I think I did my homework right...maybe

[easwen]

We just bought a 13BHB that weighs 2300 lbs.I imagine with h2O added and some lightweight objects it will by about 2450lbs. We have a new audi Q5 rated at 220 HP and 278 torque. GVW is 5700 lbs and pulling weight is rated at 4400.  Since the trailer is less than half the GVW and the vehicle is able to pull 4400 lbs I figure that if I don't really push the speed and go slow on hills everything will be ok. Not getting a weight distribution hitch as the specs I have seen say if the trailer weight is less than half the GVW one is not needed.
Am I asking for trouble?
thanks

[admin]

I think you are underestimating how quickly water and gear will add up, and I'd be curious to know if the 2300 lbs is the posted weight on your unit or have you had a chance to weigh it for yourself yet?
In either case the question comes down to is the WDH 'needed'. The answers on this will be varied I'm sure but the simple answer is that a WDH may not be needed but it may be helpful. I have a feeling you are quickly going to approach your rated tow limit and even if thats the case a good hitch and braking system will help a lot.

[hogtyd]

I think you should be fine...you may start to feel some wind-resistance above 60-65mph, but that's typically as fast as you'd want to tow anyway. For comparison, I tow a 13QBB with a '97 4Runner V6 with a similar wheelbase and less power (and no WDH) and it does a reasonably good job.

Graham  

[easwen]

Sean,
        thank you for your valuable input....    
        I don't have the 13BHB....picking it up next week...and that is another story.  I do have a braking system and the OEM hitch that Audi (expensive hitch!) makes. We are also putting our limited gear in our tow vehicle to keep weight down in trailer. I just hope the weight of the trailer that the salesman told me is close to the truth.
And thanks graham...I do appreciate your response. 60-65 is what I was thinking...yep, wind resistance..not much can be done about that..ha.


!

[daplumbr]

There's a great deal that goes into comfortable towing besides overall trailer weight and tow vehicle weight. Tongue weight and tow vehicle wheelbase are a couple. I think the Q5 will be a fine tow vehicle for the 13, but spend some time getting the weight distribution right and don't rule out a weight distribution hitch to control sway if it's needed. Keep in mind too the Q5 has a cargo capacity limit that includes passengers, trailer tongue weight, and "stuff". The only disadvantage of using the Q5 as a tow vehicle is you lose the wonderful driving dynamics of that Audi. My wife test drove one once and loved it. After it's shackled to a trailer, it will just plod along like other vehicles. (rofl)

[easwen]

Thanks Merlin, appreciate the reply. My learning curve is steep but hopefully I will figure everything out.  Maybe I will spring for the Curtis weight distribution hitch. I do love the Audi driving dynamics and "plodding" will be difficult , o well...should be worth it after reaching that nice spot to camp... someplace out there.

thanks again,
Eric

[pinstriper]

Don't forget that a wdh will increase the weight to the trailer axel, so the max trailer weight can be in jeopardy.

60-65 is about max safe towing speed regardless.

TANSTATMTV, but I think is you keep your gross trailer weight under, say, 3 grand, and keep an eye on the gross combined weight, you will be ok.

[easwen]

hey pinstriper....thanks!   the 5 brain cells I have left are almost maxed out...but your info is there...

(is  eugene part of outer Portlandia?)

[pinstriper]

No. It is kind of like rings around Saturn, or Jupiter, only instead of stardust it is hippies. Eugene is like the third hippie ring around Portland.

[easwen]

I don't think there are many real "hippies" around Eugene anymore.  Most have morphed into small business owners or are on the city council.  What people call hippies here now I just call homeless...and there are a lot of them. 

[pinstriper]

Those "small business owners" aka "dispensaries" ?