Trailer hitch AUDI E-TRON 2020 Owners Manual

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
er else)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.

Z\ WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for

124

these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 298.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
For driving safety, always using the maximum
permitted tongue weight is recommended, but
not exceed it. Distributing the cargo in the trailer
correctly will help to achieve this weight. Having
the tongue weight too low affects the vehicle's
handling.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 298.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.

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Trailer towing

— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 258. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 101
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 102.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer cable to the
socket.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 102.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 101.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

ZA WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.

CG) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
125
>

Trailer towing

— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
G) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Reduce the speed and use the recuperation brak-
ing effect > page 92 to relieve the brakes > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels Lock up.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-

126


formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

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@) Tips
— Audi pre sense rear functions switch off
when trailer mode is detected. There is no
guarantee the functions will switch off
when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
— Audi pre sense rear functions may also
switch off if there is a malfunction in the
side assist system.
Audi pre sense side
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense side
Audi pre sense side uses data from the extra ra-
dar sensors installed in the front and rear areas
of the vehicle, and other sensors can react to side
impacts from cross-traffic and vehicles coming
from the side.
Audi pre sense side is active at speeds up to ap-
proximately 35 mph (60 km/h). The Audi pre
sense preemptive safety measures can be trig-
gered when a collision risk is detected.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— Audi pre sense side does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, and objects not detected as
vehicles.
(i) Tips
— The Audi pre sense side functions are limit-
ed when trailer mode is detected.
—The Audi pre sense side functions may also
switch off if there is a malfunction in the in-
tersection assistant”.
yar
Applies to: vehicles with swerve assist

The swerve assist can help you to steer the vehi-
cle around an obstacle detected in a critical area.
If you avoid an obstacle after the acute warning,

)_ In preparation at the time of printing. The speed range
may be within approximately 30 mph - 90 mph (50 km/h -
150 km/h) depending on the vehicle production date.
Driver assistance
then the swerve assist assists you by applying
slight steering adjustment to correct your steer-
ing wheel angle as long as you are actively steer-
ing. The swerve assist is available at speeds be-
tween approximately 20 mph and 90 mph
(30 km/h - 150 km/h) 9.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— Swerve assist does not react to pedestrians,
animals, crossing objects, and objects not
detected as vehicles.
@ Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
see
Applies to: vehicles with turn assist

When turning left, turn assist can help to reduce
the risk of a collision with an oncoming vehicle by
using braking action to keep your vehicle in its
lane. The function is only available when the turn
signal is turned on and at speeds up to maximum
of 6 mph (10 km/h).

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.

@ Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction. >
157

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Driver assistance

The side assist is active at walking speeds and
higher. If an object that is classified as critical is
approaching, the display in the exterior mirror @
on the corresponding side of the vehicle will light
up.
Driving situations
The system can provide warnings about the fol-
lowing risks:
@ Approaching vehicles: a vehicle may be clas-
sified as critical in some cases, even if it is
farther away. The faster a vehicle ap-
proaches, the sooner the display will turn on.
@®) Vehicles traveling in the same direction: the
display will turn on if vehicles traveling in the
same direction as your vehicle are classified
as critical. The side assist warns you of all de-
tected vehicles when they are in the “blind
spot” or before they reach that point.
@) Vehicles you are passing: the display only
turns on if you slowly pass a detected vehicle
(difference in speed between the two vehicles
is less than 9 mph (15 km/h)). There is no
display if you pass a vehicle more quickly.
Information stage
At the information level, the side assist informs
you of detected objects that are classified as criti-
cal. This is even possible when your vehicle is sta-
tionary and the turn signal is turned on, so that
the system can also assist you when turning.
From speeds of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
and higher, the system will warn you of detected
objects that are classified as critical, even if the
turn signal is not turned on.
The display remains dim in the information stage
so that you are not distracted while looking for-
ward.
Warning stage
If you activate a turn signal and the display flash-
es, side assist is warning about objects that have
been classified as critical.
Depending on the vehicle equipment and other
driver assistance systems, the display may also
flash if you have not activated a turn signal. If
you are approaching a detected lane marker line
and it appears you will be leaving the lane, the
display will warn you about detected vehicles
that are classified as critical. You can also be
warned with corrective steering > page 153,
Lane departure warning.
Detection range
The radar sensors are designed to detect the left
and right adjacent lanes when the road lanes are
the normal width. In some situations, the display
may turn on even though there is no vehicle lo-
cated in the area that is critical for a lane change.
For example:
— If the lanes are narrow or if you are driving on
the edge of your lane. If this is the case, the
system may have detected a vehicle in another
lane that is not adjacent to your current lane.
— If you are driving through a curve. Side assist
may react to a vehicle that is in the same lane
or one lane over from the adjacent lane.
—If side assist reacts to other objects (such as
roadside structures like guard rails).

ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— The display may not appear on time when
vehicles are approaching or being passed
very quickly.
(i) Tips
— If the window glass in the driver's door or
front passenger's door has been tinted, the
display in the exterior mirror may be incor-
recs
— These systems are not available in trailer
towing mode. There is no guarantee the sys-
tems will switch off when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch. Do not use these functions
when towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.

159

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Driver assistance

Switching the exit warning on and off
— The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 130.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— Always pay attention to traffic and to the
area around your vehicle. The exit warning
system does not replace the attention of the
vehicle occupants. The vehicle occupants are
always responsible for opening the doors
and exiting the vehicle.
— The exit warning system does not respond
to people and cannot warn you about every
type of approaching objects, such as cyclists.
Always monitor the traffic as well as the ve-
hicle's surroundings with direct eye contact.
— The display may not appear in time when
vehicles are approaching very quickly.
— The exit warning system does not react to
stationary objects or pedestrians.
— The exit warning system will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is pulled too far into
the parking space so that it is hidden by ad-
jacent vehicles.



G) Tips
— The exit warning system can be available for
up to approximately three minutes after un-
locking the vehicle and opening the door as
well as after switching off the ignition. Then
the displays flash briefly and the system
switches off.
— The system is not available when towing a
trailer. There is no guarantee the system
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch. Do not use these functions when
towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.
Intersection assistant
Description
Applies to: vehicles with intersection assistant
° D
oS gz
3 &
oO

Fig. 123 Instrument cluster: directional display from the
intersection assistant
General information
The intersection assistant can warn the driver of
approaching cross traffic in complex intersections
> fig. 122.
The system monitors intersections and exit
ramps using the sensors installed in the vehicle
that detect the front and side areas around the
vehicle. Moving objects that are approaching
from behind, such as cars, are detected within
the limits of the system > A\. The system can al-
so warn the driver of a potential collision with de-
tected approaching cross traffic in intersections
and exit ramps with poor visibility.
Requirements for using the intersection
assistant:
— The speed must not be higher than approxi-
mately 18 mph (30 km/h).
—The “D” gear is selected.
161

Parking and maneuvering

Error messages
If P& appears, the sensor in the respective area
or the speaker is faulty. Drive immediately to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
If Av is displayed in the MMI, the ultrasonic sen-
sor indicated is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 129.
iff or fa is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the parking aid functions may be unavaila-
ble or may be limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 129 and try to turn on the sys-
tems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

ZX WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.



@) Note
Keep enough distance from the curb to avoid
damage to the rims.
G) Tips
— The side area * > page 128, fig. 94 is de-
tected and evaluated when passing. There
may have been changes to the surrounding
area after switching the ignition off and on
again, after opening the doors, or if the ve-
hicle is left stationary for a period of time.
166
In this case, the area will appear black until
the area has been detected and evaluated.
— If the distance to an obstacle remains con-
stant, the volume of the distance warning
gradually lowers after a few seconds until it
is muted (this does not apply to the continu-
ous tone). If the obstacle comes closer than
it was before the sound was muted, the
tone will sound again. If the obstacle be-
comes farther away than it was before the
sound was muted, no tone will sound. Pay
attention to the vehicle's surroundings
when you start to drive.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. There is no guarantee the functions will
be deactivated when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch.
Rearview camera and
peripheral cameras
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras

B8V-0629

Fig. 126 Orientation line display when parking
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a rearview
camera or multiple peripheral cameras may be
available.
The rearview camera helps you to park or maneu-
ver using the orientation lines.
The peripheral cameras expand the vehicle over-
view to include various views around the vehicle
that can be selected.

