S4 B6/7 Towing

[JimS]

I was all set for upgrading my S2 Avant that I've had for seven years for a S4 Avant but after doing some homework I find that the S4 is not type approved for towing nor are there any type approved tow bars for them.

And if I fitt an A4 Quattro tow bar and had an accident I could be in great trouble.

I believe it is all down to the S4's cooling problems which is a of a bit poor excuse for a 4.2 V8 as my wife's new Fiat 500 can tow as long as it doesn't exceed the max load weight that the car can take.

Unless any one knows differently I'm going to have to come up with a different plan.

Jim

[B6S4John]

What cooling problems?

I would have more concern about the clutch if I was towing.

[JimS]

Not exactly sure if it's the engine or gearbox, Audi probably tested it in extreme conditions and decided not to let us tow anything rather than restrict us to a certain weight to avoid warranty issues.

I didn't think there was anything special about the clutch to worry about it not lasting.

Jim

[MattS5]

What are you towing with it?
I belive a friend who has an RS2 was told a bar couldn't be fitted for the same reason when he bought it many years ago. However, he went ahead and fitted it anyway and has had no probelms at all, and thats !00k miles later.
It was only used to tow a small boat, and not a caravan or horsebox

[JimS]

The problem is (unless someone can prove me wrong) is after 1st Aug 1998 all cars must be type approved for towing and also towbars, the registration book should give the allowable towing weight.

It''s not just the base model as in A4 it's is all the individual ones that need type approving and the S4 as far as I'm aware is not type approved so it doesn't matter if you only want to tow a 100kg trailer with garden rubbish to the tip, if you have a bump then in theory you won't be insured.

But I'd be more than grateful if someone can find a loop hole as I could cope with any over heating if any in our cool climate.

Jim

[B6S4John]

Check out this thread.


http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=49784

[JimS]

That's interesting, I think I will chase up Audi UK again. Their first reply was "Check the handbook" needless to say I was not impressed with their response.

Jim