So I want to tow this

**Cody Maverick** · 05-19-2016 12:05 PM

with this

So the R32 is pretty stripped so I am guessing its weighing around 3000lbs

the SQ5 says it can tow 4400lbs. BUT I really don't want to be pushing it if thats like a MAX weight to tow. I am assuming i can get a 16ft trailer that weighs around 1500lbs? Since the R32 is my little track toy the Audi would need to be able to tow it for a few hours. I am starting to really hate driving it to the track as its so rough to ride in for a long period of time. Also i recently crashed it into a wall which left me with no way to get home on my own.

Thoughts on this? Are others towing a track car? Is the 4400lb tow limit, really a limit?

Thanks!

**connoisseurr** · 05-19-2016 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Cody Maverick

with this

So the R32 is pretty stripped so I am guessing its weighing around 3000lbs

the SQ5 says it can tow 4400lbs. BUT I really don't want to be pushing it if thats like a MAX weight to tow. I am assuming i can get a 16ft trailer that weighs around 1500lbs? Since the R32 is my little track toy the Audi would need to be able to tow it for a few hours. I am starting to really hate driving it to the track as its so rough to ride in for a long period of time. Also i recently crashed it into a wall which left me with no way to get home on my own.

Thoughts on this? Are others towing a track car? Is the 4400lb tow limit, really a limit?

Thanks!

The tow limit isn't something this specifically based on the drivetrain (TDI has same tow capacity as 3.0T). It's the chassis and balance of the Q5.

The issue here is that you can pull it, no problem. It's the stopping that you must worry about. If you had a trailer with brakes, that's one thing, but I'm assuming you don't.

The SQ5 does have larger brakes up front which will help tremendously. Maybe look into beefier rotors and a pad upgrade? DBA, Willwood, etc.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 05-19-2016 12:57 PM

Nothing much to add, other than that is great looking, and appears to be a clean R32 track car. And a 14' featherlite is going to weigh about 1,300 lbs.

**drumnjuny** · 05-19-2016 01:37 PM

not sure about the Q5, but i've basically tossed tow ratings by the wayside since my buddy and I towed a 20,000 lb trailer with a v8 raptor who's rating was like 7000 or 8000 lbs. it was completely fine. just brake early and drive slow - things you will undoubtedly be doing anyway when towing

**LINDW4LL** · 05-19-2016 01:45 PM

You're fine towing that setup. Plus, the Q5 is rated to tow 5,291 lbs in Europe. As long as you have a proper hitch (and make sure the tongue weight is within spec) there is no issue towing that setup.

**VroomVroom** · 05-19-2016 02:19 PM

I'll be the cynical one. Distance, duration, terrain, & frequency?

Towing is always a compromise for our type of vehicles. I prefer to leave the task to a vehicle more designed for it. Longer wheelbase, full-length frame, V8 (or diesel) torque, transmission & torque converter spec'd for the job. 1/2-ton trucks aren't as fun to drive, but they'll tow a load like this forever with zero concerns. If you do this infrequently, they're cheap enough to rent.

Just my take...

**Cody Maverick** · 05-19-2016 08:17 PM

I'd be able to get a trailer with brakes correct? Would that work with the Audi.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 05-19-2016 09:07 PM

You'd have to get a brake controller for the SQ, and wire it for it. Don't bother.

**SQive** · 05-19-2016 10:31 PM

Not necessarily true. There are trailers with tongue brakes. My boat trailer had it and it worked great.
I used to pull a 5500 pound boat & trailer setup behind a Nissan Pathfinder at 80mph with a V6...no problem.

**tneconni** · 05-20-2016 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by Mops@SupremePower

You'd have to get a brake controller for the SQ, and wire it for it. Don't bother.

Also there are wireless brake controllers. Or rather...fewer wire brake controllers. In any case its certainly surprisingly expensive to wire a German SUV for towing. Did the same for my previous BMW.

Still a lot cheaper than renting if you tow with any regularity or buying a new vehicle.

**drumnjuny** · 05-20-2016 09:12 AM

oh yeah should have mentioned, that trailer obviously had brakes and we were using the OEM integrated trailer brake that comes on a f150 haha.

**sdiver68** · 05-20-2016 04:39 PM

No issues at all, as long as the trailer has brakes :). And you don't mind 12-15 mpg.

I tow 3500lb enclosed trailer (with 3 race bikes) with my 2014 Q5 TDI which is far more load than an open trailer with car due to the aerodynamics of towing a large box. Aluminum car hauler should be about 1400 lbs with 4 wheel electric brakes.

I use the Tekonsha wireless brake controller, highly recommended so you don't have someone hacking up your electrical system. Once the trailer is set up, any vehicle can tow it with brakes since the wireless portion is only for initial calibration and trailer only braking button which you'll never use.

**Flieger** · 06-06-2016 07:15 AM

The Q5 3.0L is more than capable of towing another VW. The only two things I'd have done differently if I'd have had the time was to install my electronic brake controller for the trailer and used a leveler. However with that said we towed my 3100lb MK6 Golf R from Colorado Springs to Austin, Tx (COTA) for a three day track event and back again with ZERO issues. The Q5 (our original one) did an amazing job the whole time up and down the various mountains passes we traveled through. It never skipped a beat.

ALUMA 7816R