Towing with the Q5 or SQ5

[Blue S4]

I am looking for some real-world feedback from those of you who tow with your Q5. I've searched tirelessly and most of the information available is extremely outdated, incomplete, or simply conjecture. I would like some solid feedback from those who you have actually pulled something behind your Q.

We're considering a 2014-15 Q5 and heavily leaning towards a TDI with the S-Line package and Sport Seats. I would also consider the 3.0T and the SQ5 would pair great with my B8.5 S4, but I think the diesel is going to be a better option if we can find the right one. It will primarily be a daily driver, split between city and highway miles, with towing capabilities on the weekends. Our towing trips vary from short city trips to 60 mile country backroad and highway pulls.

We're looking to pull a 1999 Toyota Epic X22 wakeboard boat that weighs in at 4400 pounds fully loaded with the trailer. The trailer is dual axle with surge brakes. I know this is right at the US towing capacity limits of 4400 pounds, but well under the Euro limit. This is where I'm looking for feedback, good, bad, or otherwise. I've heard every opinion under the sun about towing at capacity, but am looking for some real examples of what works and what doesn't specifically for the Q.

[SQive]

I can't speak for the diesel, but my 3.0T tows a Uhaul car-hauler with an R8, which is around 4500 lbs, combined.
No breaking, transmission, or power issues. 80MPH no problem.

[MSq5]

I've not tried to tow anything heavier than a 14 foot skiff with 25 hp outboard, but the Q5 trailer towing package for the Q5 (which I got OEM) is rated for 4,400 pounds trailer load, 440 pounds on the ball. The OEM package does have the proper plug and all the light connections for most trailers. The diesel or the 3.0T ought to handle that kind of weight. Not so sure about the 2.0T with your max or near max load.

There is a plug up under the dash that is used for your electronic brake controller. You will probably have to source a different plug adapter for it. I don't recall which adapter, but I needed one for using the Tekonsha Podigy I already had and use with a larger vehicle to tow a 12,000 loaded equipment trailer. Wouldn't dare to hitch that to the Q5, though.

[jsilas]

I can't unfortunately provide you feedback on that load specifically, but I towed regularly with both my 2016 SQ5 (before it was totaled) and with my 2018 SQ5 and they handle my trailer like a dream. My trailer is a 7' x 14' single-axle enclosed utility trailer, which weighs approximately 3,000lbs fully laden (motorcycles, fuel, tools, generator, etc). I'm really impressed at how well these rigs tow.

[jomama229]

I can't speak for the diesel, but my 3.0T tows a Uhaul car-hauler with an R8, which is around 4500 lbs, combined.
No breaking, transmission, or power issues. 80MPH no problem.

show off! i use mine to tow a uhaul full of gold bars, but that only weighed 1000 kilos.

[mkasperzak]

I can't speak for the diesel, but my 3.0T tows a Uhaul car-hauler with an R8, which is around 4500 lbs, combined.
No breaking, transmission, or power issues. 80MPH no problem.

I bet you get zero looks on the highway. zero. none.

I am considering eventually installing a tow hook, but it would just be for a snowmobile and trailer.. nowhere near the load.

[Das Ponto]

Bumping for tow bar set ups and installs... looking to get one on one of our 2 Q5s... need it mainly for our northshore bike rack. But also awesome to see people have hauled some decent weight with the Q5... I shouldn't tell the fiancee she will want a trailer sooner haha.

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I can't speak for the diesel, but my 3.0T tows a Uhaul car-hauler with an R8, which is around 4500 lbs, combined.
No breaking, transmission, or power issues. 80MPH no problem.

I'm gonna need to see pictures of this man.

[TaylorDrift]

Bumping for interest as well. I might need to start towing my mountain sled around. Maybe my Z06 depending on future track plans/locations.

[simplesez]

Bumping for tow bar set ups and installs... looking to get one on one of our 2 Q5s... need it mainly for our northshore bike rack. But also awesome to see people have hauled some decent weight with the Q5... I shouldn't tell the fiancee she will want a trailer sooner haha.

