Operation of the trailer (Audi A3 8L)

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

When towing a trailer, the vehicle's dynamic qualities change significantly. In particular, the ability to overcome inclines, acceleration and braking efficiency, as well as maneuverability and stability on turns are impaired.

The mode and speed of movement must be selected in accordance with the specified changes.

Technical conditions

The vehicle is factory-equipped with a towing hitch and a 13-pin plug. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, you can use the adapter cable available at the Audi service station.

Operating rules

Stabilizing devices reduce trailer oscillations relative to the transverse axis and its wobbling. Therefore, we recommend using these devices (especially with a large trailer mass). Stabilizing devices are available at Audi service stations, and their installation can also be carried out there.

Never exceed the maximum towing capacity, refer to Specifications.

With the towed load weight specified in the Specifications, it is possible to overcome inclines with a slope of up to 8–12%. If the maximum permissible weight of the road train is not fully utilized, then it is possible to overcome inclines with a greater slope.



Use as much of the maximum permitted weight on the ball head of the towing hitch from the trailer drawbar as possible, but do not exceed it, refer to Specifications.

Standard values for the mass of towed cargo are valid only at altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level (NN). As the altitude increases, the rarefaction of the air increases and, accordingly, the engine power and, as a result, the ability to overcome climbs decrease. Therefore, reduce the mass of the road train by 10% for every 1000 m of ascent.

Taking into account the maximum permissible towable load weight and the load on the towing hitch, distribute the luggage so that the heaviest items are located as close to its axis as possible. In addition, secure the load to prevent it from shifting while driving.

The towing capacity and towing hitch load data on the trailer identification plate are reference values. The identification data, which may be lower than these values, can be found in the vehicle documentation or in this manual.

Set the tire pressure of the vehicle to the correct level for its full load. Also check the tire pressure of the trailer.

Removable towing hitch*

The removable ball head of the towing hitch is located in the spare wheel well.

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

Warning: Never use auxiliary means or tools to mount/dismount the ball head, as this may damage the locking mechanism, which will result in the reliable operation of the towing hitch not being guaranteed.

It is not permitted to make changes to the design of the ball head and other components of the towing hitch, or to repair them.

Warning: If you experience any difficulties with operation, etc., please contact an Audi service station.

Warning: Before each ride, check that the ball head is properly secured.

Warning: Never release the ball head when a trailer is attached.

Warning: When driving without a trailer, remove the ball head and install the plug in the mounting tube.

Warning: After this, store the towing hitch in the spare wheel well.

Warning: When cleaning the vehicle with a steam jet pump, remove the ball head and install a plug in the mounting pipe.

Ball head installation

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

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

Warning: Be sure to remove any dirt. 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 ball head housing where it contacts the mounting pipe (A), as well as the release lever (B) and handle (C).



Mount the ball head only with a pre-tension. Therefore, check the tension of the ball head.

Preload is ensured by fulfilling the following conditions:

• The white mark (A) of the handle is located in the red field area of the ball head housing.
• The locking balls (B) are recessed into the holes in the ball head housing.
• The handle, which is clearly visible visually, is located at a certain distance from the ball head body, so that there is a gap (C) between the handle and the ball head body.

If there is no tension on the ball head, the following is required:

• Insert the key (1) into the handle lock and turn it to the left.
• Pull the handle in the direction A shown and turn it in the extended position in the direction B shown by the arrow until the splitting lever (2) locks into place.

Warning: Do not operate the ball head if the tension cannot be achieved as described above. Consult an Audi service center.

Install the ball head with tension into the mounting pipe and press it upward in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Warning: When installing, keep your hands out of the handle area – injury may occur!

The fixation process is carried out automatically. A click should be clearly heard.

Lock the ball head (turn the key to the right) and remove the key.

Checking the reliability of fastening

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



Correct fastening is ensured by fulfilling the following conditions:

• The white mark (A) of the handle is located in the green field area of the ball head housing.
• The handle fits snugly against the ball head housing. As a result, there is no gap between the handle and the ball head housing (arrow).
• The ball head is locked and the key is removed (the handle does not extend).
• The ball head fits securely into the 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 use of the towing hitch is not permitted.

In this case, please contact an Audi service station.

Trailer Plug

The socket for supplying voltage to the trailer is located behind the buffer.

To connect the trailer plug, move the handle (A) of the vehicle downwards in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Removal the ball head

Insert the key (1) into the handle lock.



Unlock the ball head (turn the key to the left).

Hold the ball head body firmly and pull the handle in the direction of arrow A. Finally, turn the handle in the extended position until it stops in the direction of arrow B.

Release the handle. It locks into place by itself with tension.

Lock the handle (turn the key to the right) and remove the key.

Place the ball head in the spare wheel well.

Lift up the vehicle's plug.

Warning: If the towing hitch is not used for a long period of time, the locking mechanism must be released to relieve the spring elements of the ball head.

To do this, turn the handle to the left.

Warning: When dismantling, keep your hands out of the handle area – injury may occur!

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

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 pipe!

[Information obtained from this resource «Audimanual.ru»]