Towing with a Audi Q5

[skinzy]

I have just purchased an Audi SQ5(354hp) and will be buying an Airstream. I am trying to decide between the Sport 22FB (which I prefer) and the Sport 16. The Audi tow rating is 4400 lbs. I am concerned that the 22FB base weight of 3634 will be too much for the Audi thus may opt for the lighter 16. Any recommendations?

[m.hony]

It should tow as well as a Volkswagen Toureag or o Porsche Cayenne. There is a video on YouTube comparing the towing characteristics of an Airstream and a sob trailer. The tow vehicle is a Porsche Cayenne.

[overlander63]

I remember the cargo capacity of the 22 is less than 800 pounds. Number to number, it would be doable, and be within your capacity. The 22 is a much more roomy trailer, even though it is slightly narrower than the 16. And of course the front bedroom helps a lot.

[thomp]

The Q5 is NOT the same as the Cayenne or Touareg... The Q7 is the Audi version.

[dkottum]

The Sport 22 is within the Audi's capability, and the Audi is stable on the road. The Sport 22 is also more stable than the 16 because there is considerably more distance from hitch coupler to trailer axle.

If you are concerned about going over the 4400# capability of the Audi, go to a CAT scale and know what you have when loaded. Add or remove stuff as needed.

Use a quality weight distribution hitch, with plenty of capability to distribute tongue weight among the three axles, and sway control. It ought to tow nicely.

doug

[dkottum]

This thing has gobs of torque and an 8 speed transmission. I'm surprised the tow capacity is that low.

doug

[TouringDan]

Skinzy

I like the Q5. It should make a great TV for a small Airstream. I would be more concerned with the exceeding the max rear axle weight rating and the GVWR than the tow rating.

Give Andy T. a call. Whatever he says, I would go with it. He is a towing expert.

You might look for a vintage Caravel or Globetrotter. It would tow either of those with ease. There would not be much difference in the function between a quality restored Airstream and a new one, but you would save a pile of money and also not have to deal with depreciation if you decided to get something bigger, along with a larger TV.

Good luck.

Dan

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by thomp

The Q5 is NOT the same as the Cayenne or Touareg... The Q7 is the Audi version.

What is a Q5? Is it a Tiguan? I guess I have never seen one.

[skinzy]

Thanks for all the comments they are helpful! Many people have suggested a weight distribution/sway hitch. The car manual says the following "Never install a "weight distributing" or "load equalizing" trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The hitch attachment can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle." Tongue weight rating is 440. Don't know what to think of this?

[skinzy]

Originally Posted by m.hony

What is a Q5? Is it a Tiguan? I guess I have never seen one.

Yes it is similar to Tiguan in size which has much lower tow load rating (2200lbs).