Towing a Trailer

When driving with a trailer, the load on the vehicle increases compared to normal driving. The demands on the driver also increase.

When towing a trailer, the vehicle's dynamic characteristics change significantly. In particular, the ability to climb grades, acceleration and braking performance, as well as maneuverability and stability when cornering, are reduced.

Select the driving mode and speed in accordance with these changes.

Technical data

The factory-fitted towing device includes a 13-pin electrical connector. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, use the adapter cable available at Audi service centers.

Operating Instructions

Stabilizing devices reduce trailer oscillation about the transverse axis and trailer sway. We therefore recommend using these devices (especially with heavy trailers). Stabilizing devices are available at Audi service centers, where they can also be installed.

Never exceed the maximum permissible towing weight. Refer to the Specifications.

With the towing weight given in the Specifications, grades of 8 – 12% can be climbed. If the maximum permissible towing weight of the combination is not fully used, steeper grades can be climbed.

Use the maximum permissible tongue load on the towing device ball coupling as fully as possible, but do not exceed it. Refer to the Specifications.

The standard towing weight values are valid only at altitudes up to 1000 m (NN) above sea level. At higher altitudes the air is thinner, engine power decreases, and so does the ability to climb grades. Therefore, reduce the towing weight of the combination by 10% for every 1000 m of altitude gain.

Taking into account the maximum permissible towing weight and the tongue load on the towing device, distribute the luggage so that the heaviest items are positioned as close as possible to the axle. Also secure the load to prevent it from shifting during driving.

The towing weight and tongue load data shown on the trailer's identification plate are its reference values. Rated data that may be lower than these values can be found in the vehicle documentation or in this manual.

Set the vehicle tire pressure to the value for full load. Also check the trailer tire pressure.

Detachable Towing Device*

The detachable towing ball head is stored in the spare wheel well.

Normal hand force is sufficient to install and remove the ball head.

CAUTION

Never use aids or tools to install or remove the ball coupling, as this may damage the locking mechanism, and reliable operation of the towing device can no longer be guaranteed. Do not modify or repair the ball coupling or other towing device components. If you experience any difficulties in use, contact an Audi Service Center. Before every trip, check that the ball coupling is correctly locked. Never release the ball coupling while a trailer is attached. When driving without a trailer, remove the ball coupling and install the cover in the mounting tube. Then stow the towing device in the spare wheel well. Before washing the vehicle with a high-pressure washer, remove the ball coupling and install the cover in the mounting tube.

Installing the Ball Head

Remove the plug (2) from the mounting tube (1) located under the bumper.

Check the mounting tube for contamination and clean it if necessary.

CAUTION

Always remove any dirt. Otherwise, under certain circumstances, the ball coupling will not lock securely in the mounting tube!

Open the trunk and remove the ball head from the spare wheel well.

Check the ball head housing for contamination and damage at the contact point with the mounting tube (A), as well as the release lever (B) and handle (C).

Install the ball head only with preload. Therefore, check the ball head preload. Preload is ensured when the following conditions are met:

The white mark (A) on the handle is within the red area of the ball head housing.

The locking balls (B) are recessed in the holes of the ball head housing.

The handle is visibly set away from the ball head housing, so that a gap (C) exists between the handle and the ball head housing.

If the ball head has no preload, do the following:

Insert the key (1) into the handle lock and turn it counterclockwise.

Pull the handle in direction A and, in the extended position, turn it in direction B as indicated by the arrow until the release lever (2) engages.

CAUTION

Do not use the ball coupling if its locking engagement cannot be achieved as described above. Contact an Audi Service Center.

Insert the ball head with preload into the mounting tube and press it upward in the direction indicated by the arrow.

CAUTION

During installation, keep your hands out of the area of the handle. Risk of injury!

Locking is automatic. A distinct click must be heard.

Lock the ball head (turn the key clockwise) and remove the key.

Checking the Secure Attachment

After installation, check that the ball head is correctly attached for safety.

Correct attachment is ensured when the following conditions are met:

The white mark (A) on the handle is within the green area of the ball head housing.

The handle is flush against the ball head housing. As a result, there is no gap (arrow) between the handle and the ball head housing.

The ball head is locked and the key is removed (the handle cannot be pulled out).

The ball head is securely seated in the mounting tube (check by moving it by hand).

CAUTION

If the above conditions are not met, repeat the installation.

Even if one of these conditions is not met, there is a risk of an accident, and the towing device must not be used.

In this case, contact an Audi service center.

Trailer Electrical Connector

The electrical connector for supplying power to the trailer is located behind the bumper.

To connect the trailer plug, pull the vehicle's handle (A) down in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Removing the Ball Head

Insert the key (1) into the handle lock.

Unlock the ball head (turn the key counterclockwise).

Hold the ball head housing firmly and pull the handle in direction A as indicated by the arrow. Finally, turn the handle in the extended position in direction B as indicated by the arrow until it stops.

Release the handle. It locks automatically under preload.

Lock the handle (turn the key clockwise) and remove the key.

Place the ball head in the spare wheel recess.

Pull up the vehicle's plug connector.

CAUTION

If the towing device is not used for a long period of time, release the locking mechanism to relieve the load on the ball head spring elements.

To do this, turn the handle to the left.

During removal, keep hands away from the handle area. Risk of injury!

Install the plug (2) into the mounting tube (1).

CAUTION

Be sure to install the plug. Otherwise, contamination may prevent the ball head from locking securely in the mounting tube!