Shredder66

My 2022 RSQ8 does not have a trailer hitch. Is there an aftermarket one or OEM one that can be installed and at what cost? I mainly need it for a cargo basket for my cooler and luggage etc. so I don’t really need the OEM one but that would be nice if that could happen.

Mrclopec

There are quite a few retrofits for vehicles which are not officially sanctioned/approved by VAG, however this is one of the exceptions and I would recommend going the OEM route. There are quite a few coding/programming changes that take place in the car to ensure the trailer hitch works perfectly with whatever you might want to use it for. Codings such as those that make it so it does not interfere with your pre sense and drivers assistance safety systems. Your dealer parts department can give you the cost on the retrofit kit and installation and I’m sure it’s a common install for them. Could you go aftermarket, sure, but I’m someone to likes to keep things consistent with what VAG designed and intended. Others may have differing opinions.

Bino

I agree. I would also go OEM. I know its way more expensive but worth it in the long run.

Deanerh

I bought an 2022 SQ8 back when they weren’t building them with hitches due to chip shortage. Dealer told me that installing post factory is $3k plus. That sounded outrageous but then I started to look into it on this forum. I found one (sorry I didn’t save the link) that showed someone undertaking the process. Suddenly the $3k made sense.
The post showed that he had to remove a fair portion of the bumper/rear end to get the hitch installed and then it details the steps he was taking to get the sensor integration/adjustment portion of the install done himself. As noted earlier, this is important even if you’re not actually towing something so that the sensors don’t react incorrectly to something like a bike rack.
If you find a reasonable solution, please post. I’d still love to have that tow hitch.

Chawski

Not sure how much different it is but my sq7 didn’t have one installed and had it included in the purchase price to be installed at the dealer for around $1700. It’s a metric **** ton of work!