Hi mate, this is the UK spec for SQ5s and 3.0tdis, which seems to be a bit more than in your area? It is illegal here to exceed the plated weights so I'm guessing it will be the same for you. Double check your book and the weight plate on the vehicle though just to make sure but if it is 2k you won't be permitted to exceed it unfortunately, even though it looks like it will cope with another 400kg.

On the bright side 2000kg is still a big caravan (by UK standards anyway) although admittedly pretty small compared to some of the monsters I've seen in Canada

Weights

Unladen weight 1880 Kg , Gross weight limit 2490 Kg, Roof load limit/nose weight limit 75/100 Kg

Trailer weight limit

unbraked 750 Kg, braked at 12% gradient 2400 Kg, at 8% gradient 2400 Kg

From my experience the SQ5 is a fantastic towing machine and I would think the 3.0tdi will be just as good (my 3.0tdi A4 is also fine). My caravan is plated at 1800kg and is barely noticeable, so long as you don't exceed the maximum weight the car will cope and as far as I'm aware shouldn't need any upgrades to the cooling, transmission or suspension.

There was confusing and contradictory info some time back about whether or not cooling fan upgrades were needed on some models but I haven't done it on any of my cars - it's probably a bit cooler here though - this summer has been crxp - so may be worth double checking with your dealer.

I have a factory towbar but if I was retrofitting I would as you say insist on the installer using a genuine Audi wiring loom as opposed to generic. This will also need coded to the car, it is more expensive but will give you the built in trailer warning lights, deactivate your reversing sensors and also allow the car to 'know' it is towing, important for stability systems.

In the UK the guidance for some time has been for drivers new to towing not to exceed 85% of the car's kerb weight, which is the unladen weight plus driver and other bits of kit. That is only guidance though and as car and caravan safety systems have evolved more and more of the experts are leaning towards 100% being fine. At the end of the day it's up to the driver though.

As far as I'm aware electric trailer brakes are not common in the UK, almost all caravan brakes here are over run type, i.e. operated mechanically by a piston on the caravan's hitch but some also have additional Alko ATC type over ride systems, these, confusingly, are electrical but are not used during normal driving, only activating if a sensor detects the caravan has started to snake. Hope that makes sense?

The ATC system gets positive reviews and I'm thinking of having it retrofitted to my caravan.

If your caravan has a full electrical brake option though that should make it very stable under braking so a very good safety feature to have IMO. Wonder when European manufacturers will provide that option?

As long as you don't exceed the manufacturer's limits you should be fine, just make sure you load it in such a way as to balance the weight as evenly as possible.

Nose weight is probably the most important though, try to get it as near to the max as possible. Car and trailer nose weights could differ so go with the lesser of the 2. Proper gauges are available but a piece of wood cut to the same height as your towball on bathroom scales does the trick as well.

If you install a rear view camera I'd be interested to see a thread on here as it's something I've been considering as well.

 

SteveMcB: I'm totally unfamiliar with anything pertaining to towing, so I'm still trying to get a clear answer to the my question, which I will state more clearly: What is the maximum weight trailer/camper/caravan my 2015 Q5 with 3.0L TDI can tow?

I suspect it is the number published in my manual (2,000kg, or 4,400 lbs), meaning the trailer, fully loaded (e.g., supplies, food, water, clothes, etc.) must not exceed that limit.

 

Sorry if my explanation wasn't clear but yes, that's correct, in the UK if it says 2000kgs is the max trailer weight then 2000kgs is the max weight of your caravan including contents.

I cannot explain the 400kg difference between UK and Canadian models and have zero knowledge of Canadian Vehicle Legislation though.

 

SteveMcB: Thanks! This tells me I need to pay close attention to what the owner's manual says, and ignore contradictory statements from caravan retailers.

 

Yep, sounds a lot like here, they'll tell you anything to get a sale!

 

I tow with my standard 2.0 tdi 177 and factory fit bracket and the experience is a very positive one and the electronics interface with the caravan ATC system fine.

Totally agree with Steve McB on using the Audi Genuine wiring loom. Many article written about generic looms causing faults which are difficult to rectify or identify even..

