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Hello guys, I'm looking into getting a Cayenne S Hybrid around 2012-2014 model and wanted to know if you can retrofit the OEM tow hitch onto these cars. From what I read it was not an option from the dealer? If anyone has used an aftermarket trailer hitch what are the risks involved and do you still need to have a module program by the dealer to enable everything to work properly?
Right now I'm thinking I may have to just get a non hybrid "S" model so I can tow a small trailer when needed.
On the S E-Hybrid, same problem.
I just installed a OEM trailer hitch on my 2017 SEH.
Since there is no factory wiring to connect the hitch wire loom to the car. I had to buy a aftermarket trailer wiring set.
Thank you for responding. I had no clue why the OEM would not fit and its because the wiring isn't there for it. You also gave me info on a work around which I may consider. You have been a big help.
Ok so now I'm a little confused. I have decoded the VIN on a couple Cayenne HYbrids and their build sheet says they have the factory trailer hitch without Ball option. So these Cayenne appear to have come from the factory with the trailer hitch. Is this a case where you can't retrofit due to lack of wiring in the loom but it can be ordered with it?
Does anyone know where I can get a better answer on this?
Maybe the older ones had the option. But the S E-Hybrid's do not.
Local dealer should be able to tell you.
My dealer told me all SEH in North America do not have the wiring loom to accept the factory hitch wiring and controller.
A few months ago when I was looking at a Cayenne hybrid I found that the Porsche info does not offer a towing rating for the hybrid. After some checking around I finally came to conclusion that there wasn't really a Porsche approved way to tow a trailer with a hybrid -- so I went with an "S" which has a great towing capacity. I realize that some folks have put an aftermarket trailer towing package on their hybrid but I decided if Porsche did not offer it then I wasn't interested...
That is a fair reason not to install one but the hitch and wiring are available on SE Hybrids in Great Britain and other countries so the vehicle is capable towing.
That is a fair reason not to install one but the hitch and wiring are available on SE Hybrids in Great Britain and other countries so the vehicle is capable towing.
I have no idea why the fact that Porsche will not admit that it can tow something in the USA. Wonder if it has to do with our legal system and the placement of the batteries in the back which would be near the trailer hitch and "could" be hit if the trailer came loose or was in an accident ?????
Strange indeed ... but I decided I would rather take the safe route.....
Just to update this thread in case it helps someone in the future. The conclusion I have come up with is that some Cayenne S Hybrids were spec from the factory with Trailer hitch and associated wiring. Most of the ones for the US market were not. If your hybrid was not delivered with a trailer hitch retrofitting the OEM wiring is not going to be plug and play, but I think the actual hardware will bolt up the same.
From what I read it was not an option from the dealer?
Originally Posted by mikeearly
I have no idea why the fact that Porsche will not admit that it can tow something in the USA.
I suspect the marketing folks nixed it in the US because hybrids require braking to regenerate the batteries. But a lot of towing applications involve cruising down the interstate where the batteries would be depleted in short order with no chance of being recharged. Now you're towing with the V6 under the hood. Not a good choice for the factory tow package rated at 7,700 lbs.
Having said that, I recognize that it would work just fine for towing small trailers in the city but Porsche apparently decided not to spend the money to install the wire looms.
Uhm... Not really sure about that. I've done a lot of long journeys in both mountainous and urban areas, and also off road with a 4 wheel trailer pulling a couple of snow mobiles or building materials.
Hybrids tow just fine, and the battery can even pull them up hills. Sailing down the other side also works great.
I'd bet money it is a US legal "thing" to do with battery fires in crashes.
Anyone with a Hybrid that is towing roughly 6,000-7,000lbs? Just curious your experience as I'm thinking about jumping into a Cayenne S Hybrid, but I still need it to tow a 3000lbs enclosed trailer with a 3300lbs car inside. Any experiences or issues?
08-24-2017, 11:38 PM
Cayenne Hybrid and Towing
