If you own or are considering an Audi Q3 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can an Audi Q3 tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, an Audi Q3 can tow a trailer or camper up to 4,400 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with an Audi Q3 which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With An Audi Q3
So, can an Audi Q3 tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Audi Q3 towing capacity is 4,400 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 4,400 lbs your Audi Q3 can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Audi Q3.
Audi Q3 Tow Package
Does The Audi Q3 Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Audi Q3 does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Audi Q3 Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Audi Q3.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With an Audi Q3?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Audi Q3 Towing Package Cost
Audi Q3 Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Audi Q3 trailer hitches run between $170-$320.
Take a look at this recommended Audi Q3 Tow Hook Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch package is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 2 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this automotive tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch fits select model years of the Audi Q3 and Q3 Quattro
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
Audi Q3 Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Audi Q3 (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Audi Q3 Brake Controller Cost
Audi Q3 brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On An Audi Q3? Audi Q3 Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on an Audi Q3 trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Audi Q3?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Audi Q3, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Can An Audi Q3 Tow?
Your Audi Q3 can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 4,400 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Audi Q3 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 4,400 lbs:
- Jayco Jayflight SLX 224BH
- Crossroad Zinger 18BH
- Coleman Lantern 17FQ
- Coleman Light LX 2125BH
- Heartland Mallard
- Keystone Passport
- KZ Sportsmen Classic
- Winnebago HIKE
- Starcraft Satellite 18MK
- Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser
- Airstream Sport Travel Trailer
- Jayco Hummingbird
- Forest River R-Pod Hood River 179
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by an Audi Q3.
Can An Audi Q3 Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, an Audi Q3 can tow a caravan under 4,400 lbs.
Can An Audi Q3 Tow A Horse Trailer?
It is not recommended to tow a horse trailer with an Audi A3 because the Audi Q3 towing capacity is 4,400 lbs.
Most small horse trailers weigh 2,300 lbs unloaded and around 7,000 lbs loaded, so you can only tow an unloaded small horse trailer with an Audi Q3.
Audi Q3 Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Audi Q3, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 4,400 lbs so your Audi Q3 can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 4,400 pounds.
Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
So, how much can an Audi Q3 tow?
The Audi Q3 towing capacity is 4,400 pounds.
Audi Q3 Towing Capacity: 4,400 lbs
Audi Q3 GVWR: 5,115 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Audi Q3 can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Audi Q3 GVWR or Audi Q3 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Audi Q3 Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Audi Q3 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 4,400 pounds).
Most Audi Q3 models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Audi Q3, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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