Can 2017 Audi Q7 Tow Trailer With Friction Sway Control?
Updated 05/21/2021 | Published 05/19/2021 >
Question:
Ive never towed, but bought my Q7 new in 2017 with air suspension and hitch for towing with intent to buy a travel trailer. Im finally getting around to it. I was told by someone that I should never use a mechanical friction sway control hitch because it would tear up the rear of the carthat the Q7 is not tough enough to handle that kind of hitch. Ive read on an Audi forum that it is not needed for towing trailers 5000 lbs, which is my intent. What is the scoop on this? And if I do need sway control, should I be looking at an electronic sway control instead of the friction hitch styles? Thanks!
asked by: Tom P
Expert Reply:
It sounds like the person you were talking was actually referring to a weight distribution hitch and not friction sway control.
They are correct that your 2017 Audi Q7 is not rated for a weight distribution hitch, and using one could cause damage to your vehicle and trailer hitch receiver.
With that said there is no problem adding friction sway control like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. You will need to add the Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts # RP26003 to connect the sway control to your ball mount.
Electronic sway control like the Sway Command Electronic Sway Control System for Electric Trailer Brakes # LC380605 is also a great option if you do not want the extra noise of a friction setup, but it significantly more expensive.
Personally I would go with the # LC380605 as once it is installed on the trailer, you just plug in your trailer to your Q7 like normal and forget about it, where with friction sway control you will have to attach it to the ball mount each time before you tow.
I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
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