If you own or are considering an Audi A3 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can an Audi A3 tow a camper?
Yes, an Audi A3 can tow a camper or trailer up to 1,433 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper or travel trailer with an Audi A3 which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With An Audi A3
So, can an Audi A3 tow a camper? Yes: the Audi A3 towing capacity is 1,433 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,433 lbs your Audi A3 can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Audi A3.
Audi A3 Tow Package
Does The Audi A3 Come With A Tow Package?
The Audi A3 does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Audi A3 Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Audi A3.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With an Audi A3?
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.
You should not need a brake controller because the Audi A3 can only tow up to 1,433 pounds.
Audi A3 Towing Package Cost
Audi A3 Tow Hook & Wiring Harness Cost
Audi A3 trailer hitches run between $250-$325.
Take a look at this recommended Audi A3 Tow Hook Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 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 aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Audi A3
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
an Audi A3 trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $40-$60.
Audi A3 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Audi A3 (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Audi A3 Brake Controller Cost
Audi A3 brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On An Audi A3? Audi A3 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 A3 trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Audi A3?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Audi A3, 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 A3 Tow?
Your Audi A3 can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,433 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Audi A3 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,433 lbs:
- InTech RV Flyer
- Go LittleGuy myPod
- Pika Teardrop Trailer
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Palomino Palomini
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by an Audi A3.
Can An Audi A3 Tow A Horse Trailer?
It is not recommended to tow a horse trailer with an Audi A3 because the Audi A3 towing capacity is 1,433 lbs.
Most small horse trailers weigh 2,300 lbs unloaded and around 7,000 lbs loaded, both of which are too heavy to tow with an Audi A3.
Audi A3 Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Audi A3, 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 1,433 lbs so your Audi A3 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 1,433 pounds.
Audi A3 Towing Capacity
So, how much can an Audi A3 tow?
The Audi A3 towing capacity is 1,433 pounds.
Audi A3 Towing Capacity: 1,433 lbs
Audi A3 GVWR: 4,299 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Audi A3 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 A3 GVWR or Audi A3 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Audi A3 Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Audi A3 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,433 pounds).
Most Audi A3 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 A3, 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.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
