Get Towing a trailer Guide for Audi RS6 4 Door Fourth Generation (2019-2025)

Towing a trailer

The maximum trailer weights listed are only ap-

plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea lev-

el. With increasing altitude the engine power and

therefore the car's climbing ability are impaired

because of the reduced air density, so the maxi-

mum trailer weight has to be reduced according-

ly. The weight of the car and trailer must be re-

duced by about 10 % for every further 1000 m

(or part thereof). The actual trailer weight is the

combined weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loa-

ded) trailer.

Towing a trailer

Driving the vehicle with a

trailer or caravan

Introduction

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing

bracket it will already have the necessary techni-

cal modifications and meet the statutory require-

ments. When towing a trailer or caravan, always

observe the statutory requirements and follow

the manufacturer’s instructions for operation

and driving.

Draw bar weight

The vertical load exerted by the trailer draw bar

on the ball joint of the towing bracket must not

exceed the maximum weight specification.

Towing a trailer or caravan affects the energy

consumption, performance and wear of the vehi-

cle. It also requires greater concentration.

In the interests of road safety, Audi recommends

that you always use the maximum draw bar

weight without exceeding it. If the draw bar

weight is too low, the trailer’s handling will be af-

fected.

If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is

purchased, this must be done according to the in-

structions of the towing bracket manufacturer.

If a non-detachable towing bracket is retrofitted

to the vehicle, it must not block the number

plate or the rear lights. Observe the relevant lo-

cal regulations for the use of a towing bracket.

You can determine the draw bar weight e.g. using

a weighing machine, bathroom scales or a public

weighing station. Audi recommends checking the

draw bar weight, particularly when using twin-

axle trailers. If the draw bar weight does not

meet the specification, you can adjust it by dis-

tributing the load in the trailer correctly. If the

draw bar weight meets the specifications, you

should not change the load in the trailer.

Observe the relevant local regulations when tow-

ing.

WARNING

– Never carry passengers in a trailer – danger

to life!

If the maximum permitted draw bar weight can-

not be obtained, the trailer should be loaded so

that the draw bar weight is at least 4 % of the ac-

tual trailer weight. However, the draw bar weight

must not be less than 25 kg. This applies to sin-

gle-axle and twin-axle trailers with a wheelbase

of less than 1.0 m.

– Use only ball joints of the correct type ap-

proved for your vehicle. The use of unap-

proved ball joints can cause the trailer to be

unstable or to become detached during a

journey – risk of accident! Please contact a

qualified workshop if you have any ques-

tions.

You can find the maximum draw bar weight for

your vehicle in the registration documents or in

the technical data in the Owner’s Manual.

Points to check before towing

Trailer weight

Distributing the load

Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer

weight.

The vehicle’s handling can be impaired if the load

is poorly distributed. Load the trailer according

to the following criteria as far as possible:

If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum

permitted trailer weight, you can corresponding-

ly climb steeper gradients.



118

Towing a trailer

Exterior mirrors

– Objects should preferably be stowed in the lug-

gage compartment. The vehicle load should be

as heavy as possible and the trailer load as light

as possible.

Make sure that you are able to monitor the road

behind the trailer with the exterior mirrors. Use

additional mirrors if necessary. Adjust the addi-

tional mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.

Please observe the relevant local regulations for

attaching additional exterior mirrors.

– Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy ob-

jects are as near to the axle as possible.

– Objects must be secured to prevent them from

sliding about.

Engine cooling system

– Where possible, operate the trailer with the

maximum permitted draw bar weight.

Towing a trailer or caravan places a heavier load

on the engine and cooling system. Please make

sure that there is enough coolant in the cooling

system.

Speed

Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. If the trailer

has a stabiliser, you can drive up to 100 km/h. Al-

ways adhere to the locally applicable laws and

regulations.

Coolant temperature

Keep an eye on driver messages about the cool-

ant temperature, especially in hot weather and

when climbing long hills. Remember to shift to a

higher gear in good time.

