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Huge thanks to this forum for all of the invaluable information I was able to find about trailer brakes and towing with the Cayenne!
My setup is a 2009 GTS with 52K miles. I purchased a prodigy p3 and plan to install it this week. The trailer is a Northwood Nash, which has a GVWR of 7000#. None of my friends think the Cayenne is up to the task. I think otherwise.
If you have any tips, tricks or suggestions, please let me know!
Will post some pics of the actual setup soon, but here is the trailer.
What's the fully loaded tongue weight on that trailer? That may be a slight challenge for the Cayenne's hitch and suspension if it's close to that 750lb limit. Judging by the length of the trailer, you may be really close. Do you plan on using a weight distribution system? I've read Porsche doesn't recommend doing so. Power wise though, your Cayenne will not have any problems pulling the rig. It's just the stopping and handling that I question. Please let us know how it goes. I originally wanted to tow with mine before realizing my 25 foot travel trailer had a 825 lb tongue weight with no real solution to lighten the load up front.
Then you're going to be just fine. My owner's manual said my trailer's tongue weight should be 625 lbs but they weight these things before adding two batteries and a couple of propane tanks to the front. That easily put me in the 800 lb+ range. I actually ended up buying a tongue weight scale to get an exact measurement. I'd still be interested in hearing back from you after you tow to learn how it handled on the road. Have fun!
Then you're going to be just fine. My owner's manual said my trailer's tongue weight should be 625 lbs but they weight these things before adding two batteries and a couple of propane tanks to the front. That easily put me in the 800 lb+ range. I actually ended up buying a tongue weight scale to get an exact measurement. I'd still be interested in hearing back from you after you tow to learn how it handled on the road. Have fun!
I've heard you also want to stay 10-15% below the max rating, so I think I'll be pushing it either way. Hopefully the rear air suspension will help. Regardless, I'll let you know how it goes! I've never dialed in a brake controller, so as soon as I pick up the trailer, I'll need to do that. I'm excited and nervous. I really hope the Cayenne performs. This is, afterall, part of the reason I purchased this vehicle for my wife.
I regularly pull a 1967 26ft Airstream with no trouble. Be mindful of your fuel consumption and where you can refuel if you're going somewhere remote. Also be careful not to exceed your cargo capacity with people and gear. Good luck and have fun camping!
I've heard you also want to stay 10-15% below the max rating, so I think I'll be pushing it either way. Hopefully the rear air suspension will help. Regardless, I'll let you know how it goes! I've never dialed in a brake controller, so as soon as I pick up the trailer, I'll need to do that. I'm excited and nervous. I really hope the Cayenne performs. This is, afterall, part of the reason I purchased this vehicle for my wife.
Cheers!!
JD
I've never heard of staying 10-15% below the max rating but that's not to say it isn't a thing. Usually when towing, the 10-15% reference is in relation to the tongue weight vs. total trailer weight. The whole idea in keeping your tongue weight at that percentage is to limit (and preferably eliminate) the chance of trailer sway. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will swerve back and forth behind your vehicle. In extreme cases, it can overpower the car's stability and cause you to have a terrible day. There's a really good YouTube video demonstrating this concept. I'll try to find it.
Quite frankly, with the numbers you're dealing with, my hunch is you're going to be just fine.
I noticed you have a weight distribution system attached to the trailer. I don't recall what the manual says about using such systems with this particular hitch design. I recommend you check out the literature before hooking it up. The air suspension should manage it well. But if you can hook it up, it'll make your steering feel pretty solid by transferring some of the weight from the rear axle to the front. I recently got rid of a Ram 1500 and opted to go old school with a 2001 Excursion solely dedicated for towing. The steering on that truck is night and day when using the weight distribution system.
Last edited by jtakhtalian; 06-18-2019 at 02:15 AM.
Please keep us updated on how she goes! I think you will be fine.
In the future I need to add a hitch to our 2010 CS to pull a 30' 1948 Spartan Mansion. About 6000# loaded. BUT I need to ADD weight to the front to keep the rear in line (sway!). Long story, but I would rather be heavy tongue vs light for stability.
But yes, I swear by load distribution. It really helps overall to feel "attached" and gives a solid ride on the interstates as speed. (top speed 70, but prefer 65 cruise) Look at the Touareg forums as well, those guys tow heavy on the steel suspension w/o issues even with the VR6.
Please use the elephant ear side mirror attachments as well for visual safety. I'll have to look up what another member here sent me as a recommendation for Cayenne fitment. (available from Amazon)
Great video! Really shows what a capable tow vehicle the Cayenne is. I noticed that Airstream and Porsche set up the rigs with a weight distribution hitch. I'll consider this video an endorsement for using a WD hitch on the Cayenne if you want to tow a heavier trailer. The manual says not to use WD but it also says not to exceed 55mph when towing.
I'm really torn on the WD hitch. Do I do it, or not? I've read that we are not supposed to use it. I may try without and see how it feels.
@CTTS520 , that is an awesome Airstream and great picture. Thanks for sharing.
@jtakhtalian , you are probably right about the 10-15% ratings. I'm sure I read it too quickly and misunderstood. Thanks for clarifying!
@Pillow , I do not have elephant ear mirrors. I'll look them up now and get them ordered. Any links you can provide for Cayenne fitment? Did some searching and found "Aero 2" mirrors with a dead link. I wonder if it's something like this?
06-17-2019, 03:31 PM
Towing a 27' trailer next weekend!
x2 to that video!
![https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/360776-dual-view-clip-on-towing-mirrors.html]https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-2899-AERO-Towing-Mirrors/dp/B00606RXLC](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/misc/amazon_icon.gif){kind=icon}