Get Driving tips -> Towing a trailer Guide for Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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Towing a trailer

If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer

weight, you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.

Driving the vehicle with a trailer or

caravan

The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes

up to 1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine

power and therefore the car's climbing ability are impaired because

of the reduced air density, so the maximum trailer weight has to be

reduced accordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must be

reduced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or part thereof). This

figure refers to the combined weight of the (loaded) vehicle and

(loaded) trailer.

Technical requirements

The towing bracket must comply with certain technical

requirements.

Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and

luggage. However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a

trailer or caravan.

The figures for the draw bar weight that appear on the identification

plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The

correct figures for your specific vehicle, which may be lower than

these figures for the towing bracket, are given in the registration

documents. Also refer to ⇒ page 281.

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will

already have the necessary technical modifications and meet the

statutory requirements.

A 13-pin socket is provided to make the electrical connection

between the car and the trailer. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you can

use an adapter cable. This is available from Audi dealers.

Distributing the load

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the

axle as possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to

prevent them slipping.

WARNING

Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted

draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not

exceed the specified limit.

If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried

out by a qualified workshop.

• In particular in high outside temperatures it is not possible to

drive up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system.

The engine would then overheat.

Tyre pressure

Check the tyre pressures on your car and adjust for “full load” condi-

tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the end face

of the driver's door). It may also be necessary to adjust the tyre pres-

sures on the trailer according to the recommendations of the trailer

manufacturer.

• Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk.

Points to check before towing

Exterior mirrors

Trailer weights

Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer

with the standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have

Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 281.

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Towing a trailer

199

additional mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted

on hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient

vision to the rear.

However, if the ESP detects that the trailer is swaying and this is

affecting the towing vehicle, it will automatically brake the vehicle

to stabilise the trailer by slowing it down. The warning lamp  will

light up in the instrument cluster. If possible, do not turn the

steering wheel at this stage.

Power supply

When you remove the ignition key the power supply to the trailer is

interrupted.

In order to warn traffic behind you, the brake lights will come on

during this automatic braking operation.

Removable ball joint coupling

A trailer weighing less than 70% of the kerb weight of the towing

vehicle may sway quite considerably without the trailer stabilisation

system intervening. This can happen when the swaying movements

of the light-weight trailer are not or hardly passed on to the towing

vehicle and are therefore not detected by the ESP.

Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a

removable ball joint coupling. It is carried under the floor panel on

the left-hand side of the luggage compartment.

If the system for activating the trailer brake lights is defective, this

will be indicated in the instrument cluster display ⇒ page 36, “Bulb

monitor ”.

Note

We recommend having the car serviced between the normal inspec-

tion intervals if it used frequently for towing a trailer.

Requirements for correct functioning of the trailer

stabilisation system

Applies to vehicles: with towing bracket

If these conditions are not met in full, the trailer stabilisation system

Trailer stabilisation system

will only intervene to a limited extent or not at all ⇒

.

Trailer stabilisation helps to reduce the risk of the vehicle

skidding when towing a trailer.

• The electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the

trailer must be functioning correctly, without any defects.

• The load on the trailer must be properly secured.

When is the trailer stabilisation system activated?

• The tyre pressures on both the vehicle and the trailer must be

Trailer stabilisation is active when the following requirements are

met:

adapted to the load that is being carried.

• Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted

• The ESP must NOT be switched off ⇒ page 186,

draw bar weight.

• The trailer connector must be properly secured in the vehicle

• The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly. This is important

to ensure that the trailer can be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle

and trailer “jack-knifing” and to prevent excess braking of the trailer.

socket.

• Vehicle speed must be higher than approx. 60 km/h.

How trailer stabilisation works:

• In low outside temperatures, both the towing vehicle and the

trailer should be fitted with winter tyres.

In many cases, the driver can stabilise a swaying trailer by manually

braking the vehicle.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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Towing a trailer

Speed

WARNING

The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.

For this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permis-

sible top speed in unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions.

This applies especially on a downhill gradient.

It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road

and traffic conditions. Do not let the trailer stabilisation system

tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-

dents.

You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows

the slightest sign of swaying. Never try to stop the swaying by accel-

erating further.

• The ESP and trailer stabilisation system cannot defy the laws

of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery

and wet roads and when towing a trailer with a light load.