The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with

increasing speed. Adjust your speed in the event

of unfavourable road, weather or wind condi-

tions. This applies especially on a downhill gradi-

ent.

Tyres

Check the tyre pressures on the vehicle, and ad-

just for the “full load” conditions specified on the

tyre pressure sticker. It may also be necessary to

adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according

to the recommendations of the trailer manufac-

turer.

Gradient

When driving down the start of a gradient, the

trailer may begin to sway sooner than it would on

a level road. Reduce your speed if the trailer

starts to sway even slightly. Never try to stop the

swaying by accelerating further.

At low outside temperatures, fit both the vehicle

and the trailer with winter tyres.

Shift to a lower gear before the gradient in order

to take advantage of the engine braking effect

Driver assist systems

ð

.

The alignment of the sensors/cameras may be al-

tered when a trailer/rear carrier system is hitched

up or unhitched.

Exterior lighting

Observe all locally applicable laws and regula-

tions on the lighting systems for your trailer/

caravan. If necessary, please seek advice from a

qualified workshop.

To ensure that the driver assist systems are fully

functional, you should switch the vehicle off and

on after you hitch up or unhitch a trailer/rear car-

rier system.

Before starting a journey, check all the trailer

lights with the trailer hitched up.

Overrun brake

The headlight range control automatically ad-

justs the range of the headlight beam.

If your trailer is equipped with an overrun brake,

it must be correctly adjusted and function cor-

rectly. When using a trailer with an overrun

brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then

firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be

caused by the trailer wheels locking.

If the indicator lamp  flashes, the turn signals

are on in towing mode. If a turn signal bulb on

the trailer or vehicle fails in towing mode, the in-

dicator lamp does not flash twice as fast to indi-

cate the bulb failure.



119

Towing a trailer

Parking on an incline while towing

If you have to drive on a rough surface, you can

raise the vehicle again after hitching up the trail-

er and ensuring the draw bar weight is correct.

Press  to set the highest ground clearance.

Use wheel chocks when parking on a gradient if

the trailer is carrying a load. Always adhere to the

locally applicable laws and regulations.

Driver messages about towing mode

Running the vehicle in

The following driver messages may appear, de-

pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-

cle:

Avoid towing a trailer or caravan while running

the vehicle in.

Inspection intervals

Air suspension: currently restricted. Towing

mode. See owner's manual

Audi recommends having the car serviced be-

tween the normal inspection intervals if it is used

frequently for towing a trailer.

Air suspension towing mode is switched on in

your vehicle. The air suspension can only be ad-

justed to a limited extent. You should deactivate

air suspension towing mode again when the trail-

er is unhitched. The air suspension can be adjus-

ted again.

WARNING

Constant braking will cause the brakes to

overheat and will considerably reduce the ef-

fectiveness of the brakes. It will increase the

braking distance and could cause the brake

system to fail.

The driver message can be hidden by pressing the

OK

button on the multi-function steering wheel.

It will appear again the next time the vehicle is

switched on.

CAUTION

Retrofitted parts, in particular attachments

fitted to the ball joint of the towing bracket,

can cause damage. If any damage occurs, you

should have the equipment checked by a

qualified workshop.

Information on lowering the vehicle

manually

When lowering the vehicle manually you also

should not lower it past the level set in balanced

mode in Audi drive select.

Switching air suspension towing mode on

CAUTION

– If you have hitched up a trailer, never switch

towing mode off while the vehicle is mov-

ing. Otherwise, the restrictions on the ride

height regulating system would then no

longer be present.

Important: All doors on the vehicle must be

closed. The balanced mode must be selected in

Audi drive select before you hitch up the trailer

ð

.

►

Select:  > Car > More > Air suspension: trail-

er.

– The vehicle’s handling may change if you are

driving with a trailer on loose surfaces with

the vehicle raised. Adjust your speed accord-

ingly.

►

You should deactivate towing mode again when

the trailer is unhitched.

– If you have raised the vehicle manually, note

that the vehicle lowers itself automatically

above a certain speed.