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I'm gonna need to see pictures of this man.

video with northshore rack. Good stuff

[simplesez]

I installed the hitch to tow my Summit X 163 around. No problem no matter what the Q5 model for a single snowmobile.

[Das Ponto]

[QUOTE=simplesez;13052956]video with northshore rack. Good stuff


Oh RPI... always killing it. I think we are going to install it on our 2018 Q5, but it looks like you have to trim the bumper for it to fit... is that the same for the Gen 1 Q's??

[SQive]

I'm gonna need to see pictures of this man.

I just looked, but I don't have one with everything hitched up and tied down.
Now, I'm talking about the Q7 (see sig), which is also a 3.0T, and the only one with the tow package.

[VroomVroom]

I know I'm in the minority and at least one of youse (likely the Tejas guy, but me profile?) will bust my balls for this, but.... Man, I just wouldn't do it. At least not beyond a really light trailer with an even lighter tongue weight for a very short distance. Beyond that I want body-on-frame, a long wheelbase, a ridiculous transmission cooler, and a drivetrain that emphasizes low-end torque.

[Das Ponto]

I just looked, but I don't have one with everything hitched up and tied down.
Now, I'm talking about the Q7 (see sig), which is also a 3.0T, and the only one with the tow package.

Well get one next time!!

I know I'm in the minority and at least one of youse (likely the Tejas guy, but me profile?) will bust my balls for this, but.... Man, I just wouldn't do it. At least not beyond a really light trailer with an even lighter tongue weight for a very short distance. Beyond that I want body-on-frame, a long wheelbase, a ridiculous transmission cooler, and a drivetrain that emphasizes low-end torque.

Silly Muricans... people in Europe tow all the time with a lot smaller vehicles lol.

My host family in Denmark pulled a small sailboat with their 1st Gen 2 door A3 even... My old 3.2 A3 had a towing capacity of close to 4,000lbs....
Don't always need supersized truck to tow anything.

But our old Ram 2500 cummins with the long box was a dream at pulling just because of the long wheel base and well 6 in a row ready to tow.

[VroomVroom]

And it's the Canadian guy first out of the gate busting chops...who knew?

All good points. Especially the Muricans one. Sigh.

But I digress. People in Europe also really know how to drive. Of course, they also tow ... what ... 750 pounds max? :) Being honest, can you imagine towing two tons in an A3...uphill, in traffic? White knuckles (even without crosswinds), red brakes, and a dead transmission.

I'll go back to my cave now.

[Das Ponto]

And it's the Canadian guy first out of the gate busting chops...who knew?

All good points. Especially the Muricans one. Sigh.

But I digress. People in Europe also really know how to drive. Of course, they also tow ... what ... 750 pounds max? :) Being honest, can you imagine towing two tons in an A3...uphill, in traffic? White knuckles (even without crosswinds), red brakes, and a dead transmission.

I'll go back to my cave now.

Hahah I didn't disagree that your points weren't valid... of course a big truck is gonna tow nicer. But not necessary as our friends over the waters show... A lot of Caravans get hauled all over the place by cars and small suvs etc... or like an RS6 Avant....

Some of the caravans (camper in freedom terms) get upwards of 4k lbs for sure.

No need to go back to your cave, not your fault you were born american.

[VroomVroom]

What the hell is that chatter from my attic? Pipe down up there, I tell you.

MmmmmmmmmmRS6Avantmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[Das Ponto]

Back on topic... OEM Audi hitch $1800 Plus install...

Anyone rocked the Stealth Hitches? 415 USD. Can likely install myself.

[Eur0fr3sh]

Back on topic... OEM Audi hitch $1800 Plus install...

Anyone rocked the Stealth Hitches? 415 USD. Can likely install myself.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...=2015201545178

Just installed the Draw Tite last weekend. It was inexpensive-AF and IIRC, it seems to have a close resemblance to the OEM one (through google images).

Cake to install.

