Suitable TT for BMW X5 tow vehicle

Looks like you have the diesel and 6000 lb tow capacity. The above ideas (Camplite, Trailmanor) are good. I would add that if you want a new but budget priced trailer, you might look at Jayco or KZ. The KZ Spree Escape E18RB, E19BH, E20RBT, etc. are possibilities; some of those are hybrids with tent ends, and some are hardside all around.

You would do best to avoid anything with a dry hitch weight greater than 450 lb, because by the time you load up for camping that 450 will turn into 600 lb. or more.

You should not need to stick to a popup, but you could get one if you wanted one, of course.

From what everyone else says...A trailer under 5k lbs and hitch weight below 600 lbs... Sounds reasonable. You can tow mre for sure, but you'll be at your max... towing something under your limits is easier, and makes towing a better experience. Fortunately I think you'll find tons of great options.

Weekend camping is your forte, which means space is less of an issue. If you're living in a TT, you need more space to live, if you're weekending, you need a warm, comfortable, functional area... you don't need a house on wheels... which gives you more options in my opinion.

If I were you, these would be some of my favorite options....

Camplite 21bhs... Lightweight, and very unique construction. Its really a great unit, can sleep 4-6 very comfortably. No wood in the construction.

Trailmanor 3124kb... These are amazing lightweight trailers. You won't find more room with less weight in a TT. Its an expandable, but still a TT. It has compromises, but its still amazing for the size and weight of it.

that should get you started... they're both great options.

Agree with all of the above and would offer that the Anderson WDH will only be 50# to consider instead of 80#. Small change but it helps the payload calc.

Kikster wrote:
Moving from tent camping to TT. We'd like to get some insight into what we should consider for max dry weight and best manufacturer choice for weekend type camping. We would like enough sleeping spots for 4-5. We don't know what a reasonable budget should be and might consider a used TT. Does anyone have suggestions?

Not meaning to be cheeky but I think that payload and wheelbase will suggest a popup. Work out what your allowable residual payload would be and then divide that by 0.15 and that would give you an idea of a GVWR to work with. By residual payload I mean the remaining payload after a full load of fuel, people and cargo are subtracted from your payload capacity. That is also your tongue load which should be below the hitch capacity less hitch assembly weight.

westend wrote:
The payload rating of 2013 BMW X5 (properly equipped) is 1290 lbs. From that weight you need to subtract the passenger total weight, the weight of all cargo, and 80 lbs. for a weight distributing hitch. Assuming 100 lb./passenger x 4 = 400, 80 lbs. for the hitch, and 200 lbs. of cargo, Total = 680 lbs. 1290- 680 = 610 lbs. remaining. The tongue weight of a trailer towed should not exceed that 610 lbs. Tongue weight of most TT's is 11%-14%. Using 13% as an average, the maximum towed weight would be 4700 lbs.

BTW, don't aim for anything too long, the X5 is pretty short for wheelbase.

Good advice.

Check your door sticker for your specific payload and plug in your own weight numbers for passengers and cargo (in or on the tow vehicle).

Also, take a look at your hitch receiver. It should have a weight rating of its own. It may not be rated to carry weight you need it to carry.

After you've subtracted your passenger / cargo weights from your payload, what is left is "available payload" for the hitch and tongue weight. Subtract 80 lbs for hitch weight, then take that number and divide it by .13. That will tell you the loaded trailer wieght that will put you in the ballpark where your tow vehicle is at its maximum weight capacity.

Average load of dishes, pots and pans, bedding, camping gear, BBQ, groceries, and water is 800 - 1000 lbs.

If your loaded trailer capacity comes out to be 4700 lbs, then your dry weight figure should be 3700 or below.

The payload rating of 2013 BMW X5 (properly equipped) is 1290 lbs. From that weight you need to subtract the passenger total weight, the weight of all cargo, and 80 lbs. for a weight distributing hitch. Assuming 100 lb./passenger x 4 = 400, 80 lbs. for the hitch, and 200 lbs. of cargo, Total = 680 lbs. 1290- 680 = 610 lbs. remaining. The tongue weight of a trailer towed should not exceed that 610 lbs. Tongue weight of most TT's is 11%-14%. Using 13% as an average, the maximum towed weight would be 4700 lbs.

BTW, don't aim for anything too long, the X5 is pretty short for wheelbase.

Some of the lightest trailer are in the Coachmen Apex line. Here is a good place to start.

http://www.coachmenrv.com/products/apex.aspx?page=floorplans

Need a little more info. What is the tow rating? Do you have factory tow package? Also you will want to look for the yellow sticker on your inside door jamb for the payload rating.