On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket,

the air suspension is automatically set to trailer

mode when you plug the trailer connector into

the vehicle’s trailer socket.

– Make sure you adhere to the draw bar

weight required for your vehicle. Before

hitching up the trailer, select balanced

mode in Audi drive select. This will ensure

that the draw bar weight and the height of

the vehicle are coordinated.

If you use rear carrier systems which are mounted

directly on the ball joint of the towing bracket,

you can also switch trailer mode off manually.

120

Towing a trailer

►

Open the boot lid.

Press button 1 ð

be released. The LED will flash.

Swivelling towing

bracket

. The towing bracket will

►

Swivel the towing bracket out manually until it

engages audibly in the operating position. The

LED in the button 1 will light up permanently.

Hitch up the trailer or the rear carrier system to

the towing bracket. Please read the informa-

tion on the air suspension trailer mode

ðpage 120.

Extending / retracting towing bracket

►

Plug the connector of the trailer or rear carrier

system into the trailer socket 2 . Use an adapt-

er if necessary.

When you hitch a trailer up to your vehicle,

hook the breakaway cable into the eye 3 on

the towing bracket.

Fig. 73 Luggage compartment: Button for releasing tow-

ing bracket

When you switch the vehicle on, make sure that

the instrument cluster does not display the indi-

cator lamp  or the message Please check tow-

ing bracket. Swivel the towing bracket in and out

again, if necessary.

Retracting towing bracket

►

Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from

the eye 3 .

Fig. 74 Rear bumper: Connecting socket and eye for break-

away cable

►

Unplug the electrical connector between the

vehicle and the trailer/rear carrier system ð

.

►

Remove any adapters from the trailer socket

The towing bracket is located on the rear bump-

er. It is released electrically and extended/retrac-

ted manually.

ð

.

►

Unhitch the trailer or the rear carrier system.

Press button 1 ð . The towing bracket will

If you have not used the towing bracket for a rela-

tively long time or have used it constantly with-

out retracting or extending it, the swivelling

movement may be stiff or the towing bracket

may no longer swivel downwards automatically

when the handle is operated. In this case Audi

recommends that you extend and retract the

towing bracket several times or loosen it by jog-

ging it up and down repeatedly.

be released. The LED will flash.

►

Swivel the towing bracket in manually until it

engages audibly in the rest position. The LED in

the button 1 will light up permanently.

When you switch the vehicle on, make sure that

the instrument cluster does not display the indi-

cator lamp  or the message Please check tow-

ing bracket. Swivel the towing bracket out and in

again, if necessary.

The button 1 is not active when the vehicle is in

Retract the towing bracket or detach it when

there are no trailers, bicycles or similar loads at-

tached to it. This applies especially if the number

plate or rear vehicle lighting is masked by the un-

used towing bracket. Observe the relevant local

regulations for the use of a towing bracket.

motion or if the boot lid is closed.

The eye 3 must only be used for securing the

breakaway cable of the trailer.

Extending towing bracket



►

Apply the parking brake.

121

Towing a trailer

Electronic stabilisation control (ESC)

WARNING

The ESC – in particular in conjunction with the

trailer stabilisation system – makes it easier to

stabilise a trailer if it starts to skid or sway. You

should therefore keep the ESC switched on at all

times.

– Make sure that no people, animals or ob-

jects of any kind are in the path of the tow-

ing bracket – risk of injury!

– The towing bracket must NOT be used if it

does not engage properly or if the LED flash-

es as this means that it is not in its end posi-

tion – risk of accident and injury. Only use

the towing bracket when it has swivelled out

fully and engaged securely. The LED lights

up to indicate this.

Stabiliser

Swaying and pitching can be reduced by attach-

ing an extra stabiliser to the trailer. Degrease and

clean the ball joint before using a stabiliser. The

stabiliser can be purchased and installed at a

qualified workshop.

– Never press the button 1 if a trailer is

hitched up or if a luggage rack or other ac-

cessories are mounted on the towing brack-

et – risk of accident!

