[s-cars] Anyone towing with their urS4/S6?

[Mark Rivera]

My current tow vehicle is a 2001 Ford Escape, and it's rated for 3000lbs.
My S4 has more HP/TQ, and weighs a little more.  I think the Escape comes in
at about 3300-3500lbs., and it gets pushed around a little when I apply the
brakes downhill, so I think a more massive vehicle would help with this.  I
tow a 1500lb sportscar on a single axle trailer that weighs about 1000lbs,
so I need 2500lb capacity.  I'm sure the S4 is probably only rated for 2000
lbs, and I'd guess most of that is because it's not designed to handle more
than about 200lb tongue weight.  So, If I were to chip the S4 with stock
components (or leave it stock for that matter), and add some heavier springs
all around, I wonder if it would suffice as an occasional tow vehicle to
nearby autocrosses and short distance lapping days???  Eventually, I'll need
to replace the Escape for the growing family, but I really don't want to get
into a big SUV just for the towing capacity, nor do I want to tax a FWD
minivan to do the job.  I'm fairly certain the S4 chassis can handle the
abuse, but I'm more worried about sustained boost going up hills and cooling
capacity, especially when I eventually chip the car.

Thanks,
Mark