[Das Ponto]

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...=2015201545178

Just installed the Draw Tite last weekend. It was inexpensive-AF and IIRC, it seems to have a close resemblance to the OEM one (through google images).

Cake to install.

That indicates a 2015? Looking at the 2018's as they apparently have a ton of shit in the bumpers now with regards to all the sensors...

[FloridaMarine]

I have a 2018 Q5 and had a Reese hitch (same as OEM I think) installed for $325. You must make a small cut in the lower bumper, but it's well beneath the hitch and unnoticeable. I had to wire it myself as the Audi dealer said they couldn't wire it because they didn't install it. I used the Tekonsha Zero Contact Interface connector, which took me about 1.5 hours to install. With this install, you don't cut or splice any wires and it doesn't interfere with the car's electrical system. You'll need trim tools to make this an easier job and lessen the risk of damaging the panels.

I did not add a brake controller, which you may need for heavy loads. I towed two motorcycles in an enclosed trailer over 3,500 miles with no issues-smooth and steady ride.

My only problem now is that I have to replace the lower brake light assembly due to a cracked lens and it appears the hitch covers up the screw holding the light modular in place. Anyone ever replaced the lower light with a hitch installed?

Bob

[04turbowagon]

I have a 2015 SQ5 and installed the Invisi/Execuhitch. It's great. Works flawlessly. I tow a jet ski and a small open trailer. No problems.

[billm0066]

I have a 2015 SQ5 and installed the Invisi/Execuhitch. It's great. Works flawlessly. I tow a jet ski and a small open trailer. No problems.

I havent done a hitch before. Can you provide a quick run down of whats needed?

Does the hitch bolt into factory locations or do things need to be drilled?
How is the wiring handled?
Does the car need to be updated by audi or vcds or anything?

[justforfun]

Any detailed instructions on how to connect the brake lights wires? I'm going to attempt to install one myself...crossing fingers. Thanks

[shannon11off]

She tows this like a beast.. 2017 Sq5.IMG_2204.JPG

[doc_oc]

I chose the factory tow hitch because it doesnt sit below the rear valance like most aftermarket ones. I bought it on ecstuning for a couple hundred less than what dealer wanted for it. It comes with the wiring too.
I know it's a lot more expensive than aftermarket ones, but I love how discrete it is.

I dont get it. If the rating is 4400/440 why would you be worried?
Are you worried when transporting 5 people since its rated for that? We damn well know that the ratings are done to be safe no matter how you drive it and what you do with that car.
It's not rated 4400 lbs downhill.
But, enough with my rant. I tow an enclosed snowmobile trailer 17' long with 3 sleds in it. Trailer is 1700lbs sleds about 1500 plus another 2-400 lbs of gear. And 4 dudes riding in the car with luggage for a week.
Does it look pretty? NO. It drops the back quite a bit. But it works flawlessly. No brake controller either.
Like with everything, you use it harder than normal, do the maintenance more often.

Here is the best picture I have right now.

Regarding the install, it's a breeze. 3 hours taking it easy.
It replaces the aluminum crash bar.


Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

[windyctyaudi]

Any detailed instructions on how to connect the brake lights wires? I'm going to attempt to install one myself...crossing fingers. Thanks

I'm going to assume you have a 2016.
Go to the following page and at the bottom download the "Rack Installation Instructions", page 9 has the location and color coding. I installed their 2018 version on my SQ5 with similar instructions.

[justforfun]

I'm going to assume you have a 2016.
Go to the following page and at the bottom download the "Rack Installation Instructions", page 9 has the location and color coding. I installed their 2018 version on my SQ5 with similar instructions.

Outstanding, i'm going to attempt to do the install myself. Thank you!

[04turbowagon]

I havent done a hitch before. Can you provide a quick run down of whats needed?

Does the hitch bolt into factory locations or do things need to be drilled?
How is the wiring handled?
Does the car need to be updated by audi or vcds or anything?