Clean the ball coupling before using a trailer

without a stabiliser and apply multi-purpose

grease to it. Repeat this application regularly if

you tow a trailer frequently.

– If any faults occur in the electrical system or

in the towing bracket, safe use of the towing

bracket is no longer guaranteed. Have the

towing bracket inspected by a qualified

workshop – risk of accident!

Power supply

When you switch the vehicle off, the power sup-

ply to the trailer is not interrupted as long as the

energy management system does not intervene.

CAUTION

– Do NOT hold a high-pressure cleaner direct-

ly at the seal of the towing bracket or the

trailer socket. This may cause damage to

the seal, with the result that moisture can

enter and damage the system.

1)

Information on trailer stabilisation

The trailer stabilisation system, which is integra-

ted in the electronic stabilisation control (ESC),

helps to reduce the risk of the trailer skidding at

speeds over approx. 65 km/h. Please refer to the

description of the ESC ðpage 115 for informa-

tion on how the system works. Please also refer

to the notes on ðpage 118 and ðpage 122 to

ensure that the trailer stabilisation system is

functional.

– Never press the button 1 when a trailer is

hitched up or if a luggage rack or other ac-

cessories are mounted on the towing brack-

et. The swivelling unit, accessories and

parts of the vehicle could be damaged.

– If you have plugged an adapter into the

trailer socket, this could damage the bump-

er and trailer socket when the towing brack-

et is retracted. Remove the adapter before

retracting the towing bracket.

The functions may not be available if the ESC is

restricted or deactivated or if a fault has occur-

red.

WARNING

Information on the swivelling towing

bracket

– The ESC and trailer stabilisation system can-

not defy the laws of physics. Always bear

this in mind, especially when towing a trail-

er which is light in weight – risk of accident!

– It is essential that you adjust your speed to

suit the weather, road and traffic conditions.

Towing bracket

Check that the ball coupling meets the relevant

country-specific regulations and is not worn.



1)

Not available on vehicles for some markets.

122

Towing a trailer

Information on rear carrier systems

Do not let the trailer stabilisation system

tempt you into taking any risks when driving

– risk of accident!

– The trailer stabilisation system is not always

able to detect if the trailer is swaying and

may therefore not intervene – risk of acci-

dent! In this case, apply the vehicle’s brakes

and avoid unnecessary steering input.

– A trailer can still “jack-knife” on slippery

roads with little grip, even if the towing ve-

hicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisa-

tion system – risk of accident! You should al-

ways drive at a speed which is suitable for

the road conditions.

Fig. 75 Rear carrier: Maximum overhang

Rear carrier systems are systems such as bicycle

racks which are mounted on the towing bracket.

– Trailers with a high centre of gravity may

even tip over before they start to sway side-

ways – risk of accident! Adjust your speed as

appropriate.

Please make sure that the rear carrier system is

approved for use on your vehicle.

Degrease and clean the ball joint before using a

rear carrier system.

– Towing a loaded trailer with an unladen ve-

hicle may result in the trailer swaying even

at low speeds – risk of accident! Should you

need to drive with this combination, drive

particularly slowly to allow for the unbal-

anced weight distribution.

Note the instructions provided by the manufac-

turer of the rear carrier system.

Rear carrier system load

The carrying load consists of the rear carrier sys-

tem and the load transported on it. The maxi-

mum recommended carrying load may differ

from the vehicle’s maximum draw bar weight.

The maximum draw bar weight and the maxi-

mum axle weight must not be exceeded.

– If you are not towing a trailer, but the trailer

socket is being used (e.g. for an illuminated

bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation system

may be activated automatically in extreme

driving conditions.

– If the vehicle is driven with two trailers at

once, the trailers may begin to sway in cer-

tain situations – risk of accident! The vehicle

must not be driven with more than one trail-

er.

The greater the distance from the towing brack-

et, the smaller the carrying load. For this reason,

you should secure heavy objects as near as possi-

ble to the towing bracket.

– If the vehicle is driven with a trailer attached

off-centre, the trailer may begin to sway in

certain situations – risk of accident! Accesso-

ries which are designed to attach the trailer

off-centre must not be used.

