For the electrical connection of the vehicle and trailer, the vehicle is equipped with a 13-pin plug connector. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, the corresponding adapter cable available from Audi can be used.
Additional installation of a towing device must comply with the requirements of the manufacturer of this device.
Operating Instructions
Be aware of the permissible maximum towing weight, see Specifications.
Mass of towed cargo
Never exceed the permitted maximum towing weight.
If the maximum permissible weight of the trailer is not fully used, it is possible to overcome slopes with a greater incline.
The standard values for the mass of the towed load are valid only at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level. With an increase in altitude, the rarefaction of the air increases and, accordingly, the engine power and, as a result, the ability to overcome climbs decrease. Therefore, the standard weight of the road train is reduced by 10% for every 1000 m of ascent. The mass of the road train is equal to the sum of the masses (loaded) car and (loaded) trailer.
The drawbar load data on the trailer nameplate are reference values for the trailer. Data that may be below these values can be found in the vehicle registration documents or in the Specifications.
Cargo placement
Distribute the trailer load so that the heaviest items are located as close as possible to its axle. Also, secure the load to prevent it from shifting while driving.
Use the permissible drawbar load transmitted to the ball head via the drawbar of the trailer to the fullest extent possible, but do not exceed it.
Tire pressure
Set the tire pressure of the vehicle to a fully loaded one, refer to the tire pressure decal on the door pillar. If necessary, also adjust the air pressure of the trailer tires according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
If the standard rear-view mirrors do not provide sufficient visibility to the rear, additional exterior mirrors must be installed. Both outside mirrors must be mounted on folding brackets. So adjust the position of the mirrors to ensure adequate rear visibility.
Headlights
Before towing a trailer, check and if necessary correct the headlight setting using the headlight beam throw adjustment, see Lighting and visibility.
Removable ball head
The removable ball head of the factory-fitted towbar is located in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment along with the installation manual.
Driving Instructions
Driving with a trailer requires special care.
- Do not tow a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle.
- Do not drive at maximum speed, especially when driving downhill.
- Brake in time.
- At high outside temperatures, observe the coolant temperature display.
Load distribution
With an empty vehicle and a loaded trailer, the load distribution is extremely unfavorable. If it is necessary to move in this variant, the movement should be especially slow.
Speed
With increasing speed, the dynamic properties of the road train worsen. Therefore, under adverse road, weather and aerodynamic conditions, do not use the maximum speed permitted by traffic rules. This is especially true for downhill driving.
Slow down immediately at the slightest sign of trailer wobbling. Don't ever try «align» road train increasing speed.
Brake in time! When towing a trailer with an inertia braking system, brake gently at first and then slowly. This will help to avoid shocks from the locked trailer wheels. To use the possibility of engine braking, shift to a lower gear in time.
Stabilizing devices reduce trailer oscillations about the transverse axis and wobbling. It is recommended to use them with a significant mass of the trailer.
Overheat
Watch the coolant temperature display when the outside temperature is very high and driving uphill in low gear and at high engine speeds, refer to Controls and instruments. When the arrow enters the right side of the scale, immediately reduce the speed. When the warning light on the instrument panel flashes, stop and cool the engine by letting it idle for a few minutes.
Removable drawbar
The mounting and dismounting of the trailer hitch requires precision.
The detachable tow ball head is located under the boot floor.
- Vehicles with a spare wheel.
Trunk: spare wheel with tow hitch
- Cars with first aid kit for tire repair.
Trunk: tire repair kit and tow hitch
For installation and dismantling of the ball head, normal muscle efforts of the hands are sufficient.
Use of attachments/car accessories on the trailer hitch
Please note that when using unsuitable drawbar-mounted attachments, (e.g. bike rack), hidden damage to the ball head is possible, which in extreme cases can lead to the destruction of the towing device during towing a trailer.
Warning: Before each ride, check that the ball head is properly locked.
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer attached.
When driving without a trailer, remove the ball head and check that the cover of the mounting socket is correctly closed.
When cleaning the car with a steam jet pump, first remove the ball head and check that the cover is correctly closing the mounting socket.
Ball head mounting (First step)
1. Under the bumper, fully open the cover of the mounting slot. The cover is automatically fixed in this position.
2. Check for contamination of the mounting socket and clean if necessary.
Ball head mounting (second phase)
The ball head must be clean and undamaged.
1. Check the possibility of contamination and damage to the retainer (A), release finger (B), the body of the ball head at the point of contact with the mounting tube, as well as the flywheel.
The ball head must be mounted with a preload
Detachable tow hitch: ball head with housing
The preload is provided by the following conditions:
- The red mark on the flywheel is in the area of the black mark on the ball head housing.
- Retainer (B) recessed into the bore of the ball head housing.
- 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 (C).
The ball head can only be installed with a preload.
Ball head mounting (third stage)
ball head preload (if necessary):
1. Insert the key into the flywheel lock (1) and rotate it in the direction of the red mark.
2. Pull the handle in the direction of the arrow (A) and turn it then in the extended position in the direction of the arrow (B) until the fixation (2) and visible extension of the release pin (3).
Ball head installation:
1. Install the ball head with an interference fit into the mounting socket and press it upwards in the direction indicated by the arrow. The fixing process is carried out automatically. At the same time, a click should be clearly audible.
2. Lock the ball head by turning the key in the direction of the green mark.
3. Remove the key.
Head mounting (fourth stage)
Fastening security control:
Detachable tow hitch: security check
Correct fastening is ensured by the following conditions:
- green label (A) flywheel is located in the black mark area of the ball head housing.
- The handle is attached to the body of the ball head. As a result, there is no gap between the handle and the ball head housing -arrow-.
- Ball head locked and key removed (handle does not retract).
- Ball head sits securely in the mounting socket (check by moving it with your hand).
Trailer outlet:
1. To connect the trailer cable to the vehicle, pull down the vehicle socket under the bumper in the direction of the arrow.
If the above conditions are not met, repeat the installation.
Dismantling the ball head
1. Insert into the lock (1) flywheel key.
2. Unlock the ball head (turn the key to the red mark).
3. Firmly hold the ball head body and pull the handle in the direction of the arrow (A).
4. Turn the handle in the extended position as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow (B).
5. Release the handle. It is fixed independently with an interference fit.
6. Remove the ball head from the mounting socket (1) down. In this case, the mounting slot is automatically closed by cover 0.
7. Lay the ball head under the trunk flooring.
8. Pull up the socket.
Drawbar attachment points
Attachment points: side view
Attachment points: top view
Four attachment points (A) trailer hitch are located on the underside of the vehicle.
Minimum distance (B) between bumper and ball head must be 65 mm. Distance (C) between the rear axle and the ball head must be 1056 mm.
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