stiles_s

I'm strongly considering a 6spd allroad, or a 4.2tip as another possibility. Replacing our Honda Pilot. Really capable car, but I hate driving it.

I think I'd have more fun w/the 6spd. We've owned a couple 2.7t 6spds in the past (s4s) and enjoyed them. I'm sure the 4.2 is great too (pretty similar to my wife's current 4.2l S4 Avant tip).

The wrinkle is that I need to tow a 2100lb boat to/from a local launch -- aprox 5miles. The ramp is in good shape, and not too steep. it'll be the only ramp I use as it's near our cabin.

My question is: how does the 6spd work for towing? Anybody tried pulling a boat out of the water? I'm worried it'll be too hard on the clutch...

Also, I'm assuming you can get a factory hitch for the 6spds as well? Approx cost for the hitch?

Going to drive them both tomorrow. Towing input much appreciated!

Thanks much,
Scott

stiles_s

https://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/166806.phtml

albe1

I have pulled about that weight, starting uphill from a dead stop. The clutch slipped. I now try to get a running start when I pull my trailed motorbikes (with lots of gear) up my steep driveway (I ask my passengers and dogs to disembark until I get up the driveway). I recognize that a running start is not possible pulling a boat out of the water. However, most boat ramps are less steep than my driveway.

So, you should be ok towing your boat with the 6spd, but I imagine that the 4.2 would be a little easier.

stiles_s

I'm really bummed that Audi doesn't do more to support towing in the US market. I'm sure a 3.2l A6 Avant would tow my load just fine, and get better gas mileage doing it...

CCRoader

I went through the same decision process and ended up going with the 4.2 simply because I plan on doing more towing than what you're going to do. I would have gone for the 6 if I was just going to tow once or twice a year, but I occasionally go for longer distances with the boat, and most towing experts out there seem to advise going with an automatic these days.

I've towed a 2600lb load with the 4.2 now and was amazed at how stable and strong the allroad felt. I could hardly tell the boat was back there, and wouldn 't hesitate to take it on a longer drive. The boat ramp at our lake is fairly steep as well, and I was very happy to have the tip when it came time to pull the boat out.

girlroad

can't tell me that the A6 would have more torque than a 4.2 allroad...there's where your comparison should be not 2.7T 6-speed to A6 (is a tip)...just thought I would put that in...yes the gas mileage might be a little better in the A6 but I couldn't see towing much, very far or under torque-required conditions with it IMHO.

BTW I saw your post in the A6 forum and there ARE good allroads and bad allroads and you must have just driven a bad one.

girlroad

2005 4.2L allroad from brochure 281 ft/lbs
2006 3.2L A6 Avant from model guide 243 ft/lbs

towing specs could be had from dealer as the hitch is an aftermarket install.

stiles_s

Our Honda Pilot has 250lb-ft of torque in a heavier vehicle and it'll tow 3500lbs or a 4500lb boat.

I'd argue that it's a much inferior tow vehicle (other than the fact that the factory supports it) when compared to the c5 allroad or the c6 avant 3.2. The Audis are sturdier, more stable, and have much better brakes. Audi could allow towing if they wanted to. heck, the Volvo V70R is rated at 3300lbs.

girlroad

Many tow with allroads!...I don't understand "Audi could allow towing".

girlroad

The decision would be made for you then, if you want an Audi it's the allroad or the Q7 for towing