Rear Springs needed for tow bar

[Richyrich06]

Hi 

I have added a towbar to my A6 Avant and the rear seems very low when towing.

Are there specific rear springs to fit if using a towbar

[Magnet]

Thanks Richard,

What weight are you towing? Do you know whether the springs on this 17 year old car have ever been changed. 

Afterthought :-Pardon my ignorance, but is this A6 estate on rear air suspension? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Richyrich06]

Hi 

Towing 1.5 ton

I doubt the springs have ever been changed

Not Air suspension

[Magnet]

Thanks Richard,

A 17 year old estate car is likely to have been used to carry loads during its lifetime, and the springs will have deteriorated, and would obviously now benefit from renewal. 
Before doing this, I would be seeking advice from a local towing equipment specialist, who would be able to advise on additional aids such as sorting assisters etc. - in addition to the new springs. 
Uprated springs available? Whether fitting such would result in adverse ride conditions in normal non- tow situations? How often do you tow?

Perhaps you could come back to us Richard. 

 

[cliffcoggin]

Richard.

How much weight are you putting on the tow ball? If I recall correctly from my days of towing a boat it should be about 75 kg. You really should look up the regulations regarding towing to ensure you balance the load correctly, as well as the braking requirements and load limits for the trailor.

[Richyrich06]

Hi Thanks for comments

I am towing well within the regulations just need to know if different springs are required as I added the towbar myself..

There are different ones listed but not for Quattros

Cheers

[cliffcoggin]

Fair enough Richard, you had not initially made clear how knowledgable you were about towing.

If you are putting the correct weight on the tow ball and the car springs are unduly compressed then doubtless they need to be changed. Whether standard or uprated springs are required I do not know, but as Gareth advised, the original springs will likely be weaker and shorter than they were when new.

[Magnet]

Hello Richard,

Estate springs are likely to be firmer that saloon ones, so you will be off to a good start on that. 
Worth having a word with the good folks at Parts in Motion down in your neck of the woods at Exeter. They will point you to a variety of available brands inc. Febi, Apec etc. I doubt - but could be wrong- that there are beefed up springs for towing. You will obviously enquire. 

If these new springs prove not to be ‘firm’ enough for your towing needs, then you could consider spring assisters - as mentioned. 
Keep us posted on what you intend to do Richard. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Richyrich06]

Hi All
Here is the update.. 
I spoke with lots of people who didnt seem to know. Including audi main dealers who still didnt know..
From cross referencing part numbers and chatting with Sachs found that there is a specific set of springs for cars with a tow bar fitted. Which seem to have heavier duty springs..

All ordered up including new lower spring mounts as suggested by Audi..

Got there in the end.
Cheers for all advice