New Audi Q7 with Tow Assist

I have a new 2017 Q 7 with tow assist and tow a Coachman laser.

I have towed twice with it about 100 miles. I too was concerned about the tow ball paint, plastic ring . I was also advised by dealership that removing paint was not necessary but followed Alko's advice and carefully removed with sand paper. it tows fine, but is already showing signs of wear on the ring. There are also signs of wear on the pads inside the hitch, I have been advised by Audi that the tow assist tow ball is not suitable for use with the Alko AKS stabiliser, alko advise the same. More alarmingly Audi advise that once fitted this equipment is coded to the vehicle for its life and cannot be changed, nor any other Tow bar fitted having once been fitted with Tow assist. They further advise that the only solution is to change the hitch on the caravan. 

Until this situation has been resolved I would not touch this system with a barge pole. Needless to say having just received the above information from Audi I will be visiting the dealer this week to try to resolve the situation as the car is now not fit for purpose!

'Vorsprung durch Technik' ??????????????

Update on my previous post. Audi trailer assist fitted my new 2017 Q7. In short after visiting the dealer today and after a full day of discussion and decision making Audi Q7 fitted with trailer assist not compatible with Alko hitch AKS304 or any British caravan fitted with an Alko hitch/stabiliser.

In other words Audi trailer assist cannot be used with a modern British caravan, neither can a car fitted with it be modified by fitting an alternative towbar/towball. 

My new Q7 will now be exchanged! It is less than one month old.You could say that today the sh...hit the fan in a big way.  

The dealer at the moment is ring understanding and helpful . Watch this space.

Further update on Q7 trailer assist. Club technical team investigated situation and confirmed that Audi uk , and Alko had misinformed me and that the towball and Alko hitch are compatible and ok to tow, Audi yet to withdraw their statement of incompatibility. I meet the dealer again next week for an update. Watch this space!

You have to ask yourself even if its just a drop in the ocean financially  is some of this overly complicated jazz really necessary in life when it results in nothing but hassle. 

Audi do not offer a basic factory fit tow bar, mine was fitted with trailer assist when only a tow bar was specified by me , not something that I am likely to need. Further update , dealer was also advised a lack of compatibility by Audi and offered full refund. Then today, Audi confirmed product has been tested and is compatible with hitch with stabilisers, but did not mention Alko. No one else makes this type of hitch?

They also verified that the tow ball(plastic ring) is guaranteed for three years under warranty and can be replace in 5 minutes. Audi full of apologies for initial misinformation by one of their employees, 

A lot of hassle, left and right hand......springs to mind. But I am now happy with the car and the two free services compensating me for the heartache.

i will tow with confidence and look forward to seeing if this trailer assist is of any use.