How to Pick Out (and Install) an Audi Trailer Hitch
Although a trailer hitch doesn’t come standard with any of Audi’s vehicles, most can be equipped with one as an accessory.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Which Audis come with a trailer hitch?
- How to pick an Audi trailer hitch
- How to install a trailer hitch on an Audi
- How to upgrade your Audi insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
From the approachable A3 to the family-friendly Q5 to the TT supercar, you might be surprised at the towing capacity of your Audi. Unfortunately, a tow package does not come standard with any of Audi’s vehicles—but most can be equipped with a trailer hitch as an added accessory or aftermarket part.
The iconic German vehicle manufacturer Audi is known for its large, diverse lineup of luxury vehicles. People don’t necessarily think that these high-class cars and SUVs can be used for towing cargo. Fortunately, luxury and utility aren’t mutually exclusive, and most Audi vehicles can be equipped with a trailer hitch.
To talk about everything you need to know about Audi trailer hitches,
Jerry
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for car insurance
, has created this handy guide. Stick around until the end, and we’ll even fill you in on how to save big bucks on Audi car insurance costs
.Which Audis come with a trailer hitch?
No Audis come standard with a trailer hitch, nor does the manufacturer offer tow packages. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tow with your Audi—you’ll just have to add on a trailer hitch as an optional accessory or aftermarket part.
You’ll actually need to purchase two parts: 1) a trailer hitch and 2) a ball mount or tow rope. Together, these items will allow you to pull loads behind your Audi—depending on its maximum tow capacity, of course.
The exact towing capacity of your Audi will vary based on the model. Naturally, you can assume that larger vehicles—like the Q8—will be able to tow more than smaller vehicles—like the A4. Additionally, those vehicles that use a ball mount will be stronger than those that can only be equipped with a tow rope.
Take a look at each of the 2022 Audi models, their maximum towing capacity, trailer hitch price, and whether or not they can use a ball mount or tow rope in the chart below. Keep in mind that these maximum towing capacities are for braked capacity, which means the trailer must operate its own brakes.
Model | Maximum towing capacity | Trailer hitch price | Ball mount or tow rope? |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Audi A3 | 1,653 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi A4, A4 Allroad | 1,653 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi A5, A5 Sportback | 3,968 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi A6, A6 Allroad | 5,511 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi A7 | 4,409 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi A8 | 5,070 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi e-tron, e-tron GT, e-tron S, e-tron Sportback | 4,000 lbs | $704.38 | Ball mount |
2022 Audi e-tron S Sportback | 3,300 lbs | $65.77 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi Q3 | 4,400 lb | $631.93 | Either |
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron | 2,600 lbs | $704.38 | Tow rope |
2022 Audi Q5 | 4,400 lbs | $740.48 | Either |
2022 Audi Q5 Sportback | 4,400 lbs | $720.48 | Either |
2022 Audi Q7, Q8 | 7,700 lbs | $869.40 | Either |
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Can you put a hitch on an Audi supercar?
You may have noticed that the above list only includes Audi’s luxury coupes, sedans, and SUVs—it does not include any of their supercars, such as the R8, S3, or TT.
In theory, some of these vehicles may be able to be equipped with a trailer hitch—however, their towing capacity is likely under 1,000 lbs, and using them for towing isn’t recommended. If you’re really interested in towing something with your supercar, it’s best to ask a professional at your local Audi dealership first.
MORE:
Audi lug pattern guide
How to pick an Audi trailer hitch
If you want to use your Audi for towing, you’ll have to shop for an appropriate trailer hitch. Generally, three different types of hitches are available:
- Receiver hitches are the most common type of hitch. They attach to your Audi’s frame and allow maximum towing capacity. If your vehicle can tow something, Audi will offer an optional trailer hitch for purchase.
- Front-mounted hitches can be used to carry stuff in front of your Audi—such as a snow plow.
- Bumper hitches are a little less strong than receiver hitches and lack a bit of security. However, they’re easier to install and more easily adjustable.