Always brake in good time. If the trailer has 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. Change down in

good time before going down a steep hill so that you can use the

engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.

• The trailer stabilisation system is functional, regardless of

whether the trailer has a mechanical overrun brake or not.

• The trailer stabilisation system is not always able to detect

swaying of trailers with a light load and will therefore not inter-

vene.

Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recom-

mend having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a

high trailer weight. They can be purchased and installed at an Audi

dealer.

• A trailer can still “jack-knife” on slippery roads with little grip,

even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation

system.

• Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before

Overheating

they start to sway sideways.

When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running

fast in low gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature

gauge ⇒ page 11. Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to

the top end of the scale. If the temperature warning lamp  in the

instrument cluster should start flashing, stop the car and let the

engine cool down by running it at idling speed for a few minutes.

• 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 in extreme driving conditions.

• Please note the additional information and warnings

⇒ page 200.

Notes on towing

Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.

Weight distribution

Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle. If this

cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow for the unbalanced

weight distribution.

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Towing a trailer

201

able equipment, this can cause damage to the towing bracket. In an

extreme case, damage to the towing bracket could cause it to break

Accessories

Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle

rack) please observe the following notes.

⇒

.

WARNING

• If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved

by Audi please ensure that it is suitable for use on Audi vehicles.

• Use of unsuitable equipment can result in severe damage to

the towing bracket. The towing bracket could then break while

pulling a trailer and cause an accident.

• Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball

joint. This could damage the mechanism which locks the ball joint

in place and impair its safety (accident risk).

Fig. 194 Load distribu-

tion of equipment and

accessories

The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than

1

700 mm from the ball joint A.

Removable towing bracket

The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not

exceed 75 kg.

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

Introduction

The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.

Special care is required when fitting and removing the

towing bracket.

The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre

1

of gravity and the ball joint A increases.

The following limits apply:

If the distance is 300 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment

A

mounted) A must not exceed 75 kg.

If the distance is 600 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment

B

mounted) A must not exceed 35 kg.

Only bicycle racks for a maximum of three bicycles may be used.

Fig. 195 Luggage

compartment with

towing bracket

Equipment mounted on the towing bracket

We recommend that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack)

which has been approved by Audi on the ball joint. If you wish to

attach other equipment please make sure that it has been approved

by the manufacturer for use on the ball joint. If you mount unsuit-

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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Towing a trailer

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored

under the floor panel on the left-hand side of the luggage compart-

ment.

Fitting the ball joint (step 1)

The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.

WARNING

Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball

joint. This could damage the mechanism which locks the ball joint

in place and impair its safety (accident risk).

Fig. 196 Area below

rear bumper: Folding

down the socket

Note

• Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing

bracket components.

• Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket,

or suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a qualified workshop.

• Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured

properly ⇒ page 204.

• Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still

hitched or with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.

Fig. 197 Socket

(folded down)

• It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a

trailer. Fold the socket back to its original position so that the

mounting fixture is properly closed.

– Remove the bumper cover to access the socket unit.

• The ball joint must be removed if you intend to clean the car with

a steam cleaning attachment. Make sure that the mounting fixture

is properly closed.

– Fold the socket unit all the way out in the direction of the

arrow ⇒ fig. 196.

• For installation and removal of the ball joint we recommend that

– The cover piece is held automatically in the open posi-

tion.

the gloves provided be used.

– Check that the mounting for the towing bracket, which

will now have become visible -arrow- ⇒ fig. 197, is free of

dirt, and clean if necessary ⇒

.

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Towing a trailer

203

The ball joint can only be installed if the internal spring mechanism

is in the ready position.

– Also check the shaft section of the ball joint and its asso-

ciated mechanical parts to make sure they are clean and

undamaged.

Continued ⇒ page 203, “Fitting the ball joint (step 3)”.

Continued ⇒ page 203, “Fitting the ball joint (step 2)”.

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

Fitting the ball joint (step 3)

WARNING

It is important to keep the mounting fixture clean. Otherwise the

ball joint may fail to engage securely (accident risk).

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

Fitting the ball joint (step 2)

Fig. 199 Removable

towing bracket:

Setting the spring

mechanism to the

"ready" position

Fig. 198 Removable

towing bracket: Ball

joint

The spring mechanism inside the ball joint must

be in the "ready" position.

