Weight Distribution with Sway Control for Audi Q5 with OEM 2 inch Receiver Towing A Scamp Trailer

Updated 06/07/2012 | Published 06/06/2012

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2597)

$20.83

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(479)

$60.91

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3797)

$16.19

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV

(315)

$44.40

Question:

The Audi Q5 is rated to tow 4400 lbs and up to 440 lb hitch weight. The Scamp 16foot trailer has 2200 lb to 3200 lb weight range and 165 lb to 380 lb hitch weight range. The Scamp sales person recommends no weight distribution and single bar sway control. Audi has no information and does not respond to questions regarding weight distribution.

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

I have a couple of different weight distribution recommendations for you. But first, you need to contact the vehicle dealer and make sure that your 2012 Audi Q5 is compatible for use with a weight distribution system added to the trailer hitch. I did some research online and could not find a weight distribution recommendation for the OEM hitch that is inatalled on the Audi Q5. If not, the option of a single sway bar, like part # 83660, and a Sway-Control Bracket for 2 inch Ball Mounts, # RP26003, is the only valid option for towing your Scamp trailer.

If your hitch and vehicle are compatible with a weight distribution system, the Reese system, # 66557, that you referenced would be a bit undersized, if your trailer were loaded to the full capacity you stated.

For the most economical system with sway control I recommend going with the Pro Series Weight Distribution System, # PS49901. This system uses the same type of sway control bar that the trailer sales person recommended and is capable of tongue weights up to 550 lbs which will work great for your Scamp trailer. The sway control bar will help to stop trailer sway once it starts.

If you wanted to go with the best sway control system available, I would recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, # RP66086, which is capable of up to 600 lbs tongue weight and comes with dual-cam sway control which works to keep the trailer in a straight line with the tow vehicle, even when large trucks are passing or when high winds are encountered.

If your trailer has a 2 inch ball you would need the Curt Hitch Ball, # A-90, with either of these systems I recommended. If a 2-5/16 inch ball is required for your trailer, the Pro Series System includes a 2-5/16 inch ball, and the Reese system would require the Tow Ready Hitch Ball, # 19286.