Max capacity is 4400 lbs - How much would you go?

[Stoker1]

I plan on using my 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T as the tow pig once it arrives & will be putting an aftermarket frame hitch.

Specs are 4400 lbs tow & 400 lbs tounge weight. It does have an eight speed auto tranny which should help (?)

Based on those #'s, how much would you pull with it? The furthest towed distance will be around 45 miles with regular 3-4 times a month usage within 20 miles.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Euroski]

If it's rated for 4400 then I wouldn't go over that. Also see if that rating includes the people and cargo inside the vehicle. I have never had any of my tow vehcles setup for the 10% rule for tounge weight and I think mine is always 1/2 or less of that rule. Go over to www.vwvortex.com and check in the Audi section and see what others are doing. I think that engine is rated at 200hp. Does it have a DSG trans, if so change the fluid twice as much as required. I work at a VW-Audi dealer but only do the VW's most of the time.

[olboatman]

It sounds to me like you got it right from the horses mouth! Gary

[Greg G]

That is the 200HP mill and I'm not sure the DSG can stand up to that weight if you are pulling any distance. One of my tow rigs was an Audi Allroad with the hard to find factory hitch and 2.7T. Good advice on Vortex.

[Stoker1]

If it's rated for 4400 then I would go over that.

Euro, thanks for the feedback. Did I read this quote right that you would go over the max rating & say pull 5000 lbs (for example) ?

I have never had any of my tow vehcles setup fof the 10% rule for tounge weight and I think mine is always 1/2 or less of that rule.

Got it & makes total sense.

I think that engine is rated at 200hp

Yep, 211 is what the manual says but I wouldn't notice the difference with a tad less.

Does it have a DSG trans, if so change the fluid twice as much as required.

Not sure. It states Triptronic 8 speed automatic in the documents. Any feedback on this? I like your idea of changing the oil twice as often.

I love the car as the lines are so European but if towing becomes a headache, then it will be hitting the market. Also for the casual reader out there, I'm not trying to make something work that flat out will not. Your advice could possibly save me tons of $'s in the end.

Thanks for addressing my complex questions.
Jr.

[Euroski]

Sorry, can't spell at times should say "If it's rated for 4400 then I wouldn't go over that"

[stokernick]

I tow my Stoker with a Toyota RAV Sport and tow pkg, 3500 tow limit!

[rossi]

I was always told that max tow capacity is not what the vehicle can tow but what it can actually stop with. My pathfinder has a 6000 pound towing capacity and if I hitched up 8000 pounds it could still tow it but could it stop it.
Saw an S10 Blazer towing a skid steer on the highway once. The truck had no problems towing the thing but when the guy hit the brakes for an emergency stop the S10 didn't even slow down until it slammed the stopped traffic. I see people towing huge campers with Dodge caravans all the time. The vans not happy but still towing the camper but what would happen in a panic stop ?