[Hunter]

Okay was thinking of changing out some of the vehicles in the barn. I will spare most of the back story for brevity purposes. No Porsches cars will be exchanged in this mascination.

I have been towing my 911 and open Trailex, circa 4,000 pounds, with a 2011 Acadia (288 HP, 270 Ib Ft of torque and 5400 pound rating). It has worked to date but the Acadia really struggles on non-level situations. The Acadia was purchased for carpool purposes for my then beginning high schooler who is now a sophomore in college. It was conveniently in my garage when I bought my trailer so I put it to use. Fast forward, I now will sell the Acadia soon (was my wife's DD) and buy a DD for me (by-by A6 TDI) that can double as a tow vehicle.

No I do not want to drive a dually as a DD nor a pick 'em up truck as I need enclosed cargo space and I do not think I will ever get an enclosed trailer, famous last words. I am thinking about a Q7 which has 333HP, 325 lb ft of torque and 7,700 pound rating. Will 15% more HP and 20% more Torque be acceptable over the Acadia?

Does anyone tow with the basic Cayenne? The new base ones have similar numbers 340 HP and 331 lb ft of torque so I thought I would ask. I would opt for the Q7 over the pepper as I need the third row/cargo area btw.

Any insights? What am I over looking?

TIA

[TurboPooch]

Unsold (still new) 2015-16 3.0 TDI VW variants(Q7, Touareg, Cayanne) were approved for sale mid December and are now offered at dealerships. Audi is offering a flat 20% off MSRP and VW is 15% about everywhere I checked. Seem to be selling briskly. One dealer did tell me there were VW's in holding yards that never made it to the dealerships that will be released as well. Good tow vehicle (7000+lbs) and DD but I am a little concerned about how the software fix will affect the longevity and DPF. From what I understand the major difference is they will be using more DEF fluid than originally planned. They were originally programmed to add DEF during an oil change but will now need filling prior to the oil change. A "new" Q7 can be had for less than $50k. Worth looking into...

[BikePump]

I know Vranko tows his rig with a Cayenne - not sure which exact level he has

[Goggles Paesano]

Excursion 7.3 turbo diesel!

[4Rings]

Excursion 6.0 turbo diesel!

[vranko]

Originally Posted by BikePump

I know Vranko tows his rig with a Cayenne - not sure which exact level he has

Yes, 2015 Cayenne Diesel. Love it. Got the settlement check and the fix a few weeks ago.

[racer]

Fwiw, I believe the Acadia is bigger inside than the Q7 (you mention interior/cargo space matters). They have similar weights. So, maybe you would notice the additional 15% hp/tq advantage. I would think the comfort of mind of a higher tow rating (7700lbs Q7, maybe 5000lb Acadia) would make you feel better. Plus all the bells and whistles of the Q7 as well as ride quality would likely make a nicer DD than a 7 year old GMC.

I recall early on folks seemed to have trouble getting trailer wiring to work correctly (added afterwards vs ordered with the car on the Peppers/Touaregs) but I presume by now its not an issue?

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by vranko

Yes, 2015 Cayenne Diesel. Love it. Got the settlement check and the fix a few weeks ago.

Have you noticed anything different about it post fix? Engine noise, performance or mileage? Just curious.

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by TurboPooch

Unsold (still new) 2015-16 3.0 TDI VW variants(Q7, Touareg, Cayanne) were approved for sale mid December and are now offered at dealerships. Audi is offering a flat 20% off MSRP and VW is 15% about everywhere I checked. Seem to be selling briskly. One dealer did tell me there were VW's in holding yards that never made it to the dealerships that will be released as well. Good tow vehicle (7000+lbs) and DD but I am a little concerned about how the software fix will affect the longevity and DPF. From what I understand the major difference is they will be using more DEF fluid than originally planned. They were originally programmed to add DEF during an oil change but will now need filling prior to the oil change. A "new" Q7 can be had for less than $50k. Worth looking into...

Thank you Steve. At this point I am getting away from the diesel situation as much as I LOVE my Audi A6 TDI. Now 30% and then I might consider it as you would get 10% off any vehicle anyway.

[Hunter]

Brad just got the new Excursion, I believe. That would be too big for me for a DD.