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Knuff · 11-06-2013, 10:01 PM

We are the new proud owners of a 2014 FC, 20 footer and just came back from the maiden voyage.

With the AS came 2 weeks of free use of one of the dealers' F150 trucks. Although a truck is probably a very capable TV, we need a car that fits in our garage and that has some off road capabilities.

In fact, we have a new Cayenne Diesel on order with airlift suspension and factory tow package. ETA, Feb 2014, which is ok - like waiting for Christmas and beyond.

Well. This gives us time to think about the best hitch for the Cayenne.

I am wondering what kind of hitches other SUV owners are using and what your experience is? The F150 uses an EQ-A-lizer (hope spelling is right) hitch, which I found easy to install.

But what else is in use by others? Particularly, Touaregs or Cayennes, but also Jeeps, toyotas, MBenz, Audi, BMW, etc....

Also, towing anxiety and white knuckles beginners tips would be highly appreciated. Our first trip, approaching the bridge toll booth, I found out that there is a wide load booth on the right side. Next time, I'll take it

, glad it went well, but I was sweating profoundly. Also highway construction with concrete separators is not a very pleasant experience - it probably is just getting used to trailer pulling, but it is making the process of towing less fun, at the moment. I wonder whether it will be better or worse with the Cayenne.

Thanks!!

Road Ruler · 11-07-2013, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knuff

Well. This gives us time to think about the best hitch for the Cayenne.

But what else is in use by others? Particularly, Touaregs or Cayennes, but also Jeeps, toyotas, MBenz, Audi, BMW, etc.... Thanks!!

Many owners of these types of vehicles are getting advice, direction, parts, or services from Can AM who specialize is this kind of circumstance. They did a great job on our Infiniti sport sedan.

RLS · 11-07-2013, 05:52 AM

We have the Infiniti QX56. Great suv for towing. The one thing that comes to mind is to get some good mirrors. There are some great threads on here on it.

Snaken49 · 11-07-2013, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLS

We have the Infiniti QX56. Great suv for towing. The one thing that comes to mind is to get some good mirrors. There are some great threads on here on it.

I have an 09 Armada and purchased extendable heated mirrors from Nissan that did not require any modification to the door or electrical system.

Checked the Infiniti parts store site but it was down. The link below is for an outside after market vendor of mirrors that would work on a Q56.

2004-2013 Nissan Titan Towing Side Mirrors

m.hony · 11-07-2013, 06:48 AM

Those mirrors will only work for the Infiniti QX56 that is the same as the Armada. There was a body style change some year- 09, 10- I don't know- but the vehicle is totally different from the Titan/Armada now.

Ahab · 11-07-2013, 07:10 AM

This fits in our garage.......

John&Vicki · 11-07-2013, 07:21 AM

I tow with a '06 MB ML500 with a Blue Ox WD hitch with 750 pound spring bars. Everything works fine as Andy at CanAm said it would. You will find that hitches and TVs are religious issues here.

Poppy

Wayne&Sam · 11-07-2013, 08:12 AM

I use a Resse Dual Cam on my '12 Durango and I used it on my '05 ML500 as well. No complaints. I think it's easier to hitch up than an Equalizer.

idroba · 11-07-2013, 08:42 AM

Same trailer you have, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Andersen hitch system. It works very well and acts as if it were one unit, not two.

See Andersen hitch users thread, p 160, post 2227 and 2228 for photos and weight distribution information on my rig.

Antique Pedaler · 11-07-2013, 08:50 AM

The Cayanne and Touareg are just about twins under the skin. The Equal-I-zer hitch is what I use on our Touareg diesel. Works great! But check out the Touareg thread here. You'll get lots of opinions. For mirrors, I like Aero 2 Towing Mirrors 2899 by JR Products.

rostam · 11-07-2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Many owners of these types of vehicles are getting advice, direction, parts, or services from Can AM who specialize is this kind of circumstance. They did a great job on our Infiniti sport sedan.

Can we please focus on answering the OP's question and not do advertisement for a specific dealer we work with? Such posts reduce the credibility of this forum.

Tim A. · 11-07-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rostam

Can we please focus on answering the OP's question and not do advertisement for a specific dealer we work with? Such posts reduce the credibility of this forum.

I have never had contact with or done business with Andy at Can Am, but have seen and heard so many good reports about his advice that I don't think that Road Ruler's post reduced the credibility of the forum in any way.

