Poncherelly

lots of good info here... Thanks. You all might not be "experts" but most are knowledgeable and helpful. Never did the forum

awryexperiment

Never said I knew more... just gave my opinion. I am CERTAIN that Audi engineers calculated the strength of the materials and fasteners, as well as the braking power and torque through the transmission. I am also sure they utilized risk management tools to identify and mitigate potential risks to some acceptable level. But the engineers' efforts can never anticipate real life with all its variables.

When I consider what cars would be suitable for routinely pulling a camper, boat, or other significant trailer I would never think of the Q5. In my mind I see a full-size pick-up.

BTW, as an interesting side note, the Engineers at Hyundai have done the same math and determined the Hyundai Elantra is suitable for towing up to 3086 lbs.!!!! The thought of THAT is scary enough to keep me off the roads for a while.

Poncherelly

I'm sure no one meant to offend... We're all looking to help in here and opinions are help. I do understand your opinion... You would prefer using a dedicate truck such as a 1 or 1/2 ton truck if you're towing all the time, but feel that the Q5 is better suited for convenient towing uses even if that means towing a camper to the Site to leave it there for the season then back again.

Yoshimura

I use my 2.0T to tow my 2200 lbs popup camper. It pulls very well and I never felt the handling to be affected even in emergency maneuvers. I installed a brake controller though.

CrustyNoodle

I'm sure you will find that in the UK and Europe, the Q5 is considered to be a mighty fine and capable prime mover for sizeable caravans. Mind you when I say sizeable, I'm not talking about the sort of thing that JBT tows!

Poncherelly

Ya, I'm looking to buy something like this: http://www.jayco.com/products/travel...ight-swift-slx
Still figuring out the model and of course weight will help decide ... and I'm not dead set on this maker, just using it as an example.

NABS4

I was also looking at this exact model. According to the GVWR and tongue (hitch) weight specifications, the Q5 could pull this line of trailers, assuming the Q is properly equiped with appropriate hitch and trailer brake controller.

Poncherelly

Ya, we were hopeing to get a model with an expanding wall but it pushes the GVWR to the tip of max load. Ideally we want to get maximum interior space, but having to pull fully dry each time might not be convenient.

Have you looked in to the trailer brake adjuster? I believe the Q5 is supposed to do this automagically but have read that many users installed an after market one.

If you do buy, please let me know how it feels on the back and I'll do the same.

NABS4

I think you're confusing a trailer brake controller with trailer sway control. The trailer brake controller is after-market and controls the "gain" on the electric trailer brakes. Sway control is standard on the Q5 and the system automatically manipulates the brakes and throttle if unsafe trailer movements are detected.

awryexperiment

ABSOLUTELY!