There are a number of points which need to be checked before towing
a trailer or caravan.
Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights
Link.
To activate auto mode on vehicles with
adaptive air suspension*, select the following
on the MMI: Function selector button CAR
> auto.
To lower a vehicle with adaptive air suspension*,
select the following on the MMI: Function selector button
CAR > control button
Lower.
Trailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer
weight, you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for
altitudes up to 1000 m above
sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and therefore
the car's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air
density, so the maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.
The weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by 10% for every
further 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight
that appear on the identification plate of the towing bracket are
for certification purposes only. The correct figures for your specific
model, which may be lower than
these figures for the towing bracket, are given in the registration
documents and in
Link.
Audi drive select settings (adaptive air suspension)*:
Ensure that the suspension is at the normal height level
before hitching up a trailer
and before adjusting the draw
bar weight. It is important that the suspension is not raised and
that the auto or
comfort setting is activated
Link,
Caution!.
If you have to drive on a rough surface, you can raise the vehicle
Link after hitching up the
trailer and adjusting the draw bar weight.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near
to the axle as possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured
to prevent them slipping. A badly distributed load can also affect
handling. This can activate the trailer stabilisation feature and
cause the vehicle to reduce speed.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted
draw bar weight on the ball
joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for "full load"
conditions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures inside
the driver's door). It may also be necessary to adjust the tyre
pressures on the trailer according to the recommendations of the
trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer
with the standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have
additional mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted
on hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient
vision to the rear.
Headlights
The headlight beam settings will be adjusted automatically by the
headlight range control system.
Power supply
When you switch off the ignition, the power supply to the trailer
is not interrupted as long as the energy management system does
not intervene.
WARNING!
On vehicles with air suspension, the height of the parked vehicle can
change as a result of variations in temperature and loading.
- Vehicles with adaptive air suspension*:
-
The height of the parked vehicle can change as a result of variations in temperature and loading.
-
Always activate the auto or comfort setting; otherwise the draw bar weight specification for your vehicle will no longer apply – risk of accident.
Note
We recommend having the car serviced between the normal inspection intervals
if it used frequently for towing a trailer.