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airstreampilot · 08-08-2009, 12:43 AM

What do you all think about an Audi Q7 3.6L to tow a AS Intl CCD 23'?

Audi Q7 3.6 Specs
280 hp @ 6200 rpm
266 ft-lbs. @ 2750 rpm
Tow cap. 6,600 lbs
Curb Weight: 5170 lbs.
Gross Weight: 6713 lbs.

2009 AS Intl. CCD 23' Specs
Hitch Weight w/o options or variable weight 700
UBW 4,695
NCC w/o options fluids or cargo 1,305
GVWR 6,000

Thanks!

vinstream · 08-08-2009, 01:18 AM

Dennx,

I have used and pulled many trailers with both the VW Touareg V-8, and Porsche Cayenne (Both built on the same basic platform as the Q7) and I am trully amazed! The vehical will handle it very well! In fact Airstream used the Porsche Cayenne it a high speed course to show off how good the Airstream is, but infact it is both the vehical and the trailer in a pair that can only do such a course at such speed! I would say that I would not go over 30' with a new airstream and could go up to a 36' with a vintage trailer! The Q7 will be a great choice! I would spend the extra $$ for the air leveling suspention!!! There is nothing like it from any other TV on the market! Good luck and safe travels....

Vin... Home of the "NO FLOOR ROT TRAILER"

airstreampilot · 08-08-2009, 09:19 AM

We only have the v6 version, but it's a lease so we can go for the v8 with air suspension in 2 years. Is the v6 adequate for the CCD 23'?

**moosetags** · 08-08-2009, 09:30 AM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The Q7 will probably do an adequate job of pulling an AS23 if properly set up.

Since you are leasing your Audi, you should carefully review the terms of your lease. Many passenger vehicle leases prohibit towing entirely or limit it to light weight towing. Violating these terms can end up costing you a bundle.

Brian

vinstream · 08-08-2009, 09:38 AM

The v-6 will work for the next two years! I feel it maybe little under powered for the hill or the mountains we have here in Colorado! The lease company (VW leasing) is ok to pull with! You may have to up the coverage you are have....

Vin...

airstreampilot · 08-08-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the info! Yep we have the towing package on our Q7. Now I'm even more excited about shopping for our CCD 23!!

airstreampilot · 08-08-2009, 11:09 PM

OK, so the Audi V8 and the V6 are rated the same towing cap. of 6600#... now I'm wondering if the V8 is worth the upgrade at end of lease? Maybe switch to a VW Toureg V6 or V8 which is both rated 7700#?

airstreampilot · 08-09-2009, 02:07 AM

I'm also reading on here that Audi does not recommend a WD hitch on the Q7. Correct? What is the best way to set up the Q7 hitch?

overlander63 · 08-09-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennx

I'm also reading on here that Audi does not recommend a WD hitch on the Q7. Correct? What is the best way to set up the Q7 hitch?

VW also does not recommend a WD hitch on the T-Reg, but there are several happy T-Reg owners towing Airstreams. Xray on the forums here tows with one, and even though he is not very active on the forum, I'm sure he would be willing to chat with you about his experiences towing with one.

purman · 08-09-2009, 09:05 AM

There is one problem.... The rear end ratio... They are made for speed no towing. Once you head up to the mountains out of seattle it will be a slow go... There was someone on here who had the cayenne and said it was great on the flats but a dog on the hills.

It will work, but it will be a push to maintain the speed limit up the pass out of seattle.

Also I wouldn't go any longer the wheel base is pretty short. And even if you don't put an equalizer on it you will differently want sway control with that short wheel base..

airstreampilot · 08-09-2009, 09:12 AM

So 118" wheelbase for the Q7 is too short?

nate3172 · 08-09-2009, 09:45 AM

dennx, as a mechanic and speaking from years of experience, the Q7 will do well enough pulling a 23 footer. Yes, it may be a bit of a dog climbing hills but I am of the mindset that when I'm towing my airstream I'm not expecting to be setting any land speed records. I like to take my time even if I can climb Snoqualmie pass at 65 with my current tow rig I don't. There is really no need to put your tow vehicle under that much stress just to get somewhere a little quicker. Go purchase your airstream and start enjoying what we all here enjoy!

ROBERT CROSS · 08-09-2009, 12:15 PM

If your basing your AS purchase on your tow vehicles capability you don't want it bad enough, get the Stream, if your not happy, you'll work it out.

You've been bit, now it's time to SCRATCH.

Poprivet · 08-09-2009, 03:38 PM

[QUOTE=purman;732632]There is one problem.... The rear end ratio... They are made for speed no towing. Once you head up to the mountains out of seattle it will be a slow go... There was someone on here who had the cayenne and said it was great on the flats but a dog on the hills.

Hmmm, I have a Cayenne S and belive me , power is not a issue when pulling - just drop it down to 5th - or 4th - or 3rd and keep on truck'en.

airstreampilot · 08-12-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

The Q7 will probably do an adequate job of pulling an AS23 if properly set up.

What is a proper set-up? Weight distributing hitch and sway bars? A particular brand?

**moosetags** · 08-12-2009, 12:35 PM

Pulling with a smaller tow vehicle, I would go with one of the premium hitch systems. The top three are Hensley, Equalizer, and Reese Dual Cam. Each of these has its fans here on the Forums, and there are many threads for each.

When I referred to "set up properly" what I was referring to is that the anti-sway/weight distribution hitch system of your choice is right version for your tongue weight. It also needs to be installed properly by someone who knows what they are doing. Make sure that it is adjusted properly for your particular TV/TT combination. You will have to learn how to hook-up, adjust, and un-hook.

When we bought our 25FB several years ago, we had the dealer install a Hensley Arrow Hitch System. It turned out he knew about as much about the system as I did. I was sent off with an improperly adjusted Hensley hooked to the wrong drop hitch bar.

From information on these Forums, I found out how to adjust my Hensley correctly, and obtained the correct drop hitch bar.

The bottom line is, don't necessarily trust the dealer's personnel to know what they are talking about.

Brian

Chikusho! · 08-13-2009, 07:03 PM

I`m also thinking of pulling with a Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo. I`ve been looking all over the Internet for information and I`m glad that I came across this forum. Do you guys think a Cayenne would be able to pull an 08 or 09 Safari 27`without any problems, especially if I hook it up with one of the hitch systems that you guys are talking about?

airstreampilot · 08-14-2009, 01:05 AM

Search for posts by forum member devoman, he pulls a 25' airstream with a Touareg which is the same vehicle.

This will get you started...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ity-53163.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chikusho!

I`m also thinking of pulling with a Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo. I`ve been looking all over the Internet for information and I`m glad that I came across this forum. Do you guys think a Cayenne would be able to pull an 08 or 09 Safari 27`without any problems, especially if I hook it up with one of the hitch systems that you guys are talking about?

Road Ruler · 08-14-2009, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennx

So 118" wheelbase for the Q7 is too short?

A long wheel base will help stabilize a marginal or unstable TV.

The Q7 is a very stable vehicle so the wheel base length has minimal importance.

Road Ruler · 08-14-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chikusho!

I`m also thinking of pulling with a Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo. I`ve been looking all over the Internet for information and I`m glad that I came across this forum. Do you guys think a Cayenne would be able to pull an 08 or 09 Safari 27`without any problems, especially if I hook it up with one of the hitch systems that you guys are talking about?

Post #26 here has the review and should answer your question....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...r-17371-2.html