Would love the SQ5 and impressed with your recommendation of this. I usually return around 28-30 mpg with van on the back. What does the SQ5 do? Am considering changing her at some point to an SQ5 as want some b****x under my right foot!!

 

I usually average about 32 or 33 so going from instant consumption figures I think it probably does 23 to 25mpg when towing, trips so far have been relatively short though, (130 miles the longest) and I keep forgetting to reset/check the DIS for average when towing alone.
Having had Scoobies, which did about 24 downhill, I'm pretty happy with that.
Thinking of heading to Cornwall later in the year so will get an accurate reading then. I know it won't be brilliant but I don't like to be accused of holding anyone up!
Even when towing it's still quicker off the mark than most other cars out there

 

I tow with my standard 2.0 tdi 177 and factory fit bracket and the experience is a very positive one and the electronics interface with the caravan ATC system fine.

How do you rate the ATC mate, are you ever aware of it cutting in?
My caravan is pretty stable, never had it snaking - touch wood - but have been thinking of getting ATC fitted for a while now.

 

Hi Steve,

Only time I have even thought I noticed was on the steep fast downhill roads when I hover on brakes anyhow. Hate them! Otherwise totally stable in mild crosswinds to date. I tow a single axle 2016 model Swift Sprite so all up to date stuff.

You got me 'casually' looking at small ads for an SQ5 same spec as mine with towbar on now..And wife noticed...������

And not found a one... So money and marriage safe. lol....

 

My previous Q5 (2.0 170) did approx 26 mpg pulling the van (single axle Lunar 546). I now have an SQ5 which is certainly no worse, I think I have actually had 27/28mpg. I am going on a long run in the next few days with the van, so will check the mpg again. The 170 F was absolutely fine for pulling the caravan, but with the SQ5 you wouldn't even know there was a van attached!

 

Yesterday I travelled up to Keswick in the Lake District from Blackburn, 100 miles with the caravan and made a point of resetting the MPG before the start of the journey. Average MPG is showing as 30. Not bad considering the car was fully loaded too.

 

Thanks for that,

I'm sure you'll persuade her round to your way of thinking

 

Mmm. Take more than a glass of Prosecco for this one. However seriously even in dealer stock no SQ with towbar seems availably. Have emailed local dealer for them to gave a look.

Then approach the missus...

 

The factory swivel towbar is very neat and good value at £650ish but if you're struggling to track one down and don't fancy an aftermarket detachable I'm sure someone on here had a 'swivel' for sale a couple of months back.
Its probably sold by now but I'm guessing that means the factory style is available aftermarket.

 

Cheers. Part of the reason I ordered a new vehicle from scratch so as to get the swivel one as it is a fabulous piece of kit. I understood that it could not be retro fitted? If my info is incorrect that could be of interest to me. Any further info on that?

 

Sorry can't find the recent post I mentioned, positive it wasn't a figment of my imagination, I remember it as I was under the impression the swivel was factory fit only.
I don't get much luck searching on here but found the below - still haven't figured out how to paste links with a mac!

Below is text posted by Rog a few years back re a factory swivel

"I've just had this removed from my car and would be willing to sell it on for £100 and buyer collects.
The buyer would need to get the electrics, electronic release handle and the bumper sorted on their car, hence why I'm willing to let the tow bar go for this price!
I should point out to buy the tow bar on it's own without the rest of the bits from Audi it would cost circa £950."

paulw posted this last year

"I have retrofitted a genuine swivel bar to my Q5 (albeit 2009 car). I sourced the bar off a well known internet auction site but got a dedicated wiring kit from elsewhere. It has the complete functionality of a factory fit now right down to the LED indicator on the release mechanism in the boot. It involves some extra wiring but over the provided kit but the module serves all functions. I also added to this setup the auxiliary feed as required for fridge / battery feed to a caravan. Audi rarely (if ever do this) and generally farm to local specialists.

 

Many thanks Steve.

I cannot see how it would be a simple fit if sourcing parts and manufacturing ones own. However a write off vehicle and competent spanner man may have the resources.

Worth looking into as a viable possibility. Functionality of the device is fantastic...

Dealer has replied to email and tried to phone him twice yesterday but he busy.

Marriage treading on ice... lol..