OT: Audi towing question
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 22,846
Likes: 348
From: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
I'm in the process of grafting a class III hitch onto my '05 Passat. I had one laying around so figurred what the hell. BUT I'm not planning to to anything higher than Class II.
I don't know if a hitch shop is willing to make a class II for a car that no one else is making one for. There is liability issues there.
I don't know if a hitch shop is willing to make a class II for a car that no one else is making one for. There is liability issues there.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 1
From: Montreal
I agree that you are within the specs of the vehicle as published in the manual. The issue is no one produces a Class II hitch for your vehicle and the Class I is only rated for GTW of 2000 and TW of 200 which does not meet your needs at GTW of 2500 and TW of 230 for the trailer you speak of. A swaybar will not help re the use of a Class I in this application.
Only option would be a custom fab a Class II but also agree you would have to be very careful with weight distribution as well re all the extra "gear" for camping.
Only option would be a custom fab a Class II but also agree you would have to be very careful with weight distribution as well re all the extra "gear" for camping.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 224
From: Toronto
Give Hitchcity a call. I have used them for years and they have been great to deal with over the years. I am sure they can recommend a top notch custom fab shop in Southern Ont.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 1
From: Durham Region/GTA East, Canada
I've towed small trailers with a Saab, and also used to tow my 280Z with it (no trailer, and the Z had all four wheels on the ground) It worked, but I sure had to take it easy starting and stopping. The Z weighed 2650lbs.
Static weight distribution is one thing, but stopping and cornering can have massive effects. Goodluck and be careful.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Sysgen ... I would look at importing something from EU... I belive Walia makes OEM one ... at least it was for my 1.9 TDI Gold MK IV ....
and as mentioned above and before follow Audi instruction and you will be fine ..
and as mentioned above and before follow Audi instruction and you will be fine ..
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
sorry phone spellcheck in action - you need to look for "Westfalia"
http://www.westfalia-automotive.com/en/company/
http://www.westfalia-automotive.com/en/company/
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 296
From: Montreal, Quebekistan
North Americans use tow vehicles that are way more than needed. Giant V8s to tow medium size trailers. On the other hand, Europeans tend to go the other way, under powered and over sized.
Last winter I had my old TDI loaded to the gills with a snowmobile in tow. It was not too under powered as I haf to use the gears quiet a bit but had no problem staying at the speed limit ot slightly above. I did had some weird looks from others though. Braking wasn't an issue either.
Last winter I had my old TDI loaded to the gills with a snowmobile in tow. It was not too under powered as I haf to use the gears quiet a bit but had no problem staying at the speed limit ot slightly above. I did had some weird looks from others though. Braking wasn't an issue either.
Now time to post this gem
