Recommended Trailer Hitch Reciever And Correct Wiring For A 2014 Audi Q5

Updated 04/19/2017 | Published 04/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(218)

$212.36

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(515)

$186.52

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(664)

$13.44

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1372)

$92.75

Question:

I am looking to add a 2inch hitch receiver on my newly acquired 2014 Q5. It will be mostly be used with a bicycle carrier or ski rack but will be used with a rental trailer 2-3X/year to take kids to college. My concerns with an aftermarket wiring system for the trailer lights: are there any problems with interactions with sensors, etc. that would cause these to either alarm continuously? Issues with interacting with the existing lights, etc.? I am about 99 certain that in 2014, Audi did not have PWM lights maybe you can confirm. Thank you.

asked by: Jeff

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2 inch trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III # C13136. This is a customized hitch for your vehicle that has a stylish round-tube design. It is very strong and a fairly simple bolt-on installation. I've attached a video to assist. Curt recommends using a stabilizing strap # 18050 for any non-trailer load like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

For the trailer wiring, I recommend the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT. This wiring harness when installed correctly will not interfere with any of the sensors or alarms you mentioned. When installed this harness only uses your turn signal wiring as signal wires and does not draw any amperage from the circuits so it does not negatively affect the vehicle in any way. All of the amperage draw comes from the battery as a wire runs directly to it. The modulite is confirmed to work in converting your 3 wire system to a 2 wire system for standard trailer applications. This harness installs without splicing into your existing wiring.

For a ball mount, (since you mentioned only towing a few times a year) I recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs # 989900. This kit comes with a storage bag, pin and clip, and two draw bars with different rise or drop as well as two hitch ball options. This will allow you to tow a rental trailer level using the correct equipment for multiple trailers. I've attached an article to assist in choosing the right application for each trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S