trailer hitch saga

[kishg]

Originally Posted by dsm2925

i know a guy that has a brand new Putnam brand x5 hitch for $100 by my area NJ

pretty much all of us are looking for OEM hitches..

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

I will agree - I don't have PDC, so I didn't even think about that. And I was not aware of a "trailer stability control" - was this available on all models/ years?? I am assuming this makes use of the vehicle's braking / stability system to keep the trailer from getting out of control??

Not sure when it was introduced, but my 2003 had it, and all models since then. Yes, it is essentially a different program on the DSC, using the braking system to counteract trailer sway if the vehicle senses it (presumably beyond a certain threshold)

[Weasel]

Very similar to the "new" system ford is promoting on the new F150.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by weasel56

Very similar to the "new" system ford is promoting on the new F150.

Did Ford also buy it from Bosch?

[WHIPPET]

In Montreal, i had luck getting the hitch installed by UHaul. At the time, i needed the hitch for a bike rack and wiring wasn't necessary. LAst year I tried to get the wiring installed but had to go to the dealer b/c of the "special" wiring harness. It cost me more b/c I had installed the hitch elsewhere, but at least I can tow!

[TowX]

Originally Posted by JCL

Not sure when it was introduced, but my 2003 had it, and all models since then. Yes, it is essentially a different program on the DSC, using the braking system to counteract trailer sway if the vehicle senses it (presumably beyond a certain threshold)

The capability needs to be initiated by the dealer. Just plugging in the wiring does not make it happen. After I installed my hitch and wiring, my dealer did the initialization for me, which enabled stability for sway, but also eliminated the problem many have with the blinkers flashing too fast when the trailer is hooked up, and eliminated the occasional lights dimly flashing with the trailer hooked up even with the ignition off. Also shits off the rear PDC when trailer is plugged in, but leaves the front sensors active.

Many wonder why use the factory trailer wiring setup, but it has so many features beyond just lights, that I can't imagine using anything else.

BTW- the stability sway control does work. A few months ago, towing my 4500 lbs to the track, going over a mountain pass and down the other side, I entered a right hand turn that was marked 50, at about 60. No big deal except that just around the corner out of sight, was a tractor going maybe 10 in my lane. I was hard on the brakes, and had to abruptly swerve into the oncoming lane to miss him, and had to quickly throw it back into my lane since an 18 wheeler was coming up the hill toward me. The X5 and trailer worked beautifully together.

[kishg]

sounds great, now if only they would make the damn thing available.. i need to tow my e30 to VIR end of March!!

Originally Posted by TowX

The capability needs to be initiated by the dealer. Just plugging in the wiring does not make it happen. After I installed my hitch and wiring, my dealer did the initialization for me, which enabled stability for sway, but also eliminated the problem many have with the blinkers flashing too fast when the trailer is hooked up, and eliminated the occasional lights dimly flashing with the trailer hooked up even with the ignition off. Also shits off the rear PDC when trailer is plugged in, but leaves the front sensors active.

Many wonder why use the factory trailer wiring setup, but it has so many features beyond just lights, that I can't imagine using anything else.

BTW- the stability sway control does work. A few months ago, towing my 4500 lbs to the track, going over a mountain pass and down the other side, I entered a right hand turn that was marked 50, at about 60. No big deal except that just around the corner out of sight, was a tractor going maybe 10 in my lane. I was hard on the brakes, and had to abruptly swerve into the oncoming lane to miss him, and had to quickly throw it back into my lane since an 18 wheeler was coming up the hill toward me. The X5 and trailer worked beautifully together.

[TowX]

Originally Posted by kishg

sounds great, now if only they would make the damn thing available.. i need to tow my e30 to VIR end of March!!

That's where I was headed when I had the tractor incident. Love that track! Flat out at 6800 in 4th up the climbing esses! And great food and wine at Oak Tree Tavern. Wish it wasn't 13 hours for me.

Had the same hitch problem when I had my Audi allroad- factory discontinued hitch production. I ended up flagging down another allroad one day that had a hitch on it to see if the owner wanted to sell it. Might try the same thing, or check dealer used car lots to see if any if the inventory has a hitch. At least with the allroad, Bosal and another European company produced the hitch in Europe for the Euro cars. Unfortunately I don't think that helps with the X5 since it's built on our shores.

Good luck, would hate to see you miss VIR- going to a Spec E30 NASA event?

[kishg]

car's not quite done for spec e30 yet. will be by end of 2009 most likely. heading down for an HPDE. as far as i can tell the x5 hitch was made in Europe by Westphalia, not quite sure why they stopped making it. I have feelers in with a few dealers to swap a hitch from their used inventory. hopefully that pans out. else i will be looking for a different tow vehicle in March

Originally Posted by TowX

That's where I was headed when I had the tractor incident. Love that track! Flat out at 6800 in 4th up the climbing esses! And great food and wine at Oak Tree Tavern. Wish it wasn't 13 hours for me.

Had the same hitch problem when I had my Audi allroad- factory discontinued hitch production. I ended up flagging down another allroad one day that had a hitch on it to see if the owner wanted to sell it. Might try the same thing, or check dealer used car lots to see if any if the inventory has a hitch. At least with the allroad, Bosal and another European company produced the hitch in Europe for the Euro cars. Unfortunately I don't think that helps with the X5 since it's built on our shores.

Good luck, would hate to see you miss VIR- going to a Spec E30 NASA event?

[TowX]

What are you using for a trailer? E30 track car should be in the 2700-2800 lb range, so with a basic trailer you should be under 4000 lbs. If you can't come up with a hitch by the March event, try National car rental. They have a lot of Chevy Trailblazers to rent. Every rental company orders their vehicles without hitches on purpose, but the hitch is standard on the Trailblazer. Class III receiver. They don't want you to tow with it, but I've done that in a pinch. Just be friendly with the local National location to be sure they hold a Trailblazer for you and not any other SIUV.

For the hitch manufacturer, I think you're close. Westfalia, but made in SC. Here's the info I was able to dig up some months ago but never pursued it. give it a shot.

Company Name: Westfalia American Hitch, Inc
Address: 161 Se Rock Church Rd, Greenwood, SC 29649-8775 (Map)
Alt Business Name: Westfalia American Hitch
Location Type: Single Location
Est. Annual Sales: View Details
Est. # of Employees: 4
Est. Empl. at Loc.: 4
Year Started: 2006
State of Incorp:
SIC #Code: View Details
Contact's Name: Keith Anderson
Contact's Title: President
(864) 223-5519