Trailer towing
must be reduced by approximately 10%. The ac-
tual combined weight is the combined weight of
the (loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
For driving safety, Audi recommends always us-
ing the maximum permitted tongue weight, but
do not exceed this weight. Having the tongue
weight too low affects the handling of the vehicle
and trailer.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
greater concentration.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example. Audi recommends
checking the tongue weight, especially when
towing tandem trailers. If the tongue weight dif-
fers, it can be adjusted by distributing the load in
the trailer correctly. If the tongue weight meets
the specifications, then the load on the trailer
should not be changed anymore.
A retrofitted trailer hitch must be installed ac-
cording to the instructions provided by the manu-
facturer ðpage 137.
WARNING
– To reduce the risk of death, do not transport
any people in a trailer.
– Only use a ball hitch that is approved for
your vehicle. Using a ball hitch that is not
approved for your vehicle can result in issues
such as unstable driving behavior or uncou-
pling of the trailer and increase the risk of
an accident. If you have questions, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the vehicle and
trailer based on the following criteria as much as
possible:
– Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
– Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Never exceed the maximum permitted weights
ðpage 321.
In some cases, the load when towing a trailer
may be reduced due to the gross combined
weight rating.
– Secure objects so that they do not slide.
– Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
The specified towing weights only apply at eleva-
tions up to 3,200 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.
As the elevation increases, the engine power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 feet (1,000 m),
the maximum gross combined weight rating
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the vehicle and trailer decreases. Therefore you
should not exceed the maximum legal speed lim-
it when there are unfavorable road, weather,
134