Parking and maneuvering

@ Use the blue markings to help you estimate
the distance to an obstacle. Each marking
represents approximately 3 feet (1 meter).
The blue area represents an extension of the
vehicle's outline by approximately 16 feet (5
meters) to the rear.
@® You can recognize the rear bumper in the
lower display.
@ You should stop driving in reverse when the
red orientation line touches the edge of an
object, at the latest.
Trailer view
Applies to: vehicles with trailer view
The trailer view > fig. 129 assists you in position-
ing the vehicle in front of a trailer.
— Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras:
Switch to the Rear view > page 169, fig. 130.
— Select Trailer view in the upper display when
the parking aid is active |---|.


Now you can position your vehicle in front of the
trailer. The orange orientation line ©) > fig. 129
indicates the expected path toward the trailer
hitch. Use the blue markings © to help you esti-
mate the distance to the trailer hitch. Each mark-
ing represents approximately 1 foot (0.30 me-
ters). The width of the blue surface represents
the maximum steering wheel angle.
Symbols
If 2/&9/< is displayed and the display area
represented by that symbol is not available, then
the camera on the that side is not available. The
power exterior mirrors may have been folded in
or a door or the luggage compartment lid may
have been opened.
If # is displayed, there is a system malfunction
and the display area represented by that symbol
is not available. The camera is not working in this
area.
If Avis displayed, the respective ultrasonic sensor
is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front of the sen-
sors > page 129.
If one of the symbols continues to be displayed,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
168
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.

ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 127.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— The orange orientation lines @ show the di-
rection the rear of the vehicle will be travel-
ing, based on the steering wheel angle. The
front of the vehicle swings out more than
the rear of the vehicle. Maintain plenty of
distance so that an exterior mirror or a cor-
ner of the vehicle does not collide with any
obstacles.
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Only use the images provided by the camera
on the rear of the vehicle when the luggage
compartment lid is completely closed. Make
sure any objects you may have mounted on
the luggage compartment lid do not block
the rearview camera.
G) Tips
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: The
accuracy of the orientation lines and blue
surfaces on the camera display decreases
when the vehicle is raised or lowered with
the air suspension.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. The visual display switches to trailer
mode. There is no guarantee the functions
will be deactivated when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch.

Parking and maneuvering


your vehicle is pulled too far into the park-
ing space so that it is hidden by adjacent
vehicles.

Gi) Tips
— Once an automatic brake activation occurs,
the system cannot initiate another activa-
tion for several seconds.
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— If there is an acoustic warning signal from
the rear cross-traffic assist, then the park-
ing aid may not warn you of detected obsta-
cles under certain circumstances.
— The system is not available when the vehicle
detects that you are towing a trailer. There
is no guarantee the functions will be deacti-
vated when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
Do not use these functions when towing a
trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.
— The coverage area of the sensors > fig. 131
is a diagram and does not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
172

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Wheels

position and the total weight of
any luggage in the vehicle. If you
tow a trailer, the weight of the
trailer hitch and the tongue
weight of the loaded trailer must
be included as part of the vehicle
load.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR’”) is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle’s two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating means that the
total weight of whatever is being
carried in the vehicle (including
the weight of a trailer hitch and
the tongue weight of the loaded
trailer) is limited. The more pas-
sengers in the vehicle or passen-
gers who are heavier than the
standard weights assumed mean
that less weight can be carried as
luggage.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
are listed on the safety compli-
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.


Z\ WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per-
sonal injury, and even death.
—Carrying more weight than
your vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and in-
crease the risk of the loss of
vehicle control.
—The brakes on a vehicle that
has been overloaded may not
be able to stop the vehicle
within a safe distance.
—Tires ona vehicle that has
been overloaded can fail sud-
denly, including a blowout and
sudden deflation, causing loss
of control and a crash.
—Always make sure that the to-
tal load being transported -
including the weight of a trail-
er hitch and the tongue
weight of a loaded trailer -
does not make the vehicle
heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

261