jbadura

Hi All,
I'm a newbee to this sight. I am considering a Q5 in place of my F150. Has anyone installed a tow package? If so, what are your impressions on it's towing capabilities? Does the tow package come with the electrical interface?
I'm looking to tow two snowmobiles on an aluminum trailer.
Best to get the V6?
Thanks and have a good weekend.
Jeremy

warcity

iTrader: (1)

I know one person on this forum has the tow package.

Below is a somewhat related link not entirely related but doesn't hurt to look at it:

https://www.audiforum.ca/q5-q7/55964...hat-comes.html

I know Audi quoted me about 2K installed which is a lot of money you'll be better off with after market however the tow package is connected to the car's ESP. I am not sure if an after market install can still utilize the ESP or not.

I think either engine will be good enough. 2.0T has a tad bit more torque which might help you. Once you're on the road traveling at higher speed I don't think the HP can make much difference unless you're taking someone over.

Good luck.

mikedb

Hey,

I just purchased a 2.0T with the tow package for delivery early November.

As far as I can remember, the following is what my dealer told me:

- The hitch as a dealer installed option is relatively new- I believe it was introduced earlier this year.
- The Q5 tow package is different than the Q7 tow package as linked above. The Q5 package is a dealer installed option, whereas the Q7 package is factory installed. This means that the dealer will be removing and replacing the bumper with the new bumper/ hitch.
- Can tow ~4500 pounds (not sure on the number). This ends up including any non-braked trailer, which was plenty for us.
- Cost is about $900 for parts and 5 hours of labour including ECU integration. We were quoted $1500 for it installed. In the end, we paid full price for the rest of the car and got the hitch thrown in.
- We weren't too worried about the engine size (mostly flat around here), and elected to go with the 2.0T.

Hope this helps,
Mike

warcity

iTrader: (1)

That's a pretty good dealer price. Good that they're throwing it in. It's pretty hard to get dealers to "throw" anything in these days.M2K1G9

sbiggs

I had the dealer do an after market tow package for my 2010 Q5. Full package including electrical, class III receiver and 2" ball installed came to roughly $800. It was a far better price than I was seeing on forums for the Audi factory install. Also, no cutting or bumper changes were required...the hitch sits below the bumper.

I tow a fairly small covered trailer (6'x5' rated to carry 1000 lbs), and even when it's fully loaded and the cargo area of the Q5 is loaded, the 3.2L engine has no issues at all. Cruises at a very comfortable RPM and has lots of get up and go when required. Even my fuel consumption doesn't change a whole lot with the trailer loaded.

Can't speak to how a larger load might change this.

canmick

Newbie but may be able to help with some towing questions (or at least some basics as I have no where near the car knowledge of some of the others on this forum).

I have the 2010 Q5 3.2 S Line and had the tow package installed at Audi (so they did all bar the brake assist which I had done at the Hitch Shop which is where Audi and RV Lifestyles recommended, more on that in a sec).

Total all in from Audi was $2010 (yikes)

Total all in from Hitch Shop was $420

I tow a 2010 Coleman Sun Valley Tent Trailer (2175 lb unloaded and max is 3500lb loaded, havent had it quite at that yet but probably 2800lb+) and as much as I love my Q5 for my day to day, I freakin LOVE it for camping. My only complaint is that I sometimes forget I am towing and end up driving as if I am not towing haha.

As for consumption I have not noticed a great deal of difference when towing (but in all fairness I am so happy to be heading to mountains I am usually not thinking of gas mileage but am heading up this week so will keep an eye on it).

Another thing I love is that the computer system of Audi helped detect a defect in my trailers lights so feel it is integrated very well. So happy I chose the Q5

Happy to try and help with any questions on this and side note alluded to above was that the Hitch Shop (in the North) had a crazy time with the brake assist and I actually had to bring it to their South shop as apparently the Q5 electronics and wiring are complicated. I dont want to moan so happy to expand on that if someone in Calgary is planning on getting work done at the Hitch Shop but it was brutal.

If i could ask a question though: Does anyone use the hill assist when towing? I cant seem to use that button when hooked up?

Pic of Q5 and trailer attached

warcity

iTrader: (1)

That is one CRAZY insane price. I'd love to find that kind of price over here.

I think the hill decent assist button might be disabled on purpose when you have tow attached. I am sure there is a reason for it but perhaps someone else can confirm.

canmick

Ya my thought is that due to the brake assist for the trailer it may not be something that can be combined (or needed). When I went through the world of hurt with the Hitch Shop by the end they threw in a high end brake assist unit for my troubles (so I just wanted to make sure that was the case and not that they screwed something up in trying to make up for the hassle haha)

ballfire

Steve,

$800 sounds like a great price from an Audi dealer! I have a Q7 and was quoted approx $1500! Do you mind telling which dealer you went to?

Dave

sbiggs

Hi Ballfire...Owasco in Oshawa. They used Monroe Auto, also in Oshawa.