Towing with a 2018 BMW X5...help please!

ShinerBock wrote:
Much of the running out of payload before hitting tow capacity has to do with the vehicle class the X5 is in. Class one has a max GVWR of 6,000 lbs and since the the X5 is about 5,200 lbs, this leaves little left for the manufacturers rating. Overseas, the X5 has a higher payload because the Euro and UK vehicles classes have higher GVWR limits than the US.

I've seen a lot of mid-size SUVs practically dragging the rear bumper down the road pulling trailers. Nothing to do with the legal limits. They simply aren't sprung to handle heavy hitch loads well.

At least with the 1/2ton pickups, the rear suspensions are pretty simple to beef up if you want to push the limits but most of the SUVs don't have the simple leaf springs in the back anymore.

Much of the running out of payload before hitting tow capacity has to do with the vehicle class the X5 is in. Class one has a max GVWR of 6,000 lbs and since the the X5 is about 5,200 lbs, this leaves little left for the manufacturers rating. Overseas, the X5 has a higher payload because the Euro and UK vehicles classes have higher GVWR limits than the US.

However, this is really all a mute point since manufacturers payload rating is meaningless in the eyes of the law. It is the registered GVWR that matters.

What are you planning to tow?

A smaller trailer for weekending, it's certainly viable but full time people tend to load up. Good chance you run out of payload before you hit the "tow capacity".

You could look at etrailer dot com and see what class-3 hitch receivers are available. I'd suggest a Draw Tite or Reese brand (I've had some issues with Curt receivers). They usually bolt into place, so that's not too complicated. If you're good with wiring, you can buy the 7-pin plug and wires to install yourself; personally I like to have my local trailer repair shop do it because they do them all the time and know where to run the wires.

Your BMW might have a wiring harness under the dash for plugging in a brake controller (my Lexus did). I like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3.

I'd suggest not going too long or too heavy with your trailer. If 20' or longer overall, you probably should use a weight distribution hitch with sway control (such as the Equal-i-zer), which adds some fuss when hooking and unhooking. I have towed 16'-17' trailers with mid-size SUVs for more than 100k miles without using a WD hitch or sway control device, but I always make sure to have at least 10% of trailer weight on the tongue which is crucial for avoiding dangerous, oscillating sway.

A Scamp or Casita might be worth looking at. They are only 6'8" wide and (IIRC) less than 90" height, plus they're more aero shaped, so you'd get an extra 3 or 4 mpg when towing one of those versus a typical boxy trailer.

Cinnamon, Torkliftcentral.com has the hitch and trailer wiring converter for your vehicle. If you live on or near the west coast they can do the install for you. Good luck.

Having done your own research, you probably know of hitches available. I think BMW has a class 3 for the X5. The only way to get a prewired pkg, is to have it factory installed. If you are good with automotive wiring, you can add your own.

Keep your trailer purchase sized to SUV capability. While it appears you can tow about 6K, that may not mean a high walled TT. Your SUV shows just under 1K lbs of payload, so another consideration is tongue wt of TT.

Good luck with your new experience!

Jerry