For what it's worth, we have towed our 2002 19' Bambi with three different Jeep Grand Cherokees using a Hensley Arrow hitch. Couldn't be happier with the hitch's performance.

Tim

Mcdenny · 11-07-2013, 11:20 AM

I looked at a Touareg before buying the Jeep GC. Note the owners manual says not to use a WD hitch. I personally don't see how you could tow the rated 7700 lbs with 700 to 800 lbs tongue weight without a WDH but the manual specifically says not to use one.

Don't know if Porsche is the same but I understand it is virtually the same under the skin.

Lots of discussion of this on the Touareg forum.

Condoluminum · 11-07-2013, 11:31 AM

Welcome Knuf! Another Airstream in Bay Area, ready for bone-jarring rides on I-680 and nerve-rattling drives up and over 19th Ave on way to Golden Gate Bridge through SFO.. New members should get the "Search Tutorial" and you should use search tab in upper right to enter key words like brand of hitch, or vehicle to see some of the thousands and thousands of prior messages posted here.

And as for references to a dealer, there are a number of dealers, service techs and commercial vendors who contribute here, write articles in magazines and do provide objective and useful information that enhances the credibility of this forum. Can Am is one of those with expertise in "non-traditional" hitch setups. You may easily choose to select another hitch from a local vendor, but their advice is based on a lot of experience with SUV's, mini-van's and sedans towing Airstreams...

John&Vicki · 11-07-2013, 11:44 AM

I mentioned Andy at CanAm because I had some questions about my TV and hitch and he was gracious enough to help me. I've never bought anything from him but my personal communication with him and his forum posts have given him credibility in my mind. I believe in giving someone some props when they help me - least I can do.

Poppy

**Stefrobrts** · 11-07-2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knuff

Also, towing anxiety and white knuckles beginners tips would be highly appreciated. Our first trip, approaching the bridge toll booth, I found out that there is a wide load booth on the right side. Next time, I'll take it

, glad it went well, but I was sweating profoundly. Also highway construction with concrete separators is not a very pleasant experience - it probably is just getting used to trailer pulling, but it is making the process of towing less fun, at the moment. I wonder whether it will be better or worse with the Cayenne.

Thanks!!

I think that is something you just need to get used to. After a while you'll know how wide your trailer is compared to your tow vehicle, and how much room you need to leave on each side. Our trailer is just as wide as our van, and we know it will follow exactly in our van's path. We never need to swing-wide or anything like that. If the van makes it through, the trailer makes it through. But that only came after a lot of towing to get comfortable with it. Get a good hitch with sway control, know how to use your trailer brake system if necessary to control sway (we have never needed to), get everything properly adjusted, and get out there and tow and you will build your confidence.

m.hony · 11-07-2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I use a Resse Dual Cam on my '12 Durango and I used it on my '05 ML500 as well. No complaints. I think it's easier to hitch up than an Equalizer.

Easier to hook up than an Equal-i-zer?
Please outline the steps or post pics.
I had an Eaz Lift before and the Equal-i-zer is much easier to hook up.
Most brands hitch up very similar to the Eaz Lift.
In my mind I thought only Hensley Arrow and ProPride would be easier to hook up.

**Stefrobrts** · 11-07-2013, 01:44 PM

I'm curious to see what other SUVs people are towing with (and like the performance of) because we are looking to upgrade to something newer and that gets better mileage than our nearly-20 year old van.

mutcth · 11-07-2013, 01:54 PM

Gosh, if it was me, I'd just get a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Used a 2014 V6/8spd to tow my 23' trailer a few weekends ago and it did very well.

I use the same Eaz-lift hitch and friction sway control that I use on the Durango. Properly set-up, it works very well.

BTW, mentioning CanAm does not reduce the credibility of this forum. Frankly I'm insulted by the suggestion of that - and yes, I'm a customer. They are probably the leading expert on "unique" tow setups in North America with extensive experience. Andrew_T, a member on this forum and one of CanAm's owners, generously gives advice and info to non-customers.

Tom

John&Vicki · 11-07-2013, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I'm curious to see what other SUVs people are towing with (and like the performance of) because we are looking to upgrade to something newer and that gets better mileage than our nearly-20 year old van.

Our '06 MB gets 12mpg towing and 22mpg unhitched on the highway. Trailer is about 5,500 pounds.

Poppy