Suitable TT for BMW X5 tow vehicle

ChooChooMan74 wrote:

...
The only advice I have is the hitches on those are more designed for European trailers without a WDH.

This is a good point. When I was looking at the VW Touareg TDI, VW said NOT to use a WDH. But the receiver was rated at 700# tongue weight "carrying" (not "distributing") as long as you used the very short shank ball hitch sold by VW.

I recall one person wondering if he could add friction anti-sway bars without using a WDH. He could, as they do this commonly in Europe and now have electronic anti sway systems as well.

Apparently other non-NA SUV manufacturers also say not to use a WDH. But many people do ...

ChooChoo - you make some good points. However the advice from those of us who tend to discourage towing at-limit RVs with shorter wheelbase smaller tow vehicles is based on (a) experience and (b) towing in ALL conditions you might encounter on the road.

I am not familiar with terrain in Pennsylvania but a good match TV-RV is assumed to be that combo that is not only good on flat terrain with little winds and 18-wheeler traffic.

High cross winds, 18-wheeler bow and tail pressure areas, apparent additional RV mass due to aerodynamic drag, and so forth are issues that can impact adversely on any rig, and smaller vehicles are more susceptible - the first two contributing to instability and the tail-wagging-the-dog tendency for those because of their shorter wheelbases.

Just my 2 cents based on actual experience.

Let me see, when I first started, I was told that I can't tow anything larger than a small popup. Well, my 22 foot hybrid does quite fine at 60MPH through Pennsylvania. Under all ratings except TV GVW... 100lbs over there.

Take all advice here with a grain of salt. The only advice I have is the hitches on those are more designed for European trailers without a WDH.

Could you please tell the Forum what model and year your X5 is? What engine does it have? They do change things occasionally.

Kikster wrote:
Thank you all for your input. We currently don't have a tow package set up and we'll have to look into that as well. Lots to consider as a newbie :)

In the response from westend, he included the statement "when properly equipped". That would be a tow package, that includes wiring for a brake controller, wiring for trailer lights, class III hitch, auxillary transmission cooler, and possibly upgrades to the suspension.

All of the responses were given under the assumption, you already had a factory tow package. The calculations will change for finding your available payload. While adding a tow package, every pound you add to the vehicle, takes a pound away from that payload (cargo carrying capacity) number on your door sticker. You will have to subtract that weight (could be 200 lbs), along with passengers, cargo, and hitch weight.

Kikster wrote:
I looked at the Trail Manors and they seem like a strong possibility. I read done concerns about the finish and/or quality of materials... Also, do you think the BMW X5 has a smaller wheelbase than other SUVs?

Trailmanors are made up of a light-weight frame, with a light-weight sandwich shell (Al-Foam-Al) that opens and closes in an over-lapping clamshell fashion. IIRC the only wood used in the structure is a 1/4 plywood in the floor sandwich, so structural rot is not really a problem.

As for quality, very light-weight trailers, in general, do not have a solid feel about them. But we found the design and materials to be very good. There was period back in the recession around 2008-2009 when the company was undergoing management issues (the founder/CEO died, and then the company went bankrupt) when QC suffered I think. But since then I believe it has improved as one of their major dealers bought it out and has been upgrading the product lines and offering new models. As always, having a reputable dealer will help with any issues.

My major problem with the folding Trailmanors (we had one of their rare upright models which they do not make anymore) is the lack of upper cupboards/storage (as the upper half shell lowers over the lower half shell, and I have a bad back). However when open you do have an extremely spacious, light filled interior.

My other issue is the recycling Thetford toilet (apparently a regular toilet/black tank requires a roof vent which a folding trailer can't really do). I never had one, and many people have no issues with it.

The wheelbase issue is more in comparison to a pickup.

Folding trailers are really great for towing and long trips. But, as others have suggested, if the folding business is not to your liking, there are smaller/shorter uprights that could also work. Personally I like the Lance trailers. But have also seen some nice FunFinders.

I looked at the Trail Manors and they seem like a strong possibility. I read done concerns about the finish and/or quality of materials... Also, do you think the BMW X5 has a smaller wheelbase than other SUVs?

Take a look at
High end: Lance 1575, Camp Lite (several small hardwall and hybrid)
Trailmanor
next: Fun Finder X, Mini Lite, KZ Spree, R-Pod

With a short wheelbase vehicle, one of the folding trailers would be a great choice. There would be less wind resistance, and less sway issues. A pop-up tent trailer, or one of the hard-side, folding Trailmanors. There is an excellent Trailmanor user forum that can give you more advice if you decide to go that route. But one caution: they tend to have high % tongue weights.

Thank you all for your input. We currently don't have a tow package set up and we'll have to look into that as well. Lots to consider as a newbie :)