Hello all,
I need to get a trailer hitch install on my 11 cayenne V6 to haul my boat. I called my local dealer yesterday and got a quote of approx $2000 (1200 for parts and 800 for labor).

I was wondering if I should go ahead and have the dealer do it or should I call around to get a better quote (UHAUL)? I don't want to spend 2 grands but will do it if I have to. I just want to make it sure that the job is done right without damaging the car.

Thanks in advance!

 

YES! You can probably get one done cheaper elsewhere BUT it is a complex job as the rear bumper cover has to be removed. Doing it at the dealer insures it is done right and thus no warranty issues PLUS and most importantly, the wiring will be done correctly and not crudely spliced. Does your trailer have brakes? I had the dealer instal the brake controller also. Cayenne is a great tow vehicle. Besides my utility trailer I tow a Trailex enclosed with the Cayman in it. Tows great.

 

Sounds like you had a trailer installed too. What did you pay? Am really wishing I had the hitch factory installed for $600 instead of paying these prices aftermarket!

 

How heavy is the boat ? you could put a Curt hitch on and then pay the stealer to add the module and program it in

 

Boat is about 4000 lbs including trailer

 

I would not hesitate then. You can save a lot of money if your capable or have an indy

 

I had one installed at the dealer on my '08 Cayenne when I had is as it was not special ordered. My 2011 Cayenne is was ordered with the factory towing hitch and thus all I had to do was have the connector wired and the electric brake controller installed.

 

My original point was that while he could do it himself OR have an independent shop do it and it most likely would be cheaper any time you cut into the factory wiring harness you take the chance of voiding the warranty. If the dealer does it then no warranty issues

 

I agree with f4 plt. If it were me, I would bite the bullet and have the dealer do it. Hearing this, I'm glad I spent the extra money for the hitch from the factory.

 

OEM parts price went up a few hundred $$ about 7 months ago. I choked on it a bit, but did pay the dealer to do the backfit on the 04 CTT. My 04 CS (RIP) had it from the factory of course.

The $2K price from the dealer should include the actual hitch bar and also the cost to add the electrical connector, which you don't get with the "factory option" and is at least a couple hundred $$ more than the "towing package" option price.

 

I took the plunge and paid the $2,000 on my '10 GTS. I was new to towing and just wanted a piece of mind that I wasn't going to lose my new trailer and RSA or turbo on it by "cheaping out".

 

just did this myself on 2011 cayenne turbo. purchased suncoast kit. my dad and I did it in about 2.5 hours. It is scary pulling the bumper off for the first time, but not difficult. No splicing required. All the wiring connectors are included in the kit. Plug n play. Had to have dealer activate through PIWIS, also paid them to make sure I plugged everything in correctly. I also was quoted $2000. Did it all for $1300. $1100 parts and $200 dealer charge. Beware, shipping is $250 because hitch bumper is at least 50-75lbs heavier than stock and shipped in crate. 8 bolts hold it on. luckily my dad was in florida and just brought everything back with him, so I saved the shipping. you can probably negotiate the parts deal with your local dealership. Just make sure to get the techeqiupment kit. Tools needed: torque wrench, torn screw drivers, plastic trim removal tools.

this pdf is helpful. no bumper pad modification required on my car.

http://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary..._13220_INS.PDF

Go for it!

 

I'm about ready to take the 2K plunge. Trying to work out a "cost" deal with the dealership to have them match Suncoast prices.....and save the shipping. They told me the "book" deal was 8-10 hours....seems like a lot of time but I know you have to do some cutting for the GTS

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks much...very helpful.
Two additional questions for you:

What is the plastic trim removal tools for?
Have you seen any good threads documenting the bumper removal?
While the Curt directions are helpful...they lack some info needed for a noob like me.