When towing a trailer, the dynamic qualities of the car change greatly. In particular, the ability to overcome slopes, the efficiency of acceleration and braking, as well as the maneuverability and cornering stability, are deteriorating.
The mode and speed of movement must be selected in accordance with the indicated changes.
Specifications
The vehicle is factory equipped with a 13-pin connector. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, the adapter cable available from Audi workshops can be used.
Operating rules
Stabilizing devices reduce trailer oscillations about the transverse axis and wobbling. Therefore, we recommend using these devices (especially with a large trailer weight). Stabilizers are available from Audi workshops and can be installed there.
Under no circumstances exceed the permitted maximum towing weight, refer to the Specifications.
With the mass of the towed load given in the Specifications, it is possible to overcome slopes with a slope of up to 8–12%. If the maximum permissible weight of the road train is not fully used, it is possible to overcome slopes with a greater incline.
Use the maximum allowable weight on the ball head of the tow hitch from the drawbar of the trailer, to the fullest extent possible, but do not exceed, refer to the Specifications.
The standard values for the weight of the towed load are valid only at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level (NN). With an increase in altitude, the rarefaction of the air increases and, accordingly, the engine power decreases and, as a result, the ability to overcome climbs. Therefore, reduce the mass of the road train by 10% every 1000 m of ascent.
Considering the permissible maximum weight of the towed load and the load on the trailer hitch, distribute the luggage so that the heaviest items are located as close as possible to its axis. Also, secure the load to prevent it from shifting while driving.
The data on the mass of the towed load and the load on the trailer hitch, indicated on the trailer's name plate, are reference values for the trailer. Passport data, which may be lower than these values, can be found in the vehicle documentation or in this manual.
Set the pressure in the car's tires to match its full load. At the same time, also check the tire pressure of the trailer.
Removable drawbar*
The removable tow ball head is located in the spare wheel well.
To install / dismantle the ball head, normal hand efforts are sufficient.
Warning: Never use aids or tools to mount/dismount the ball head. the locking mechanism may be damaged, and as a result, reliable operation of the trailer tow hitch cannot be guaranteed.
It is not allowed to make changes to the design of the ball head and other components of the towing device, as well as their repair.
Warning: If you encounter difficulties in use, etc. contact an Audi workshop.
Warning: Before each ride, check that the ball head is properly locked.
Warning: Never unlock the ball head with a trailer attached.
Warning: When driving without a trailer, remove the ball head and install a plug in the anchor pipe.
Warning: Then stow the trailer hitch in the spare wheel well.
Warning: When cleaning the car with a steam jet pump, remove the ball head and install a plug in the mounting pipe.
Ball head mounting
From the mounting pipe located under the bumper (1) remove the plug (2).
Check for contamination of the mounting tube and clean it if necessary.
Warning: Be sure to remove contaminants. Otherwise, under certain circumstances, the ball head will not be securely fixed in the mounting tube!
Open the trunk and remove the ball head from the spare wheel well.
Check for contamination and damage to the body of the ball head at the point of contact with the mounting tube (A), as well as the release lever (IN) and handles (WITH).
Mount the ball head only with a preload. Therefore, check the tightness of the ball head.
The preload is provided by the following conditions:
- white label (A) handle is located in the area of the red field of the body of the ball head.
- Retaining balls (IN) recessed into the holes in the body of the ball head.
- The handle, which is clearly visible visually, is located at a certain distance from the body of the ball head, so that there is a gap between the handle and the body of the ball head (WITH).
If there is no interference with the ball head, the following is required:
- Insert the key into the handle lock (1) and turn it to the left.
- Pull the handle in the direction indicated A and turn it in the extended position in the direction indicated by the arrow B until the splitting lever locks into place (2).
Warning: The ball head must not be used if the tightness cannot be achieved in accordance with the above. Contact an Audi workshop.
Install the ball head with an interference fit into the mounting tube and press upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Warning: During assembly, hands must not be in the handle area - risk of injury!
The fixing process is carried out automatically. In this case, a click should be clearly audible.
Lock ball head (turn the key to the right) and remove the key.
Fastening reliability control
After installation, for safety reasons, check that the ball head is correctly fastened.
Correct fastening is ensured by the following conditions:
- white label (A) handle is located in the area of the green field of the body of the ball head.
- The handle is attached to the body of the ball head. As a result, between the handle and the body of the ball head (arrow) there is no clearance.
- Ball head locked and key removed (handle does not retract).
- Ball head sits securely in mounting tube (check by moving it with your hand).
Warning: If the above conditions are not met, repeat the installation.
Even if one of the conditions is not met, there is a risk of an accident and the trailer hitch may not be operated.
In this case, contact an Audi workshop.
Trailer plug
The socket for supplying voltage to the trailer is behind the buffer.
To connect the trailer plug, pull the handle down in the direction indicated by the arrow (A) car.
Dismantling the ball head
Insert the key into the handle lock (1).
Unlock ball head (turn the key to the left).
Hold the body of the ball head firmly and pull the handle in the direction indicated by the arrow A. Finally, turn the handle in the extended position as far as it will go in the direction indicated by the arrow B.
Release the handle. It is fixed independently with an interference fit.
Lock the handle (turn the key to the right) and remove the key.
Place the ball head in the spare wheel well.
Pull up the car plug.
Warning: If the trailer hitch is not used for a long period of time, the locking mechanism must be released in order to unload the elements of the spring of the ball head.
To do this, turn the handle to the left.
Warning: When dismantling, do not place your hands in the handle area - risk of injury!
In the mounting pipe (1) install the plug (2).
Warning: Be sure to install the plug. Otherwise, due to contamination, there is a risk that the ball head will not be securely fixed in the mounting tube!
Visitor comments