Fig. 200 Removable

towing bracket:

Inserting the ball joint

2

– Check that the red marking A ⇒ fig. 198 on the knob is

inside the green zone on the ball joint.

Setting the spring mechanism to the "ready"

position (if required)

1

– Check that the locking ball A is inside the hole in the

shaft section of the ball joint.

4

– Insert the key A ⇒ fig. 199 for locking the ball joint into

the lock on the knob and turn it clockwise.

– Check that the knob protrudes visibly from the ball joint,

3

so that there is a clear gap A between the knob and the

ball joint.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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204

Towing a trailer

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

a

– Pull out the knob in direction A, hold and turn in direc-

Fitting the ball joint (step 4)

b

5

tion A until the locking ball A engages ⇒

.

Inserting the ball joint

– With the spring mechanism in the “ready” position,

insert the ball joint into the mounting fixture and push it

upwards ⇒ page 203, fig. 200 in the direction indicated

(arrow) ⇒

. The spring mechanism should then

engage automatically with an audible click.

– Lock the ball joint by turning the key anti-clockwise.

Fig. 201 Removable

towing bracket: Safety

check

– Take out the key and press the cover cap provided onto

the lock.

Continued ⇒ page 204, “Fitting the ball joint (step 4)”.

WARNING

• If it is not possible to set the spring mechanism to the "ready"

position as described above, do not use the ball joint. Please take

your vehicle to a qualified workshop.

Fig. 202 Area below

rear bumper: Electrical

socket for trailer

• To avoid injury, keep your hands away from the knob and the

cover piece when inserting the ball joint into the mounting fixture.

Safety check

Note

6

– Check that the green marking A ⇒ fig. 201 on the knob

Make sure that the knob can turn freely when the ball joint is

inserted.

is inside the green zone on the ball joint.

– Check that the knob is directly against the ball joint, so

7

that there is no gap A between the knob and the ball

joint.

– Check that the ball joint is locked and the key is removed

(so that the knob cannot be pulled out).

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Towing a trailer

205

– Check that the ball joint fits tightly in the mounting

fixture (try moving it about to check).

Electrical socket for trailer

– The cable of the towing bracket can be connected to the

socket ⇒ page 204, fig. 202.

Fig. 204 Area below

rear bumper: Folding

up the socket

If the safety check is not satisfactory, the ball joint must be fitted

again properly.

8

– Take off the cover cap and insert the key A ⇒ fig. 203 in

WARNING

the lock on the knob.

To avoid accidents, the ball joint must meet all the safety require-

ments listed in the safety check. The towing bracket must not be

used if any one of these requirements is not met. If this is the case,

you should contact a qualified workshop.

– Unlock the ball joint by turning the key clockwise.

– Take hold of the ball joint and pull out the knob in direc-

a

tion A.

– Keep hold of the knob and turn it as far as it will go in

Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracket

b

direction A.

Removing the ball joint

– Release the knob. The spring mechanism will remain in

the "ready" position ⇒

.

– Pull the ball joint down out of the mounting fixture.

– Then swivel the socket up ⇒ fig. 204 as far as it will go.

The mounting fixture will be closed automatically.

– Fit the bumper cover over the opening on the bumper.

Fig. 203 Removable

towing bracket:

Removing the ball joint

– Put away the ball joint attachment under the floor panel

in the luggage compartment.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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Towing a trailer

A

The securing points, which are marked by an A in the illustrations

⇒ fig. 205 and ⇒ fig. 206, are located under the vehicle.

WARNING

Make sure that the socket unit has closed off the mounting fixture

of the towing bracket properly. Otherwise the ball joint may fail to

engage securely if dirt accumulates in the mounting fixture.

Audi dealers are familiar with the method of installation and any

modifications which may be required for the cooling system.

WARNING

Towing bracket (retrofitting)

• If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be

carried out by a qualified workshop.

If required, the vehicle can be retrofitted with a towing

bracket.

• If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted, this could cause a

safety risk.

• For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided

by the manufacturer of the towing bracket.

Caution

If the connector socket is not fitted correctly, this could cause

damage to the vehicle's electrical system.

Fig. 205 Positions of

securing points (side

view)

Fig. 206 Positions of

securing points (from

above)

If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is purchased, this must

be done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manu-

facturer.

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Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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Driving tips -> Towing a trailer for Your Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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