allgrrl

My brake is mechanical so no controller required. Best way to go in my opinion/situaiton.

Jusforfun

You guys even notice thats a V6 3.0 TDI Q5 in the pic? 500mn torque thats no pony.

OlyS4

Hey, I'm in Oly and agree, lots of "hills" and mountains! I'll most likely be going with a 3.2, and am wondering if towing a 3000lb 18ft ski boat and trailer over to Chelan would be possible? Not on a regular basis, maybe once a year when we want to actually experience sunshine, mostly just shorter trips to lakes or the sound which I have no doubt it could handle. I'm thinking an OEM hitch and a trailer with surge brakes would most likely suffice with the weight I'll be towing.

CrustyNoodle

In the rest of the world, the Q5 is rated at a towing limit of 2400kg (5280 lb) with the correct tow hitch fitted (like the factory installed swivel hitch or appropriate after market hitch). My set up has the full 2400kg tow rating and I estimated this load at around 2000kg (4,400 lb) so not a problem there!

The trailer had surge brakes which as always are a little clunky but very effective. So braking was no trouble at all though as always you need to drive accordingly. I was more concerned about the Camry breaking loose than anything else.

With the factory fit, dealer fit (if done properly) and DIY fit (again if done properly), the trailer control module is fitted which interfaces with the car's electronics including the ESP which has a specific function to control trailer sway. I have the trailer control module all rigged up and I didn't experience any untoward trailer sway.

the whole set up tows like a champ!

The trailer control module does not include electronic brake control. You'd need to fit this separately however the wiring plugs are already fitted under the dash to make this process easier - there are a few forum threads around from others who have done this.


Too right! No problem with take-offs or hills with this baby!


If you're going to be towing at altitude (or even if you're not) then I'd recommend the 2.0TFSI engine. It produces more torque at lower rev's than the 3.2FSI so would probably be better suited to towing. The difference at altitude would be even more pronounced with the 3.2FSI getting a little breathless (like us all).

JohnBoyToo

You are correct - if towing is a priority, a turbo is the better choice for high altitude towing and a turbo diesel is even better

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/alb...albumid=164922

Cains10

What exactly is required to tow with the Q5? Our Q5 has the factory tow package on the window sticker. From what I’ve read here, it appears that the Q5 has the hookup for lights, but not for electronic braking and the computer has the mapping for towing and the sway control. Is that correct? Would Audi service have the required accessories for brakes or would it be better to go to a trailer company for their professional assistance?

StuffOfInterest

The factory tow is what they call "tow preparation" which seems to imply just bolt holes and a tee in the wiring harness. I had a tow hitch installed on my 2012 Q5 and the total cost ended up being about $1600 for parts and labor. Actually cost more than the trailer I'm going to use it with.

One warning if you go this route, there is a removable plate in the back-bottom of the vehicle. The dealer took this plate out for the hitch and electrical plug to come through and then left the plate out when done. Interestingly, the plate has an outline on its back side to cut out for a proper fit around the tow hook. I'm still trying to get the dealer to finish the job and do that cutout as to me it looks very unfinished just having the entire plate out. If this doesn't resolve soon I'll have to get the Dremel out and do the cutting myself.

rick480

I tow somwhat regularily with my 2009 3.2. Installed the Audi hitch myself soon after I got the car. Very easy install.

I have towed a small 17' boat on several 300+ mile trips, a small utility trailer with misc stuff on board and a small Kubota tractor/front end loader 600 miles. Heaviest load has probably been 2000 lbs. No problems whatsoever with handling or acceleration. Gas mileage suffers a little but no more than wiht a stiff headwind.

I have used my Q5 to put a 26' 5000 lb boat in and out of the water with no problems but I only take it about 2 blocks, very slowly. Definitely looks like the tail wagging the dog. Pulls it right out even on a steep slippery ramp.

Stuttgartrob

I rented a 2.0TDi a couple years ago to tow a car up to england to get tuned. A total of 24 hours of towing with it during th trip with no problems.

CrustyNoodle

<a href="http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/CrustyNoodle/Audi/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1393.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/CrustyNoodle/Audi/IMG_1393.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Effortless...

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