GDW Tow Bar Installation Guide
Audi Q7 (08/15-)
Manufacturer: GDW
Model Reference: 2122T30
Website: www.gdwtowbars.com
General Advice and Safety
Important Recommendations
- Before starting, inspect the tow bar for any transport damage and ensure it is the correct reference for your vehicle.
- Read and follow all instructions in this mounting guide carefully.
- Present the tow bar under the vehicle to check alignment before making any permanent attachments.
- When drilling holes, ensure no wires or brake lines are damaged. Remove any soundproofing or bitumen layers. Treat drilled holes and chassis points with an anti-corrosive product.
- If the vehicle has non-standard bumpers (e.g., sport, tuning packages), consult GDW technical service to confirm compatibility.
- The tow bar supplied may be pre-assembled for storage; disassemble parts as needed for installation.
Guarantee and Maintenance
- To determine your vehicle's maximum towing weight, refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your vehicle dealer. Do not exceed the tow bar's specified limits.
- The tow bar requires inspection after the first 1,000 km of use and at least annually thereafter:
- Check all bolts and retighten if necessary.
- Repair any damage to the paint finish.
- Replace any components damaged due to accidents or collisions.
- Grease internal parts of detachable tow bar systems.
Usage Guidelines
- If the tow ball obstructs the license plate or fog light, it must be removed when not in use. ⚠️
Technical Specifications and Homologation
Verify your vehicle's maximum towing weight via the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or by contacting your dealer.
Homologation Data:
- Made by: GDW
- Approval: D 15,85, A50-X, E6
- EC Approval No.: 55R-011291
- Reference No.: 2122T30
- Description: Audi Q7 08/'15-
Towing Weight Calculations:
Diagram illustrates towing weight calculations: D-value (max towing weight) and S-value (max vertical load on ball).
D-Value: max kg x max kg x 0.00981 ≤ 15,85 kN
S-Value: max kg + max kg = 180 kg (Max vertical load on ball)
Vehicle Max Towing Capacity: 3500 kg
Torque Specifications
| Bolt Size | Grade 8.8 | Grade 10.9 | Grade 12.9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 11.3 Nm | 16.5 Nm | 19.3 Nm |
| M8 | 27.3 Nm | 40.1 Nm | 46.9 Nm |
| M10 | 54.0 Nm | 79.0 Nm | 93.0 Nm |
| M12 (1.25 pitch) | 57.0 Nm | 83.0 Nm | 98.0 Nm |
| M12 (1.5 pitch) | 93.0 Nm | 137.0 Nm | 160.0 Nm |
| M12 (1.75 pitch) | 97.0 Nm | 143.0 Nm | 167.0 Nm |
| M14 (1.5 pitch) | 101.0 Nm | 149.0 Nm | 174.0 Nm |
| M14 (1.75 pitch) | 148.0 Nm | 218.0 Nm | 255.0 Nm |
| M16 (1.5 pitch) | 159.0 Nm | 234.0 Nm | 274.0 Nm |
| M16 (2 pitch) | 230.0 Nm | 320.0 Nm | 395.0 Nm |
Required Tools: TX25 driver, Socket wrenches (e.g., 18, 19). ?
Parts Included
The following parts are supplied with the tow bar kit:
- 1x GDW REF. 2122T30 (Main Tow Bar Frame)
- 1x GDW REF. P25+ (Tow Ball Assembly)
- 1x GDW REF. 2 (Electrical Socket Housing)
- 1x TX30 driver
- 2x GDW REF. 2
- 2x Ø24 x 13 x 2.5 (NYLON)
- 8x DIN9021-M12-ELVZ (Washers)
- 1x DIN985-M12-8.8 (Nut)
- 8x DIN128A-M12 (Spring Washers)
- 8x DIN961-M12x35-1.5 (Bolts)
- 4x DIN125A-M12 (Washers)
- 2x BORGLIP-M12 (Clips/Fasteners)
- 1x GDW REF. 908.060 (Bracket)
- 1x M10 X 20 (NYLON) (Bolt)
- 1x DIN933-M12 x 30-8.8 (Bolt)
- 2x DIN933-M12 x 30 - 12.9 (Bolts)
- 2x DIN933-M12 x 25 - 12.9 (Bolts)
Installation Steps
Step 1: Access Rear Bumper Mounting Points
Locate the mounting points on the rear of the vehicle, typically behind the bumper. Use a TX25 driver to remove screws securing the bumper or access panels. ➡️
Diagram shows the rear of the Audi Q7 with arrows pointing to the areas where screws need to be removed on either side of the bumper.
Step 2: Remove Bumper/Access Panels
Carefully detach the rear bumper or relevant access panels to expose the vehicle's chassis mounting points. ➡️
Diagram shows the rear bumper being partially detached or access panels removed, revealing the chassis.
Step 3: Prepare Mounting Points
If necessary, drill holes at the indicated chassis points. Ensure all drilling debris is cleared and treat the edges of the holes with an anti-corrosive agent. ➡️
Diagram shows close-ups of drilling into the chassis and applying protective coating.
Step 4: Position Tow Bar Frame
Align the main tow bar frame (Part 1) with the mounting points on the vehicle's chassis. ⬆️
Diagram shows the main tow bar frame being maneuvered into position under the rear of the vehicle.
Step 5: Secure Tow Bar Frame
Insert bolts (e.g., DIN933-M12) with appropriate washers (e.g., DIN125A-M12, DIN9021-M12) through the tow bar frame and into the chassis mounting points. Hand-tighten initially. ?
Diagram shows bolts and washers being inserted into the frame and chassis connection points.
Step 6: Tighten Fasteners
Using the specified torque values from the technical specifications table, securely tighten all bolts. Ensure all nuts and washers are correctly seated. ?
Diagram shows a torque wrench being used to tighten bolts at various points on the installed tow bar frame.
Step 7: Attach Tow Ball Assembly
Mount the tow ball assembly (Part 2) onto the tow bar frame. Secure it using the provided hardware, following the specific instructions for the tow ball type. ?
Diagram shows the tow ball assembly being attached to the main frame, with bolts and nuts.
Step 8: Install Electrical Socket Housing
Attach the electrical socket housing (Part 3) to the designated bracket on the tow bar frame. Ensure it is securely fastened. ?
Diagram shows the electrical socket housing being mounted, possibly with a bracket and bolts.
Step 9: Connect Wiring
Connect the vehicle's electrical harness to the tow bar socket. Refer to the vehicle's wiring diagram and the tow bar's electrical kit instructions for specific connections.
Step 10: Re-attach Bumper
Reinstall the rear bumper or any removed access panels. If necessary, make cutouts in the bumper for the tow ball and electrical socket. ⬇️
Diagram shows the rear bumper being placed back onto the vehicle, possibly with a cutout indicated.
Step 11: Final Checks
Perform a final check of all fastenings and ensure the tow bar is securely mounted. Verify that the tow ball and electrical socket are correctly installed and accessible.
Diagram shows a final view of the installed tow bar and bumper.
Step 12: Clearance and Weight Compliance
Ensure that the installed tow bar meets all clearance requirements as per Regulation No. 55 (refer to diagrams for specific angles and dimensions). Always adhere to the vehicle's maximum towing weight and ball load limits.
Diagrams illustrate required clearance angles (alpha, beta) and vehicle weight capacities.
Vehicle Interior Reference
A diagram shows the vehicle's interior, including the steering wheel and dashboard, with a warning sticker displayed. This may relate to vehicle settings or safety information.
Diagram shows the driver's perspective inside the vehicle, highlighting a warning label.
