Towing with my X5

[jblumhorst]

Originally Posted by JCL

Any hitch will apply a bending (twisting) moment to the receiver, based on the trailer tongue weight and the dynamic loads caused by accelerating and braking.

If you are buying an alternate hitch (drawbar) to that sold by BMW, you should be aware of the BMW specs for that hitch. The BMW spec for the ball location is no more than 8" horizontally from the pin that the hitch drawbar is secured to the receiver with. There is a limit of 12" vertically from the top of the receiver to the base of the hitch ball.

Exceeding those specifications (ie more vertical drop, or more horizontal extension) will stress the receiver beyond what it was designed for. I am not suggesting that you cannot go over those limits for very light trailers, but you do so at your own risk.

I've just taken delivery of a new 2009 X5 35d, with the OEM receiver hitch installed. The wiring includes a module to change shifting points and anti-sway programming for the AWD. We also installed a Tekonsha Brake Primus controller that I've been using for the past two years.

1> Does anybody know what the GCWR is for the X5? I contacted BMW customer support last week , and they haven't got an answer yet.

2>As long as the ball is within 12" vertical and 8" from the pin can I use a weight distribution hitch?

3> The "instruction" sheet that came with the receiver hitch cautions against using a weight distribution setup. Why?

I've using Weight Distribution hitches for years, (with another vehicle that had self levelling suspension). Without a WD hitch, it's impossible to get over 10% tongue weight on a 6000 pound trailer.

To prevent sway, you really want 12-15% of trailer weight on the tongue. Sure, the car has anti-sway traction control, but why let sway get initiated in the first place?

I understand the physics of a WD hitch transferring load to the front axle and trailer axle away from the rear tow vehicle axle. I don't see how it would damage or confuse the X5.... maybe it's because the spring bars create dynamic load changes, (and is not static like passengers or luggage)?

I really would like to be able to use a WD hitch, but I don't want to mess up the fancy suspension.

J B
2009 X5 35d
Currently towing a 16 foot travel trailer but hoping to trade up to something larger