B9 SQ5 Towing Capacity

[Batman0424]

So, we are debating getting a camper and noticed the towing capacity of the SQ5 is 4400 lbs, which is the same as the Q5.

I’m wondering what is limiting the tow capacity for the SQ5. Compared to the Q5, the engine and brakes are “upgraded” compared to the Q5. I’m not certain about the transmission comparison (for towing) or if there is are chassis dynamics limiting the tow capacity. I also recall reading that the tow capacity is lower in the US compared to OUS, but I cannot find the reference again (camping now and reception is making searching difficult).

Preference would be to avoid purchasing a truck / full size SUV and towing with the SQ5. The Airstream we are eyeing has a GVWR of 5000 lbs (weight with batteries and propane is 3900 and it holds 230 lbs of water - all under the max weight loaded without anything we bring) which is a few hundred over the SQ5 rating.

Any thoughts / opinions would be great.


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[subaruski]

GVWR 5,732lbs (same as Q5)

Curb Weight 4,321lbs

Towing Capacity = GVWR - Curb Weight = 1,411lbs

Audi Advertised Specs
Maximum Towing Capacity 4400lbs
Maximum Trailer Weight, dead weight hitch 4400lbs
Maximum Tongue Weight, dead weight hitch 440lbs

[Batman0424]

GVWR 5,732lbs (same as Q5)

Curb Weight 4,321lbs

Towing Capacity = GVWR - Curb Weight = 1,411lbs

Audi Advertised Specs
Maximum Towing Capacity 4400lbs
Maximum Trailer Weight, dead weight hitch 4400lbs
Maximum Tongue Weight, dead weight hitch 440lbs

Does this mean I can only tow 1,411?


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[cheewy16]

Not sure if it helps but @das ponto has a B9 Q5 pulling a 2019 Basecamp X. Perhaps use that as a reference point?
He has a few postings/pic about it.

[zaknafien]

Tow capacity is limited less by the powertrain (but somewhat from that) and more from the vehicle chassis limits like overall gross vehicle weight and curb weight. The more of a tongue-load the trailer is putting on the hitch, the less weight is on the front axle, directly leading to less control in steering ability, and stopping ability eventually. Not even taking into account the need for the braking system to stop the additional weight. I have not towed anything with my SQ5 and don't intend to (we have the wife's Explorer for that need) I was previously in a Jeep Wrangler, and if you look across that lineup, specifically at the difference in tow ratings, the powertrain option makes no difference whatsoever, it's chassis limits. A 4 door wrangler has a tow rating of 3500 lbs and a 2 door has a tow rating of 2000 lbs regardless of if it has the 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 6 cylinder hybrid or 6 cylinder diesel engine, all of which have different power figures.

Now, manufacturers do err on the side of caution with tow ratings, so would you be capable of hauling a 5000 lb trailer with the SQ5? More than likely without issue. But should have have an accident or some issue as a result of the towing it opens you up to potential criminal/civil penalties and gives your insurance a pass to let you handle it yourself, since you have knowingly exceeded your vehicle's manufacturer specified limits.

[SurfTek]

In regards to how much weight to risk. I would focus more on the tongue weight of whatever you want to tow. 440 max tongue weight is listed for SQ5. Likely it can actually do 600, before hitch stress/failure risk starts coming into play. Hitch's have class ratings. Class 2, class 3 ect. We should have a class 3 which generally can do up to 6,000 pounds. I personally have towed a 7X12 enclosed tandem axle trailer loaded past 4400 on a 500 mile trip and had no issues. As far as a tow vehicle, the SQ5 did great, could tow uphill at whatever speed I wanted. Ended up passing most cars on the highway. However ensure you have trailer brakes when over 3,000 pounds, and at least a tandem axle. I would determine how often you expect to tow heavy/over max. If it's not often, 1 or 2 trips a year the SQ5 would probably be fine. Your right to think the better brakes, and powerful engine really do make it great for towing. If it's often, getting a larger tow vehicle, perhaps class 4 hitch, would be the wiser/safer choice.

[Batman0424]

In regards to how much weight to risk. I would focus more on the tongue weight of whatever you want to tow. 440 max tongue weight is listed for SQ5. Likely it can actually do 600, before hitch stress/failure risk starts coming into play. Hitch's have class ratings. Class 2, class 3 ect. We should have a class 3 which generally can do up to 6,000 pounds. I personally have towed a 7X12 enclosed tandem axle trailer loaded past 4400 on a 500 mile trip and had no issues. As far as a tow vehicle, the SQ5 did great, could tow uphill at whatever speed I wanted. Ended up passing most cars on the highway. However ensure you have trailer brakes when over 3,000 pounds, and at least a tandem axle. I would determine how often you expect to tow heavy/over max. If it's not often, 1 or 2 trips a year the SQ5 would probably be fine. Your right to think the better brakes, and powerful engine really do make it great for towing. If it's often, getting a larger tow vehicle, perhaps class 4 hitch, would be the wiser/safer choice.

The Airstream we are looking at is single axle, but I do believe it has brakes.

The tongue weight might be an issue as it’s closer to 500/500 lbs.

Is the tongue weight issue with the factory hitch or would this also be with an aftermarket hitch? I’ve found some setups that help offset / distribute weight off the tongue, but not sure what that entails or the impact.

As for frequency, we would look to use it at least once a month and likely relatively local (most of the time). Some hills, but nothing crazy.


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[Batman0424]

In regards to how much weight to risk. I would focus more on the tongue weight of whatever you want to tow. 440 max tongue weight is listed for SQ5. Likely it can actually do 600, before hitch stress/failure risk starts coming into play. Hitch's have class ratings. Class 2, class 3 ect. We should have a class 3 which generally can do up to 6,000 pounds. I personally have towed a 7X12 enclosed tandem axle trailer loaded past 4400 on a 500 mile trip and had no issues. As far as a tow vehicle, the SQ5 did great, could tow uphill at whatever speed I wanted. Ended up passing most cars on the highway. However ensure you have trailer brakes when over 3,000 pounds, and at least a tandem axle. I would determine how often you expect to tow heavy/over max. If it's not often, 1 or 2 trips a year the SQ5 would probably be fine. Your right to think the better brakes, and powerful engine really do make it great for towing. If it's often, getting a larger tow vehicle, perhaps class 4 hitch, would be the wiser/safer choice.

The Airstream we are looking at is single axle, but I do believe it has brakes.

The tongue weight might be an issue as it’s closer to 500 lbs.

Is the tongue weight issue with the factory hitch or would this also be with an aftermarket hitch? I’ve found some setups that help offset / distribute weight off the tongue, but not sure what that entails or the impact.

As for frequency, we would look to use it at least once a month and likely relatively local (most of the time). Some hills, but nothing crazy.


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