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

Updated 08/24/2020 | Published 03/20/2018

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

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

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.

Chris R.

7/6/2020

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

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#

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.