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Originally Posted by clubrcr
I know I am new to this forum, but not new to towing and I felt I needed to add something to this thread.
Don't rely on the BMW's maximum towing capacity. A truck's wheelbase, weight and brakes have alot to do with it.
I have been racing for the last 12 years. I pull an enclosed 24' trailer with a Ford Diesel. The problem is stopping and swaying. Smaller wheelbase trucks are not ideal for pulling big weight, the picture of the Airstream shows nothing but how foolish someone might be. Even with level load stablizers and anti sway bars, I feel my trailer sway when the tractor trailers goes by on the Interstate. I am very smooth and deliberate while pulling, but during a rain storm a few years I slid through a red light.
All I'm saying is be careful
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Welcome to the forum. From your profile, I am not sure what model X5 you may have, or what your towing experience with it may be.
I have towed extensively with Ford 3/4 ton pickups, Explorers and Expeditions, and my current X5. I also drove F350 4x4 and F450 Super Duty tow trucks (boom and wheel lifts). By design, those trucks didn't have the benefit of trailer brakes, since they were usually towing disabled vehicles or one-time movements of trailers that didn't have functioning brakes.
While towing with lightweight short wheelbase tow vehicles should be approached cautiously, I would not put the X5 in that category. It isn't a CJ or YJ. The most important design characteristic of the X5 with respect to towing (apart from the generally good vehicle handling) is the distance from the rear axle centreline to the hitch ball. That distance is very short. Most US pickups have much greater distances, meaning that the trailer can 'wag' the truck much more. That is where your sway is coming from. It is the reason why 5th wheels tow very differently than conventional trailers.
Suggest you try towing with an X5, and report back on the experience. I feel very safe at 5000 lbs with my 3.0, as long as the trailer has brakes. As always, towing needs to be approached with due care and consideration, but I don't think it is reasonable to dismiss the X5 purely on wheelbase.
Just my $0.02.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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