Audi Q7: Trailer hitch

Introduction

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the permitted total weight of the trailer being pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely attached to the vehicle trailer.

Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does not impair the function of the bumper. Do not make any changes to the exhaust system and the brake system.

Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely mounted. Always follow the instructions given by the trailer hitch manufacturer.

WARNING

Never mount a "weight-distributing" or "Loadbalancing" trailer coupler as the trailer hitch.

The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch can malfunction and the trailer can separate from the vehicle, which increases the risk of an accident.

Using the trailer hitch

Applies to: vehicles with trailer hitch

Fig. 95 Rear bumper: trailer hitch

The trailer hitch of your vehicle consists of the receiver (3), the connector (1) or connector retainer, two eyelets (2) for the safety chains, and the receiver cover (4).

The receiver (3) is suitable for securing a removable ball hitch mount with a ball head, for example when towing a trailer .

• In order to use the trailer hitch, pull the cover (4) out of the receiver (3) in direction of the arrow.
• Check the receive (3) for dirt and clean it if necessary.
• When towing a trailer, use the trailer connector (1) and secure the safety chains using the eyelets (2).
• To prevent dirt from entering the receiver (3), close it with the cover (4) after using it.

WARNING

• For your own safety, read the installation instructions provided by the ball hitch mount manufacturer.
• There is a risk of an accident if the ball hitch mount is installed incorrectly. The ball hitch mount must be secured in the receiver (3) correctly. The same applies to accessories that are secured in the receiver.
• Only use a ball hitch mount with ball head suitable for your vehicle and your trailer.
• To reduce the risk of injury, always remove the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mounted.
• To reduce the risk of an accident, contaminants on the trailer hitch must be removed because otherwise the ball hitch mount might not be secured correctly in the receiver.

Tips

• No ball hitch mount or ball head is provided with the trailer hitch. You can purchase these at specialty stores.
• The eyelets on the trailer hitch are only intended for securing the trailer safety chains.

Driving with a trailer

Trailer brakes

If the trailer has its own brake system, then follow the manufacturer specifications. However, the brake system on the trailer must never be connected to the vehicle brake system.

Safety chains

Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang enough so that the trailer can drive around curves. However, they must not touch the ground.

WARNING

If the trailer is equipped with electronic brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by a factory-installed control system, which increases the risk of an accident.

Retrofit installation

You can find out if your vehicle is equipped with a retrofitted trailer hitch at an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.

An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility knows the specifications for retrofitting a trailer hitch and any necessary technical requirements.

WARNING

• Only have the additional trailer hitch installed by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
• There is a risk of an accident if the trailer hitch is installed incorrectly.
• For your own safety, read the assembly instructions provided by the trailer hitch manufacturer.

Note

• Connecting the socket incorrectly could cause damage to the vehicle electrical system.
• Longer inclines cannot be driven without a suitable cooling system, especially if the outside temperatures are high. Otherwise, this increases the risk of engine damage.

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