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Im leaning towards getting a Curt tow hitch, but still debating what type of wiring to get.
I have a 2018 v6 platinum ed.
Im unsure if i should get the oem wiring harness or get the teknosha clip on as shown in the etrailer video.
Im intending to mostly use the tow hitch for a bike holder and also occasionally to tow my abarth to and from tracks on rental uhaul trailers.
I would probably also need a brake controller too right?
(Ive tried to search the forums, but not much is out there)
So your Cayenne did not come with the tow package? That is a pity, as it is very easy to install both the plug (wiring harness is already installed with the tow package) and a brake controller.
If you use a UHaul trailer (at least some of them) those with a trailer brake do not require a controller in your car.
@pmendoza - my Cayenne didn't come with a hitch but the wiring is all there - just had a Porsche OEM hitch installed today - though the shop lost the Pollack connector that they had ordered so I don'r have electric yet but they said it is a simple install as the wiring was there.
I just read on one of the Cayenne FB groups that aftermarket wiring harness’s won’t correctly put the unit into “tow mode”. Now what that exactly means I haven’t discovered yet. I was looking at at Uhaul hitch & harness setup (there’s an excellent YouTube video on installation of both) but now unsure. The stealer wants $3500 for OEM.
I just read on one of the Cayenne FB groups that aftermarket wiring harness’s won’t correctly put the unit into “tow mode”. Now what that exactly means I haven’t discovered yet. I was looking at at Uhaul hitch & harness setup (there’s an excellent YouTube video on installation of both) but now unsure. The stealer wants $3500 for OEM.
HI @pmendoza - I was confused trying to sort out the hitch thing. This thread that I started has everything that you probably need. Suncoast has the hitch for about $1200 but $400 shipping. My local indy got it from local Porsche dealer; parts were about $1600 and then about $600 for installation and tax
Drawtite hitch - $250 (the chain hooks go down, like the OE, vs Curt go out to the side)
Used tow module - $240
Porsche tow wiring harness - $200
Hopkins 4/7 adapter - $30
It took a couple of hours to install, my understanding of what the OEM module gives you: disables LCA (if you have that option), disables park assist when reversing (you can do this thru the PCM), does something with the tail gate, the alarm will go off if the trailer is unplugged when the alarm is armed, ?disables auto start/stop?, maybe does something with the shift points when a trailer is plugged in?
I bought the factory tow module and hitch wiring for a Touareg from a Volkswagen dealer because I couldn’t find a Porsche dealer that would sell me just those parts (it’s the same parts). I don’t remember what I paid but I think it was around $250. I had my indy install it because I didn’t want to disassemble the interior trim myself.
Edit: The previous owner of my Cayenne had installed a Curt hitch to use as a bike rack.
Last edited by MountainStone; 09-03-2023 at 01:59 PM.
I bought the factory tow module and hitch wiring for a Touareg from a Volkswagen dealer because I couldn’t find a Porsche dealer that would sell me just those parts (it’s the same parts). I don’t remember what I paid but I think it was around $250. I had my indy install it because I didn’t want to disassemble the interior trim myself.
Edit: The previous owner of my Cayenne had installed a Curt hitch to use as a bike rack.
That's a really good price. What year Cayenne do you have? Part numbers would be very helpful for both the module AND the harness you purchased.
I bought the factory tow module and hitch wiring for a Touareg from a Volkswagen dealer because I couldn’t find a Porsche dealer that would sell me just those parts (it’s the same parts). I don’t remember what I paid but I think it was around $250. I had my indy install it because I didn’t want to disassemble the interior trim myself.
It's not so much the interior trim...there's a hatch that comes off to give you access to the tow module location. It's the removal of the bumper cover to be able to run the harness from the module to the connector on the hitch.
That's a really good price. What year Cayenne do you have? Part numbers would be very helpful for both the module AND the harness you purchased.
I have a 2011 CTT. The VW part number is 7P1055203 and included the module and wiring. Unfortunately it looks like searching that part number now yields several results that state the part is unavailable. Dunno if that’s temporary or not.
If you want to save big $$, everything is available on Ebay. Half the cost. Only thing you need from dealer are the bolts since the hitch bolts are longer. Otherwise it's a 1hr job in the driveway.
Oem hitch has higher rating, plus oem wiring and module talks to the car
You can definitely get the parts off EBay cheaper than the dealership or Suncoast. You will need to go back to the dealer to have the tow module configured in PIWIS unless you have a friend with a copy of the software.
You can definitely get the parts off EBay cheaper than the dealership or Suncoast. You will need to go back to the dealer to have the tow module configured in PIWIS unless you have a friend with a copy of the software.
Unnecessary if you get used.. mine plugged in and gateway recognized it.
09-01-2023, 06:08 PM
Tow hitch wiring advice
