Twintipin13

Looking at a 08 Cayenne turbo that did not come with the factory tow package. What all would I have to do to add the hitch?
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true

19psi

Just added a Curt hitch to my '04 along with the Curt 56146 3 to 2 wire converter kit. Total cost was $143.00 including shipping. Rear bumper fascia has come off but it's still a fairly easy install that can be done in a few hours. It's good for 6,000 lbs with a 600 lb tongue weight. For comparison, my previous Olds Bravada with factory tow package was good for 5,000 lbs and the same for my friend's new $50K Explorer.

Option 2 is the Porsche kit. Last I looked, it was around $1,200.00 discounted through online vendors (shipping can be high!). The wiring/module plugs into a factory harness in the rear and then has to be programmed at your Porsche dealer. Figure $1400 to $1500 when done.
For that extra amount, you get 7,716 capacity with 650 lb tongue weight. When a trailer is attached the Cayenne will adjust shift patterns for towing. The Porsche hitch also retains the threaded holes for the worthless eyebolt tow hook that most towing companies refuse to use.
Used Porsche hitches are also an option but seem to run $400 to $500 without electronics or hardware on eBay.

If you're going to pull something massive like a vehicle trailer with a heavy SUV or a huge boat, get the Porsche hitch.

The Curt will handle a U-Haul car trailer with a mid size car...if you don't intend on doing anything more than that, get the Curt and save yourself over $1,000. If pulling a heavy load and shifting becomes an issue in hilly areas, simply switch over to manual and choose the gear you want.
Also, if you feel you need an attachment point, Harbor Freight sells a D Ring receiver hitch rated at 10,000 lbs for about $7.50 after a coupon code. It stows easily in the spare tire area.

Twintipin13

Thanks for the info, thats exactly what I was looking for. I will be pulling a ski boat, ~4,000 lbs for the boat and trailer, plus more for fuel, gear etc.

Twintipin13

I guess the other question I have is would I need to modify the bumper to make a space for the hitch?

deilenberger

You have to cut out a section of it. It's designed for that with cut lines on the inside of the bumper. A sharp razor knife will do the job.

Twintipin13

Thanks.
Does the cayenne come with oil/trans coolers when the tow package option is built onto the vehicle? Does the computer know its towing and auto level with an aftermarket hitch? Does it change shift points?

19psi

Not that I'm aware of.

Has no idea it's towing but the air suspension should automatically compensate for any sagging.

Not with aftermarket. The 3 to 2 wire kit is just for running the trailer tail lights.
Of course you can buy just the Porsche towing control module and harness and use that with an aftermarket hitch. When a trailer is attached, the Cayenne should go into tow mode with modified shift points. I think the module is around $250 and the harness is another $350. It will also need to be coded in at your dealership which will probably charge 1 hour of labor. I also read the setup is pretty flaky when it comes to handling trailers with LED lights and you'll need another adapter add-on.

If I needed the full 7,716 lb capacity, I'd just buy the whole factory package deal from a place like ECS Tuning.

Twintipin13

I saw a few guys on 6speed did the curt hitch. Cost is a fraction of the porsche one and even though its 6000lb max, thats pretty much the same capacity as the Q7.
I would only tow up to about 4,000 lbs so I would be under the limit by ~2000lbs.

mudman2

you will need to add the brake controller, its pre wired (mine had a connector under the dash wrapped in foam) but there are connections the computer need to manage the computer. Others got this stuff and added themselves, in the early days I have my dealer do that.

Twintipin13

I spoke to a guy at the porsche dealer near me and he said to not bother with the Curt hitch. Said its no where near as good as the porsche one. Is he just trying to sell his parts? From the pictures I have seen they look equally beefy.

mudman2

$1250 for the Porsche hitch is robbery. Granted the Porsche one is nice but way over priced. I did one of the first Curt's in 2004, its solid and worked a treat for me. VW TRegs were using them before I got one. No regrets

dhc905

I've used the Curt hitch, and had to cut a small square out of the back valence. Hitch is always there, and I bought a hitch cover (Porsche!) so it doesn't look terrible/rusty. Hitch install is really easy, one man, couple hour job.

Twintipin13

Good to hear, what were you towing with it? I only need to tow max ~4,000 lbs so the curt should work just fine for me.

Twintipin13

Awesome, what were you towing with the curt setup? Has it been good to you so far?

Twintipin13

There is a pick-n-pull place near me that has a few cayennes with hitches that I can buy for ~$100. Would I be better off to go that route vs the curt?