I new to this forum. I have 2005 Cayenne S and only recently plan to put a trailer hitch in order to tow a 20 to 22 ft boat. The trailer has brake system. I have two options for the trailer hitch but both raise some questions.

Factory Trailer Hitch:
1) I believe the factory hitch package comes with the wiring hardness, trailer hitch and etc. However, my Porsche dealer told me that it doesn't come with Brake Controller and I have buy it from outside vendor. Do I need a brake controller? Does it tap on the Porsche computer?


U-Haul's Curt Trailer Hitch:
1) The U-Haul guy told me that they have the aftermarket wiring kit and it just taps to the existing Porsche's wiring. Is this safe? Will it cause problem or error to the Porsche's computer?
2) I read some threads in this forum who advise that the Cayenne needs to be taken to the Porsche dealer to program the computer. What does the programming do? If the U-Haul guy says they only tap their wiring kit to the Porsche's wire, does it really need the Porsche to do the programming anymore?
3) If I want to add a Brake Controller, would that device have to integrate to the Porsche's computer and result in the need for Porsche to program?

 

I have the factory hitch and had to do two things on a 2005:

Update the factory controller to work with LED tailights which was covered under CPO :-)

And buy and install an aftermarket brake controller. It was a PIA because I had to get the right OEM (Toureg) wire adapters and search for someone to install it.

However, I would NOT go without it! It is well worth it. For one, I use the boost function to put the wear 'n tear on my trailer's brakes which are a darned sight cheaper to service than my CTT's brakes!