Can Sway Bar be Used with Trailer Hitch for 2018 Audi Q7

Question

Question:

Im looking to purchase a 2018 Audi Q7 to tow my camper and would like your opinion on the optimal tow equipment. The camper has a GVWR Of 7000lbs., dry weight of 5500lbs. and a tongue weight of 600 lbs.. The Q7 hitch cannot be used with a weight distribution setup but it does have a self-leveling rear air suspension. Can I use just a hitch with sway control?

asked by: Eric S

0

Expert Reply:

Based on my research, your 2018 Audi Q7 features a 7,700 pound towing capacity if you have the 3.0L engine. If you happen to have the 2.0L engine, the towing capacity of the vehicle is 4,400 pounds, so I do recommend verifying the limits of the vehicle by checking the owner's manual or asking the dealer you are working with. You will need to adhere to the weakest component in your setup, even if the trailer hitch itself has a higher rating.

In cases when a weight distribution system cannot be used, a sway bar like the excellent Reese # 83660 is a great option. I do recommend adding one to your trailer to reduce any sway and also improve handling, especially in adverse towing conditions. For the needed ball mount bracket you can use # RP26003. As long as you are looking at the 3.0L model Q7, the vehicle and sway bar will be able to handle your max 7,000 pound camper without issue.

It sounds like you will already have the OEM/factory trailer hitch installed on the Audi, but just in case you are still needing this, I recommend the etrailer Class III # e88KR. This hitch is confirmed to fit your vehicle and will use existing holes in its frame for a no-drill installation. I have attached a video on the 2017 model Audi Q7 that you can use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Leon H.

6/30/2020

Are there any height adjustable ball mounts that can also accept a sway control bracket plate like the one above? This is also pertaining to the Q7 with the 3.0T.

Reply

Chris R.

7/6/2020

Yep, we have the Draw-Tite # 7390 that's designed specifically for this application.

Reply

Gary H.

8/10/2020

@ChrisR that adjustable ball mount says it has a 6000# limit. Isn’t there an cover load possibility with the Q7. My Lance 1995 comes in at 6700#

Reply

Jon G.

8/24/2020

@GaryH Oh I'm sure the break point of the Draw-Tite # 7390 is over 6,000 lbs, but the 6,000 lbs is what Draw-Tite has tested and approved the max towing weight to be for this ball mount. If you were to tow a 6,700 lb trailer with this ball mount (or if your Q7 is only rated for 6K) then you'd be endangering yourself and those around you. For your application you're going to need to go with the Curt Ball Mount # D320 or choose an adjustable ball mount with the correct weight rating you need and then have a welder install a tab like # C45822 so you can use a friction sway control setup. If your Q7 is the limiting factor then you need to find a different tow vehicle or a smaller camper.

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Leon H. ∨

Answer 1

Choosing a ball mount with the proper rise or drop is not an exact science. I typically recommend allowing for 1 to 2 inches for sag once the trailer is coupled. This figure can increase of decrease depending on the trailer tongue weight and the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Since the goal when picking out the correct rise/drop ball mount is to tow the trailer as level as possible you would want to compensate for sag like you mentioned. 3 inches of sag is quite a bit but you'd need to factor it in when towing if…

view full answer...

Answer 3

That's an excellent question, and the answer is there isn't a hard-and-fast number that means a weight distribution hitch is required. The best way to assess this is if the sag is noticeable, either visually or when towing. You really want to…

view full answer...

Answer 4

If the trailer is less than 1 inch off of being perfectly level either up or down then it will be perfectly fine. Having it slightly higher would be better because presumably the tongue weight of the trailer will pull it down a little. You could also…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Switching your ball mount to one with a 5 inch rise, like the Curt #C45336, will help level your trailer but it won't take the sag out of your 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The trailer's tongue weight will still be pushing the rear of the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The included spacer plate on the Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems #17200 is completely optional. If it is needed to achieve proper alignment, the additional holes on the plate offer various mounting locations for the ball.…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The handle is actually the on/off switch for the unit and the bolt under the handle is the tension adjustment bolt. You will need to turn the On/Off handle clockwise (tighter) until the handle will stay firmly in place parallel with the main body of…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The reason a 2019 Audi Q7 cannot use a weight distribution system is because the hitch that fits, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13277, is not rated for use with a weight distribution system; I can only render a guess but it is likely the OEM…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Like most other brake controllers do, the Draw-Tite Activator IV, part #5504 sends a small test pulse of voltage through the brake output circuit to confirm that the trailer is plugged in and that the brake magnets are receiving the signal. This…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

view full answer...