OEM Macan tow hitch vs aftermarket
09-10-2018, 05:58 PM
#1
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OEM Macan tow hitch vs aftermarket
It seems opinions are like [redacted] and elbows--everyone has a few of them. I'm getting conflicting info from two, different Porsche certified mechanics about installing a tow hitch so I'm looking for a bit of advice.
One mechanic refuses to install anything but the Porsche OEM hitch. He gave me this link (https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/PKMACANHITCH.html). $1100 for a hitch strikes me as absurd.
Another mechanic suggested a Kurt hitch. I found this one via another thread (https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Porsche_Macan.htm)
The other thread was about Cayanne hitches. Not having found a Macan-specific discussion, I'd like to know what hitches other owners are using on their Macans, where they got them, and how they're working out. Any feedback is appreciated.
I guess it's worth mentioning that my plan is to tow a jetski or boat that is yet TBD. So I may be looking to tow close to the maximum rated tow weight.
Speaking of which, I understand that to be 4400#. I've also heard that Porsche publishes a higher weight rating for European Macans. The difference is more than can be accounted for by simply converting kilos to pounds. Does anyone know why European Macans would be rated higher? For example, is Porsche just more conservative for the American market because we're so lawsuit happy here or is there something different about the tranny and/or brakes on the Euro Macans?
Kindly,
Tim
One mechanic refuses to install anything but the Porsche OEM hitch. He gave me this link (https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/PKMACANHITCH.html). $1100 for a hitch strikes me as absurd.
Another mechanic suggested a Kurt hitch. I found this one via another thread (https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Porsche_Macan.htm)
The other thread was about Cayanne hitches. Not having found a Macan-specific discussion, I'd like to know what hitches other owners are using on their Macans, where they got them, and how they're working out. Any feedback is appreciated.
I guess it's worth mentioning that my plan is to tow a jetski or boat that is yet TBD. So I may be looking to tow close to the maximum rated tow weight.
Speaking of which, I understand that to be 4400#. I've also heard that Porsche publishes a higher weight rating for European Macans. The difference is more than can be accounted for by simply converting kilos to pounds. Does anyone know why European Macans would be rated higher? For example, is Porsche just more conservative for the American market because we're so lawsuit happy here or is there something different about the tranny and/or brakes on the Euro Macans?
Kindly,
Tim
Last edited by Mark in Baltimore; 09-11-2018 at 01:28 PM. Reason: Profanity
12-21-2018, 01:40 PM
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Stealth hitch has a great sounding "active wiring harness" which seems to be comparable to the oem wiring harness. But they only have it for Macans not my Cayenne. Too bad
12-22-2018, 07:36 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
12-23-2018, 12:31 AM
#5
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Thanks for the reference to Stealth Hitch. Do you have the model number, and any other info to share? Tried a web search, and could not find stealth hitch for 2017-18 Macan. Thanks!
12-23-2018, 01:38 AM
#6
Drifting
https://stealthhitches.com/products/...2015-2016-2017
12-23-2018, 12:42 PM
#7
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Stealth
Completely hidden trick—-depending on year/model, careful cutting/Dremeling the lower valance can “save” the rectangle cut out and easy to reattach/remove for a completely stock/uncut look. Talk to Steve—very helpful and I sent pix showing that on my ‘18 Turbo, would need to “extend” the cut out dimension about 1/2 inch towards drivers side to,have access to trailer light receptacle plug.
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12-24-2018, 11:53 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
Thanks Vise and Van. I did find stealth hitch website after Google kept diverting me to e trailer....I guess they paid more for ad ranking!
Stealth looks great, better choice than trying to install factory hitch, my dealer quoted $2200 parts and labor!
Thanks again, and Merry Christmas! ��
Stealth looks great, better choice than trying to install factory hitch, my dealer quoted $2200 parts and labor!
Thanks again, and Merry Christmas! ��
12-26-2018, 12:43 AM
#9
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Stealth
FWIW, this install is beyond my personal DIY wheelhouse — recommend that you seek out a good Indy with patience, skills or at least a second set of hands. I
‘helped’ my 20 yr. Porsche wrench and the kit install itself was straightforward, comprehensive and good pix. Recommend getting the wiring receptacle option even if only using for bike rack as once you are in there, the wiring is only an extra 1/2 hour. Without any cut out issue of the valance (possibly Turbo issue only) probably a 3 hour install —mine took longer for reasons explained. Remember measure 3 times, cut once. My recall is my labor charge was $450 or so and well worth it—still a lot cheaper than oem and a great hitch alternative.
‘helped’ my 20 yr. Porsche wrench and the kit install itself was straightforward, comprehensive and good pix. Recommend getting the wiring receptacle option even if only using for bike rack as once you are in there, the wiring is only an extra 1/2 hour. Without any cut out issue of the valance (possibly Turbo issue only) probably a 3 hour install —mine took longer for reasons explained. Remember measure 3 times, cut once. My recall is my labor charge was $450 or so and well worth it—still a lot cheaper than oem and a great hitch alternative.
12-26-2018, 10:27 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Thanks! Soon as I get rhe Macan, will start the hitch project....unless I can convince my wife to let me use her Nissan Murano for 1-3 motorcycle tows per year. �� Thanks again!
01-18-2019, 12:05 PM
#11
Racer
Is there any concern about the fact that most Macan hitches replace the impact absorber? I know the OEM hitch works the same way but I still feel like it's less safe in rear end collision when there is a solid steel beam instead of the impact absorber.
01-24-2019, 05:07 PM
#12
Stealth Hitches duplicates Porsches methods of the OEM hitch, as I am sure they optimize the balance between strength of the crossbar for towing and energy absorption,
Regards,
Steve
Regards,
Steve
02-02-2019, 02:21 PM
#13
I made sure that my new Macan came with a factory installed hitch . . . just so I could tow a motorcycle every now and then.
02-06-2019, 06:11 PM
#14
Please don't stone me, but I believe there was a very long write up on Macanforum by a guy that did the Stealth hitch. From what I remember, it looked pretty cool and was hidden really well.
02-06-2019, 09:12 PM
#15
Hey guys, anything else, read your manual about max tow rating, folks. At least with the 4-banger, the 4,400# is WITH BRAKES. Without brakes, like most jetski and motorcycle trailers, it's only 1,600+. Didn't see different ratings for 4 and 6-cil, but could remember wrong. And I think that goes whether spring or air suspension (and the Audi Q5s have the same ratings). Now, I was told it was very expensive and intrusive to do the hitch after the fact, and that $2,200 quote confirms the former. I wouldn't want my brand new vehicle torn apart for that either, especially when it only costs $660 from the factory. Need to go check if the freaking wiring is there; it better be. Ha ha.