Determining the maximum carrying load

Look up the draw bar weight for your vehicle in

the technical data in the Owner's Manual. You

can then find the carrying load in the table be-

low. In accordance with Regulation UN-R 55, Audi

recommends that you adhere to the maximum

number of bicycles on the rear carrier system as

follows:



123

Towing a trailer

Installation dimensions and retrofitting

Maximum

draw bar

Maximum car- Number of bi-

rying load (kg) cycles

weight (kg)

50 – 74

50

75

2

3

75 upwards

Maximum overhang of the rear carrier

system

The maximum overhang depends on the maxi-

mum carrying load and is as follows:

Maximum carrying

load (kg)

Maximum overhang

(mm)

50 – 74

75

500

700

For bicycle carrier systems with two bicycles, the

maximum overhang measured from the centre of

the ball coupling to the centre of the rail of the

last bicycle carrier is 500 mm 1 . For bicycle car-

rier systems with three bicycles, the maximum is

700 mm 2 .

Fig. 76 Towing bracket: Installation dimensions and points

The towing bracket is bolted to the body at the

securing points 7 .

WARNING

The use of an unsuitable rear carrier system

could cause severe damage to the towing

bracket. The towing bracket could then break

and cause an accident.

Installation dimensions (mm)

1 1000

4 395

2 1208 – 1214

3 776

5 65 (min.)

6 350 – 420

Driver messages about the swivelling

towing bracket

The values given for the distance between the

centre of the wheel on the rear axle and the cen-

tre of the ball on the towing bracket 2 are nomi-

nal values of the base vehicle. The dimensions

may vary depending on the type of suspension in

conjunction with the vehicle’s equipment and the

load the vehicle is carrying.

The following driver messages may appear, de-

pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-

cle:

 Please check towing bracket

A malfunction has occurred. If the message ap-

pears while the vehicle is moving, stop at the

next opportunity. Swivel the towing bracket in

and out again. If the message remains displayed,

drive to a qualified workshop soon.

The distance between the road surface and the

centre of the ball on the towing bracket 6 ap-

plies to the loading condition in the type appro-

val according to UN-R55 (ECE). This dimension

must not be smaller or larger than the value

specified. The dimension may vary on vehicles

categorised as M1G in the type approval.

Please contact a qualified workshop to find out

whether your vehicle can be retrofitted with a

towing bracket.



124

Towing a trailer

Your qualified workshop will have all the details

on retrofitting a towing bracket.

vehicle, as the trailer assist will otherwise not

be active.

– Whenever necessary, clean the reversing cam-

era either manually, or by operating the rear

window washer ðpage 60, or by selecting the

cleaning function on the MMI ðpage 182.

Please observe the notes on cleaning and care

ðpage 261.

WARNING

– Avoid improper installation of the towing

bracket – risk of accident! If a towing bracket

is retrofitted, the installation should be car-

ried out by a qualified workshop.

– For your own safety, please observe the in-

structions provided by the manufacturer of

the towing bracket.

System limits

The functions of the trailer assist are limited or

unavailable under the following circumstances:

CAUTION

– The trailer assist will be deactivated if you drive

forwards faster than 10 km/h.

– If the connector socket is not fitted correct-

ly, this could cause damage to the vehicle's

electrical system.

– The trailer assist may be unavailable for a short

period after the vehicle is switched on.

– The trailer assist is not available if the trailer

brake lights are defective.

– Particularly in high outside temperatures, it

is not possible to drive up long steep gradi-

ents without a suitable cooling system.

there is a risk of damaging the engine.

– For technical reasons, trailers with LED rear

lights may not always be detected by the trailer

assist.

– The trailer assist may not be available on steep

gradients.

Trailer assist

Introduction

– A rear carrier system is fitted to the ball head

of the towing bracket.

The trailer assist helps you with driving and ma-

noeuvring when a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

The reversing camera detects the trailer angle.

The system automatically learns the properties

of the trailer while driving.

