Hey guys,

Since I'm tracking more, and setting my car up for more track stuff, I've been thinking about getting an enclosed trailer to haul the car around in. There's a ton of sweet tracks around here that I could reach if I could trailer. Anyways, I have a 4.2 Audi Q7 that has a tow capacity of 6,600lbs. I have someone wanting desperately to buy it from me, but I love it. I don't know if the Audi would do it, or if I need to get some good ol' American iron in there. Thoughts? Anyone deal with this yet?

Thanks much.

 

My F-250 Super Crew Diesel can tow 15,000 - 20,000... I can't feel the snowmobiles back there, but I can feel the empty car trailer at 3500 lbs. (it's not aluminum) Loaded trailer with my car can throw the truck around if I'm not careful. In short, I don't think the Q7 is going to cut it. It could be done; but your Audi would be toast in about 3 months. Just my experience

 

Good word. Thanks neijia.

 

It is very easy to underestimate the gross weight of a tow. The following must be included:
-Weight of trailer & its accessories, 3000 to 5000 pounds & up
-Race vehicle, allow 4000 pounds
-Tires, tools, spares, etc., say 1000 pounds minimum
-Loads carried in tow vehicle: passengers, gear, etc., allow 1500 pounds

The loads quickly add up. Unless the tow car has a transmission fluid cooler, heavy duty cooling system, heavy duty suspension & Class III or IV chassis mounted hitch, expect problems. Suspension modifications may be needed for a large tongue load(7 to 10 percent of tow), to keep the car level.

Don't forget the brakes. The trailer absolutely must have brakes on all 4 wheels. Even with good trailer brakes, expect dramatically increased stopping distances and severe brake wear on the car.

 

q7 will not cut it with enclosed. Why not go with open?

Also, as much peace of mind that trailering brings, I want to tell you that I long for the days of arrive and drive. There is something beautiful about arriving with track tires on the roof rack, swapping out tires, taking out track bag, taking out floor mats and driving.

 

I have used a V8 Touareg to pull an enclosed trailer with similiar weight car and heavier car. NO Problem. I have owned a V10 TDI Touareg for over a year and Love it, hands down a great tow vehicle, much better than the 4.2l, but the 4.2 will still do a great job. Tounge weight should be you ONLY concern.

Just last week a friend had his Dodge 3500 Cummins break down and i went and recovered it with my open trailer and the touareg. The trailer weighs around 2500 pounds and the truck weighs in dry at just over 8000 pounds. The Touareg did not even get a work out.

 

Thanks to both of you. Very different thoughts, but thanks. I've towed boats for years, so I'm good with the brakes and such. I just have never worried about knowing all the weights of the stuff needed for towing a car, which TD helped me with a bunch. jlturpin, I had a V8 Touareg earlier and my engine blew up at 11k and I never towed anything. Crazy and obviously a fluke. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts on all that too. The Q7 doesn't have a low range, which really bothers me too about towing.

 

Blakt out - My friend has the Q7, which he uses with an open aluminum trailer. It's got plenty of tow capacity to spare. Are you sold on an enclosed trailer?

 

Nah. I may be better off going open and sticking with the Audi. I just wanted enclosed because my garage isn't built, and isn't likely to be built, and I could keep the car in the trailer to keep it safe and clean. Actually, yeah. I need a Chevy.

 

You will never use the transfer case while towing, unless you are pulling a heavy, heavy boat out with a super steep incline. Your 1st gear is a really low gear. Unless you start at WOT, the Q7 porbably starts off in 2nd gear.

I would think that the 6600 pound towing capacity would be similiar to any 1/2 ton truck or SUV. I could be way off. But towing a enclosed trailer with car on board should be no issue. Also, as far as brakes go, any qualitiy trailer should have brakes on atleast on one axle if not both, all you need to do is install a nice inertia brake controller. I would not sweat it, you have got plenty of Truck to haul your proposed setup.

I also used an enclosed trailer for the same reason. I did not have enough room for everything in my garage. Hope this helps.

Jonathan

 

Well, cool then. Thank you. I'll give it a shot.

 

Best of both worlds: semi-open trailer (Here's my set-up...)

 

where can I buy that?

 

Looks very good! Which company made?

 

I used to tow a boat quite often and the total weight with trailer was about 4000 pounds... I was driving a Mercedes E and a BMW 5 that time and I can assure you your Q7 won't be a problem! NOT AT ALLl!

Just keep your speed below 60mph, keep plenty of distance from the cars in front of you, roll to traffic lights instead of braking (to save your brakes for when you really need them) and above all, pay attention to every potential danger that can force a quick stop... brakes tend to be less efficient when trailering

Be careful, watch out, follow my guidelines and you're set to go!

FYI: the first few times you're driving somewhere, switch of your cell phone and refrain from chatting with the girlfriend/wife... but what would she be doing at the track anyway
After a while you'll get used to taking wider turns and driving completely different... and the smile on your face since you're going to a track will make you enjoy it; I'm so sure about that.

have fun!
Dominique