Installed into factory location and use their adapter for connecting the lights. I don't have the Audi adapter and the only issue I have is that the warning systems turn off when I'm towing. It depends on the load though. The jet ski causes this, but my foldable trailer with two KTM's on it doesn't. No VCDS update done.

[RS6gmbh]

+1

I would not do it. That's one of the reasons I bought a Cayenne diesel.

Wife has her SQ5 and we don't tow with it. My Cayenne tows either RS6 just fine on my Featherlight trailer.

I know I'm in the minority and at least one of youse (likely the Tejas guy, but me profile?) will bust my balls for this, but.... Man, I just wouldn't do it. At least not beyond a really light trailer with an even lighter tongue weight for a very short distance. Beyond that I want body-on-frame, a long wheelbase, a ridiculous transmission cooler, and a drivetrain that emphasizes low-end torque.

[SQive]

I'm gonna need to see pictures of this man.

Dammit! I just hauled it down to San Antonio and back for the ACLS state meet and although I took pictures, not a single one of them is the whole rig. Sorry.

[Q5OnTheMove]

She tows this like a beast.. 2017 Sq5.IMG_2204.JPG

Nice! Was looking into the Yamaha AR195 myself.

Towing 4,000 lbs in a boat will be easier then 4,000 lbs in a small RV or Box Trailer.

[seanf86]

I know it's not much but I finally put some miles on towing to the lake this past weekend. I don't even notice the trailer at 115kmh. I love this thing, beats towing it with my B5S4.

Once at the lake I used our utility trailer to haul water from the well, 250gallons and did 2 trips and it pulled that effortlessly as well.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[shannon11off]

She tows it with no problems! Here is a better pic..DSCN3594.jpg

[Q5OnTheMove]

She tows it with no problems! Here is a better pic..DSCN3594.jpg

Have you gone to a weight station to see the hitch weight?
Also, do you have an anti-sway bar connected?

[Jaycofl]

Hoping someone will see this new post on this older thread. I bought an aftermarket hitch but nowhere am I seeing any need to have the dealership recalibrate they camera and s

[Jaycofl]

...and sensors. Has anyone had to do that? I’ve been told that twice by local body shops. The folks I bought the Drawtight hitch from (etrailer.com) are awesome and very reputable, and they had no experience indicating that was necessary. Thanks for any experience with that anyone might have to share.

[choppstixxx]

...and sensors. Has anyone had to do that? I’ve been told that twice by local body shops. The folks I bought the Drawtight hitch from (etrailer.com) are awesome and very reputable, and they had no experience indicating that was necessary. Thanks for any experience with that anyone might have to share.

Coding changes that would control the rearview camera, sensors, also engine adjustments are done when you utilize the OEM trailer module which only comes with the OEM hitch kit. You can however buy it 3rd party, but it costs a bit. If you look at the thread I made, it shows what coding changes are done.

[Jaycofl]

Coding changes that would control the rearview camera, sensors, also engine adjustments are done when you utilize the OEM trailer module which only comes with the OEM hitch kit. You can however buy it 3rd party, but it costs a bit. If you look at the thread I made, it shows what coding changes are done.

Thank you for that quick reply. Would any of that be necessary if I’m just using the hitch for a bike rack? I’m never actually going to tow anything. I was thinking the recalibration was required because the sensors and camera may have moved a couple of millimeters in direction when the bumper was removed and subsequently reinstalled.

[choppstixxx]

Thank you for that quick reply. Would any of that be necessary if I’m just using the hitch for a bike rack? I’m never actually going to tow anything. I was thinking the recalibration was required because the sensors and camera may have moved a couple of millimeters in direction when the bumper was removed and subsequently reinstalled.

If that is all your "towing" with, I would not worry about adding the OEM module or even the eTrailer module. The installation process of the hitch would not affect your sensors or camera either. One thing to be aware of when using a bike carrier, do not try to open your hatch as it will come in contact with the carrier. With the OEM module, it codes things so you can't open the hatch unless the trailer wiring is disconnected. Or as with most newer bike carriers, they have "swing away" options.