[pinballplanet]

Hi. I'm looking for a trailer hitch for the rear of my Q3, to tow a small boat trailer. Would rather not have to remove the entire rear bumper cover and bumper assembly. Does anyone know of a bolt on hitch that's made to fit the Q3? I'm not coming up with any useful information in my on-line searches so far. Thanks,
Steve in PA

 

[Quatto]

What Trailer Hitch systems have you come across already?
I haven't looked for any as yet but I will as this is also something I need but maybe not with same need for simplicity, still, that would be nice.

How big of a boat are you towing?

 

[rnlabas]

Steve - welcome to the forum - hope you find and contribute to stuff of interest for you here -

As for your trailer-hitch request, have you checked with your stealer? There is a factory kit (~$170) that is designed for the Q3 specifically and is bolt-on. I'll check on the exact part numbers and prices for you in the morning ... are you in the US?

 

[pinballplanet]

Hi. I am in the US, yes. I haven't found anything yet. The dealer said that Audi does not have a trailer hitch accessory available for the US. As for my boat, it's a 15' Boston Whaler with a 70 HP Johnson motor.

 

[Quatto]

Good to know.

I'm starting to think if universal hitches are a thing, i could see it happen, being adjustable with locking pins. I'll have a look around and let you know, it might be one route to go .

 

[pinballplanet]

I sent an inquiry to audiusa to see if there is something they know that the dealer does not.

 

[rnlabas]

How's about this?

http://www.audiq3forum.com/forum/members/2609-rnlabas-albums-q3-stuff-picture250-q3-trailer-hitch.html


Can't check availability in the US yet - will try tomorrow. It's RICH though - EU prices are about €750 :crying:

 

[pinballplanet]

Thanks for checking. The link isn't working for me but I know there's a tricky swiveling hitch for the ROW. I just don't know if the US bumpers are different or if this will work on a US spec Q3.

 

[pinballplanet]

Here is the (unbelievable) reply from Audiusa:

"I am following up as promised in regard to your question about a trailer hitch for your 2015 Audi Q3. I contacted Andre in the Parts Department at YBH Audi. He confirmed that the trailer hitch is not an available accessory for your vehicle. The 2015 Audi Q3 is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, and does not have enough power to support towing. As this is a safety concern, we cannot provide a recommendation on an aftermarket part that can be used.



While this is not the information you were looking for, I hope if provides some clarification. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at +1 877 615 2834 (extension 43215). If I am unavailable, please provide your reference number listed above and one of my colleagues will be able to assist you. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you.



Just so you are aware, you may receive a survey via email within the next couple of days. The survey is in regard to the level of service I provided. I would greatly appreciate it if you have a few minutes to complete the survey to share your valued comments with us.



Warm Regards,"

Come on! Not only is the hitch reciever needed for the bike rack accessory, it is available in the ROW for 4 cylinder Q3's. What a ridiculous answer! Oh, and the owners manual talks about towing...

 

[rnlabas]

...and so does the USA Accessories guide : http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/Documents/Audi-Q3-accessories-brochure.pdf

Here's the pic (from above) - link insertion works better from PC than iPad -

and another ... from ETKA



...will check availabilty in US and pricing shortly ...

 

[rnlabas]

You can see from the ETKA drawing, the hitch mounts NOT to the bumper, but to the frame rails. btw, the answer above is chicken$hit - you're right in the ROW, there's at least 2 engines making less power and torque than we get and they let them tow ... Shoot fire, even the 2.0 Q5 can tow, and IT weighs more by almost 600 lbs ! What a dickfor.

 

[CocoPops]

Yeh the towbar mounts under the rear bumper.

It's a remove bumper, fit towbar, refit bumper.

Couple of hours work max.

No cutting involved, the wholes are already there.

 

[pinballplanet]

I wonder if this would fit?
I'll take a good look underneath later today.

http://www.curtmfg.com/part/122541

Steve

 

[CocoPops]

http://thuletowbars.com/en-gb/tow-bar-audi-q3.html For example

 

[pinballplanet]

Yes, that looks like a good option. I will need to check my local Thule dealer.

I just got off an incredibly frustrating phone call with the Audi customer advocate. Totally useless conversation...

Thanks for the link.

Steve

 

[CocoPops]

If you cover shipping costs I can arrange a uk one for shipping over?

Although aren't your tow hitches a different size?

 

[pinballplanet]

Thanks for your kind offer. If I can't come up with something stateside I may take you up on it. I'm going to continue to dig a bit more first..

Steve

 

[rnlabas]

Btw y'all - that hitch even though shown in the US accessories book for the Q3 is NOT available in the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand or Australia... Go figure. At some €650 to start with that package looks to weigh at least 50 Kg and the large part is prolly at least 150 cm x 80-100 cm, that package would likely cost a lot to ship if even able to... The Thule kit is prolly soon to be available here and historically a much better investment with good quality too.

 

[CocoPops]

They're not that expensive Roger....
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/audi-towbars/audi-q3-towbar.html

Few different manufacturers there, but all less than £200.

Shipping to us might be best on a sea freighted pallet.

 

[rnlabas]

Did you check the Audi P/N - that's the one that cost €650 - at least what I can find ... your price is MUCH more reasonable -