My dealer is estimating around $1800 installed for the factory hitch setup on an 08 model. We don't really do much towing. I know the price is normal for the Cayenne setup, but that just seems like a ton of money for a trailer hitch.

I would like to be able to pull my boat out if a hurricane comes through. Are there any decent aftermarket equivalents out there yet? I did a search and haven't turned up much.

 

seems like a custom welding shop could do better/cheaper.

 

here you go depdog, from our member mudman, Curt Tow hitch

http://gallery.rennlist.com/cayennegallery/album11

 

Wow, that looks pretty solid.

Is there a thead on his install somewhere?

I had a few questions.

Did he have any issues with the wiring? From the threads I've read, I've heard about the Cayenne being finicky. I've also read something about the factory hitch putting the car in "tow mode" when it's used. Whatever that is. I would assume you could manually do the same thing as what the computer is doing with the tiptronic.

Did he have to cut a hole in the bumper?


Where did he get it? I went to Curt's website, but they didn't have anything listed for the Cayenne.

Thanks again for the link. That is what I'm looking for.

 

DD95
http://www.eurodrivegear.com/Scripts...?idproduct=825
Here is a website were you can buy the hitch for $180.00. There are a few links at the bottom of the page about installation and wiring. I personally do not like the wiring loom they use. Something about splicing into the tail lights just seams wrong to me.
I know they are showing a Tourage but the gut I talked to at Eurodriver 6 months ago assured me that the pics were just for reference.

I am going to be purchasing and installing a hitch on our Cayenne this summer and I am going to spend the extra cash and get the factory parts for two reasons.
First and this is the biggest reason, The factory wire loom.....I have been told by several different people that when you plug your trailer into the factory wire loom several things happen.....The Cayenne trans automatically goes into a tow mode, It also does something to the ABS to help prevent a jack-knife when in a panic stop and when you lock your doors with the trailer hooked up and somebody disconnects the trailer wiring the factor alarm will go off.
Second. I could not find a 7700 lb after market hitch

Good luck and keep us informed on what you decide to do

 

I had the factory install their hitch. There is definitely a computer program etc that needs to be installed. It shows trailer lights on message screen etc. Lots to consider here besides just the hitch itself. Be careful what you get into.

 

NP, i sent him a pm, and pointed him to this thread

 

A couple of things to clarify.

1 - Do not link the mechanicals together with the electricals. You can put any suitable hitch on, I used the Curt.

2 - The electricals is all Porsche. There is a Control Unit which is mounted in the rear near the changer, its hooks up to exisiting wiring back to the computer, from that control unit its out to the hitch area and an outlet.

3 - The on board does need to be programmed to expect the hitch, when you plug in the trailer electrics it adjusts itself.

I chose to pay the dealer to install the wiring and the control unit. I do know of one owner that did everything himself except he got the dealer to hook up PIWIS and program the car for the control unit $100)

PM me with other questions

 

Mudman2
So you use the Curt aftermarket hitch and bought the Porsche electronics?
I thougth about asking the parts department if I could buy the factory wire loom seperate.
Thanks
Bob

 

Others have done that, I think the control unit comes as a kit with the harness

 

Very good.....I will look into that
Thanks for the info

 

Just for comparison shopping?

How much do the parts costs for the entire porsche tow kit?

How much is the Curt hitch?

How much is the porsche control unit and harness?

How many hours of labor were associated with the total install?

How do you go about cutting a hole in the bumper that doesn't look like you went out in your garage and cut a hole in the bumper?

 

Having seen a towbar fail and that sent a caravan through the rear half of the car - I would personally spend the money and buy the factory kit. It's a good solid reliable unit. To me it would be like buying cheap low speed rated tyres ...not a good option.

 

How much do the parts costs for the entire Porsche tow kit? $785.00 from Sunset Porsche plus $90.00 shipping to LA

How much is the Curt hitch? $180.00 from Eurodriver plus shipping

How much is the Porsche control unit and harness? Don't know I have a call into my local dealer

How many hours of labor were associated with the total install? Dealer charges 4 or 6 hours i do not remember

How do you go about cutting a hole in the bumper that doesn't look like you went out in your garage and cut a hole in the bumper? You do have to trim the lower vallence.....I read somewhere there is a cut line to follow

 

I have an 04 cayenne turbo that did not have the option code on the build sticker for the pre wiring for tow hitch but when I looked behind the back rear panel on the right side, I found a wire loom ending in a red plug that was wrapped in foam and in the place where people say the harness for the tow hitch plug would be. Did I find the OEM tow hitch wiring that plugs into the tow module or is this a plug for something else. Does anyone who has added the oem tow hitch remember what the plug looked like.