We just call them "campers" or "camper trailers". I'm assuming it's all one piece - the camper and trailer don't come apart. I also assume that the 1310kg is the total weight of the camper and trailer (or what we call "gross weight").

Then the best thing is to keep your overall unladen weight to a minimum. I know you want to load items into the camper, but be conservative with the amount of weight added (I'd keep it to 200kg maximum) and try to load as much of the stuff toward the front of the camper (ahead of the trailer's wheels) for better handling and weight distribution.

 

You know... we haven't even discussed the age and strength of the car's brakes and suspension yet.

What sort of condition are these components on your car? You can't compromise them; you'll need to be sure they are at their fullest capacity to handle loads.

Remember... those numbers were for a NEW 1996 A6. Your car is almost ten years old!!

 

Well im pretty good at keeping my cars in good condition, so no worries there. But i just want to make on thing clear, i don't own this car, well not yet anyway, thats the reason why im asking, i need a car that can pull my "camper" around. As of now im stuck with an VW Caravelle 2.4D (80hp), that car can pull 1700kg , but it's so damn slow, and i always have to shift like hell when im climbing a hill/mountain road. So im looking for a car with a stronger engine that has the power to pull the wagon up that hill without me shifting every minute. Might sound funny about that shifting thing, but that hill is like meant to bother me, it's to steep to drive up in 3rd, and it's to flat so i outrun the 2nd gear, hehe. So basically i need a stronger car. And i have always wanted an Audi. I have been looking at the S4 cars to, but the insurance is so expensive.


EDIT: I visited my VW/Audi dealer today, they had a 96 A6 2.6 in at the time, i asked him to check the maximum weight allowed, and it said 1450kg. So Norway has sat the maximum at 1450kg. I searched a bit, and i found a "hitch" sertified for the A6 2.6 that was made for weigths up to 2100kg. Would that say that the biggest problem lays in the hitch? And it beeing to weak ?

Im just asking, i really want an Audi now, but if they can't pull (at least inside my budget) There's no Audi on me

 

Most likely Norway (or just Europe in general) use the lighter figure to represent the max load limit. Nevertheless, 1450kg is only 50kg below the original 1500kg limit at 12%.
I think the hitch you found will be fine, provided it's new. The weak link will now be the suspension and braking system of the A6.

Since you mention hill climbing and the A6 for towing, I would consider the torque of the engine and the gear ratios, too. Compare them to the Caravelle and see what you think. I would imagine, that the torque is far better than the Caravelle, but how is the gearing?

Forget about the S4. Although it has monster power, it's not suitable for towing. The suspension is not set up for that kind of load change. You would have to change the rear suspension for towing and then put it back to stock when not using the trailer.

 

Okey, so to get it straight, the bottleneck with this car as it stands is first of the hitch. If i change the stock hitch with one capable of 2100kg. Then suspension, if that is needed, i don't think the total weight of the camper will go over 1500-1550kg, don't need that much stuff with me, so the suspension might be good as it is. And if put on some stronger brakes.

What is the most crucial thing here, the hicth ?

So if all these things are done, would i be able to pull my camper ?
What if i only change the hitch, would that be enough if the other things are in pretty good condition ?


And one other thing, how much is there to "win" on buying an A6 with Quattro system ?

 

No... I think the 2100kg hitch sounds solid, so that won't be your weak link.
It will be the suspension and brakes.

If the suspension is "healthy", then go with it - although I might consider upgrading the springs if the mileage is high on the original springs.

And the brakes may be fine if the pads are new, if the rotors have plenty of thickness, and if the fluid is "good" (maybe a fluid replacement would be a good idea).

Sorry... I don't understand your last question. What do you mean "win" an A6 with Quattro? Are you asking if a Quattro A6 is better than a non-quattro A6? If so, YES... a quattro is better for overall performance. The non-quattro, because it is front wheel drive, will lose some performance because of the added weight to the rear axle. This load will raise the front a bit and reduce traction/performance. That is one reason why upgrading the rear springs may be a good idea.

 

Yes, i meant if Quattro would be better than non-quattro. I might go with an A6 2.6 Quattro then, there is one that i have found here in my town for sale, looks very good. And the milage is'nt to high.



Okey, and i just need to get it clear once and for all. If i buy this car, upgrade the hitch since that seams to be to weak, and maby the suspension and brakes, this car will pull (i know just got to have it clear) ?

 

YES... with all those criteria taken care of, you will have an Audi that can pull the camper. I'm sure I don't have to say that you won't be able to do fancy maneuvers - you shouldn't be trying to do that anyway - but it will get you to your destination. You will have roughly twice the power of the VW Caravelle.

By the way, if you have a choice, get a manual transmission for better control. It won't really matter if it's an automatic, but I personally like manual. Just be careful not to over-rev the engine when starting in first. The clutch will wear out fast if you try to aggressively start off from a stop. Manual allows you to use compression braking when descending a steep hill - downshift and slow down - that makes it easier on your brakes.

 

Hey!! I just remembered that a friend of mine had the same car (at least I think he had the same car).
Let me call him and pose these questions to him and see what he has to add.
I should have an answer before the day is out - yeah, I know I'm about seven hours behind you - so, check tomorrow to see what I post here.

 

Hey!!

I just spoke with him. He agrees with everything we spoke about. He says go for it! Your car will have the power.

Good Luck!!