– The functions may not be available if the ESC is

restricted or deactivated or if a fault has occur-

red.

– The trailer assist cannot be used for trailers

with steering axles.

The trailer assist automatically steers the trailer

in the desired direction when reversing and,

where necessary, when making steering correc-

tions while driving forward. You operate the ac-

celerator and brake pedal. When reversing, the

trailer assist limits the speed to between approx.

3 km/h and 8 km/h, depending on the situation.

The speed cannot be increased even by pressing

the accelerator further.

WARNING

– Please note the safety precautions and sys-

tem limits of the supporting systems, sen-

sors and cameras ðpage 130 to

ðpage 132.

– The technology in the trailer assist cannot

defy the laws of physics and works only

within the limits imposed by the system. Do

not let the extra convenience afforded by

the trailer assist function tempt you into

taking any safety risks – this can cause acci-

dents. The trailer assist cannot replace the

full concentration of the driver.

Audi recommends that you practise manoeuvring

with the trailer assist in a quiet location (car park

or low traffic area) in order to become familiar

with the system and its functions.

Before every trip

– Unintended vehicle manoeuvres can cause

serious injuries.

– Please make sure that the electrical connector



on the trailer is plugged into the socket on the

125

Towing a trailer

Operating the trailer assist

– Always adjust your driving style to suit the

vision, weather, road and traffic conditions.

– The trailer assist does not take the vehicle

surroundings into account and does not de-

tect obstacles – risk of accident! It is the

driver's responsibility to judge whether the

trailer can be manoeuvred safely.

– Please note that the front end of the vehicle

swings out further than the rear – risk of ac-

cident! Always watch the area surrounding

the vehicle.

Fig. 77 Centre display: Trailer assist display

Trailer assist display

– Do not allow the centre display to distract

you from watching the traffic.

It is only possible to switch the trailer assist

on/off when the vehicle is stationary or driving

forwards at no more than 10 km/h.

– The steering wheel turns by itself when you

use the trailer assist. Do not reach into the

path of the steering wheel – risk of injury!

– The trailer assist only controls the steering

movements. As the driver you are always re-

sponsible for braking and for operating the

accelerator and watching the traffic.

When you switch on the system, the display

shows the picture from the reversing camera

with a sector 1 and a dark indicator 4 . The dark

indicator shows the current orientation of the

trailer; the sector indicates the possible adjust-

ment range of the articulation angle. When re-

verse gear is engaged, the current articulation

angle setting is indicated by a light indicator 2 .

The white markings 3 indicate the area in which

the vehicle and trailer would be travelling in a

straight line.

CAUTION

– The trailer assist cannot plan the move-

ments necessary to manoeuvre the trailer. It

merely steers the trailer in the desired di-

rection.

– Always watch the trailer as it is moving and

be ready to stop the manoeuvre if necessary

to avoid damage. Even if the trailer assist is

used correctly, in rare cases the trailer may

still steer at an angle which deviates from

the specified setting.

Driving and manoeuvring with the trailer

assist

►

Press the  button 5 .

►

Take your hands off the steering wheel.

►

Engage reverse gear. A short animation ex-

plaining how to use the trailer assist will start

on the display.

– Hitch up the trailer as straight as possible. If

the angle between the trailer and vehicle is

too large, there is a risk that the vehicle will

collide with the trailer.

►

Drag your finger to the right or left across the

display to adjust the trailer’s direction of travel

within the possible setting range.

– The distance from the ball coupling to the

trailer axle must be between approximately

1 metre (min.) and 5 metres (max.). For

multi-axle trailers, this distance is meas-

ured from the centre of the axles.

►

Tap twice on the display to reduce the articula-

tion angle to zero and drive straight ahead with

the trailer. If the articulation angle is wide, the

system first suggests making a corrective

movement forwards. In this case, the vehicle

will also steer when driving forwards. If the

dark indicator is within the white markings, the

trailer’s direction of travel can be maintained. If 

126

Towing a trailer for Your Audi RS6 4 Door Fourth Generation (2019-2025)

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