Towing

[Tom 2000]

I occasionally tow a horsebox laden weight over 1.5 tonne. The rear of the car creaks. It’s like the bodyshell and chassis moves causing the internal plastics to flex and creak. Definitely a plastic type noise. Anybody else?

[Connoisseur]

Hi, Will be starting towing with my Macan in three weeks time. Will let you know how it goes.

Is your towbar the factory Porsche one?. Reason I ask is there is a fair amount of hard plastic below the bumper, which, if not cut away fully might be catching?

[Tom 2000]

Hi, Will be starting towing with my Macan in three weeks time. Will let you know how it goes.

Is your towbar the factory Porsche one?. Reason I ask is there is a fair amount of hard plastic below the bumper, which, if not cut away fully might be catching?

Yes. Factory fitted retractable.

[nsm3]

I last towed in our (now deceased ) Q5 about 5 years ago, but used to get that groaning/squeaking noise. That was only a 2 bike motorcycle trailer, so all up weight not more than 500kg? Used to also happen in our previous tow car, an Audi A3.

I always thought it was down to the towball/cup interface grinding and resonating through the back end of the car? I was always tempted to grease the ball, but that is not recommended?

However, when I towed heavier, such as 6m Ribs full of dive tanks and also horse boxes 20 years ago, I used a Disco II, which had a separate chassis/bodyshell and I never experienced the same noises then?

[Tom 2000]

I last towed in our (now deceased ) Q5 about 5 years ago, but used to get that groaning/squeaking noise. That was only a 2 bike motorcycle trailer, so all up weight not more than 500kg? Used to also happen in our previous tow car, an Audi A3.

I always thought it was down to the towball/cup interface grinding and resonating through the back end of the car? I was always tempted to grease the ball, but that is not recommended?

However, when I towed heavier, such as 6m Ribs full of dive tanks and also horse boxes 20 years ago, I used a Disco II, which had a separate chassis/bodyshell and I never experienced the same noises then?

Recommended or not I always lightly grease my ball. It’s definitely an internal noise. Nothing like my previous X5, RR or Discos. I hear it then forget until the next time.

[bobajob]

Tow ball should be lightly greased if used with a conventional hitch such as a trailer. Do not grease if used with a stabiliser type hitch with friction pads as used on caravans. The grease will contaminate the pads.

I find lightly greasing the tow ball reduces the groaning noises!

[Connoisseur]

As above use no grease on a friction pad type hitch as used with caravans; instead a good clean of the tow ball and inside the hitch cup using brake cleaner is recommended - certainly worked for me..