Genuine Audi trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Audi
Audi offers
genuine branded trailer hitches
for most of their vehicles. Purchasing a genuine part ensures that it’s the safest and strongest option for your vehicle. Plus, your local dealership can offer thorough and accurate advice regarding the part.However, purchasing an aftermarket hitch from somewhere like
Amazon
or U-Haul can cost you several hundred dollars less. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find a hitch that fits your Audi, either—you’ll just need to shop carefully and read product ratings.Intro to trailer classes
Whether you purchase your trailer hitch directly from Audi or go with an aftermarket vendor, you’ll want to look at the hitch’s class to best understand its towing abilities.
We recommend choosing a hitch class that matches your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, or—at least—is a bit stronger than the heaviest thing you intend to tow.
Here’s how the classes break down:
- Class I: Up to 2,000 lbs
- Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs
- Class III: 3,500 to 8,000 lbs
- Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs
- Class V: 10,000 to 25,000 lbs
The best Audi e-tron trailer hitch
Let’s take a look at some of the best trailer hitches for Audi’s SUV options—since, we assume, SUV owners are the most likely to want to tow heavy loads.
Most e-trons can tow up to 4,000 lbs, so your best bet is a Class III hitch. Here are a few options:
- The aftermarket option ($588.00):Stealth Hitch
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The best Audi Q3 trailer hitch
The Audi Q3 can tow up to 4,400 lbs when equipped with the proper Class III hitch. Here are your OEM and aftermarket options:
- The aftermarket option ($238.58):Draw-Tite 76364 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
The best Audi Q5 trailer hitch
Once again, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 lbs, you’ll want a Class III hitch for your Q5. Here’s what we recommend:
- The aftermarket option ($193.99):CURT 13331 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
The best Audi Q7/Q8 trailer hitch
The Audi Q7 and Q8 are the strongest SUVs made by the manufacturer with a shocking towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs—rivaling some vehicles equipped with serious tow packages. Here’s what you can buy to make that happen:
- The aftermarket option ($668.00):Stealth Hitches
MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing
How to install a trailer hitch on an Audi
Audi recommends that you have trailer hitches installed professionally. In addition to the cost of a trailer hitch, you’ll probably pay an estimated $100 to $250 in labor costs depending on your vehicle—but that comes with the peace of mind that your equipment is properly installed.
Of course, you can save a bit of money by installing the hitch yourself. Here’s what tools you’ll need:
- A socket set
- A ratchet and ratchet extension
- A swivel socket
- A torque wrench
- Work gloves, safety glasses, and a work light
No matter what hitch you purchase—whether it’s an Audi OEM part or an aftermarket part made by some other brand—it should come with detailed installation instructions. YouTube is also a great resource if you want to find video installation instructions.
In general, we recommend following these three tips:
- Use vehicle jacks so that the rear of your car is easier to access while performing installations.
- Recruit a helper, especially since trailer hitches can be quite heavy and difficult to hold up by yourself. Four hands are better than two!
- Double-check your bolts, being sure to torque them exactly to their articulated specifications.
MORE:
How to install a tow bar
How to upgrade your Audi insurance
Before you hit the road with your Audi—and whatever you intend to tow behind it—be sure to protect your luxurious utilitarian vehicle with a worthy car insurance policy.
If you want to save money on
Audi car insurance costs
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a trailer hitch for an Audi Q5?
Your total price will vary depending on what parts you purchase, as well as where you decide to get the labor done. In general, you can expect to pay about $100 to $250 to have a trailer hitch installed professionally, in addition to the cost of the parts themselves.
Can an Audi Q7 tow a U-Haul trailer?
With the proper equipment, you may be able to tow a U-Haul trailer with an Audi Q7, as it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. This depends, of course, on the size of the trailer and the weight of its contents.
Do Audi A4s come with a hitch?
No—no Audi comes standard with a trailer hitch, although you can add one as an aftermarket option to most of Audi’s models.
Does the Audi e-tron have a towing package?
No. However, you can add a towing hitch as an optional accessory.
