitch to the vehicle if it didn't have "trailer prep". I took this to mean that the vehicle has what Audi calls "trailer hitch provision". I could not confirm what exactly that means but took it to mean the vehicle has the necessary wiring for an electric brake controller. The installation description at the dealer made no mention of a transmission cooler.

On the plus side, both the 2 & 3 liter Q5/SQ5 have the same towing capacity. I'm going to assume that our 3,000 lb trailer will not provide a significant challenge.

[383vett]

Brake controller wiring is not rocket science. Hot, ground and brake light switch is all that is needed.

[spindlewood]

Thanks all for your replies.

I ended up stopping by the local dealer to see what's what. The service advisor sent me to the parts guy who ended up saying he couldn't add a hitch to the vehicle if it didn't have "trailer prep". I took this to mean that the vehicle has what Audi calls "trailer hitch provision". I could not confirm what exactly that means but took it to mean the vehicle has the necessary wiring for an electric brake controller. The installation description at the dealer made no mention of a transmission cooler.

On the plus side, both the 2 & 3 liter Q5/SQ5 have the same towing capacity. I'm going to assume that our 3,000 lb trailer will not provide a significant challenge.

Yes, it needs trailer prep. Didn't know that dealers couldn't do this. On my 2018, the package was offered for like $1800. Maybe only some dealers are able and willing. Maybe it has changed.

Tow package has a 4400 lb capacity for trailers with a brake and up to 12% incline .

[windyctyaudi]

Unless something has changed on the 2020 or 2021, the SQ5 is already wired for the hitch and trailer brake controller. My 2018 and 2019 were both wired. The factory plugs for the harness are located behind the panel in the cargo area on the driver's side. The trailer brake controller harness is located under the dash panel near the ODB port. I called my dealer last week asking for an estimate for the factory install, they quoted me at $900 for labor plus the hitch which was an additional $780. The installation is pretty straight forward, however the factory module can only be programmed by Audi. I called a different dealer and they told me it wasn't possible to add one. I knew it was so I called around.

[fussball]

My 2018 came pre-wired for a trailer. I believe all US SQ5s had trailer prep (I've heard no evidence to the contrary). You can find details about my installation here: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...r-Installation

Dealer charged me 1-hour labor for coding the trailer into the car's systems. They grumbled a bit but ultimately did it.