X5 Towing Capabilities - 31' Airstream

[withidl]

The assembly does generate some attention. The main question is usually "how can that little vehicle pull that big trailer".

[Stewthebassman]

WOW.....what a setup!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info!!

[jditom]

Here is my 2003 pulling a 21 ft Traillite.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by withidl

Airstream
*2002 (May 2001 build) 31 foot Classic Limited
*GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) 8,300# (have loaded it to 8,900+#)
*Tongue weight 750 to 1,000 pounds (weight distributed)
*Miles towed by X5 = 20,706

so what is the nose weight of your van is that what you mean when you say tongue.???

[withidl]

Originally Posted by Scottie

so what is the nose weight of your van is that what you mean when you say tongue.???

Yes, the "tongue" weight is the weight bearing on the hitch ball. Using "weight distribution" spring bars, which torque the hitch receiver (and thus the tow vehicle) and trailer such that a portion of the weight on the hitch ball is effectively transfered to the front axle of the tow vehicle AND the axles of the trailer. If the spring bars are adjusted correctly a 900 pound tongue weight would have 300 pounds "torqued" to the tow vehicle front axle and 300 pounds "torqued" to the trailer axles, leaving only 300 pounds on the tongue.

It's important that the hitch be able to handle the torque without damaging it's attachment to the tow vehicle, and that's where the BMW OEM hitch is an important installation since its engineered to the vehicle.

Incidently, I now have over 28,000 miles on the assembly with 78,000+ miles on the X5.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by withidl

Yes, the "tongue" weight is the weight bearing on the hitch ball. Using "weight distribution" spring bars, which torque the hitch receiver (and thus the tow vehicle) and trailer such that a portion of the weight on the hitch ball is effectively transfered to the front axle of the tow vehicle AND the axles of the trailer. If the spring bars are adjusted correctly a 900 pound tongue weight would have 300 pounds "torqued" to the tow vehicle front axle and 300 pounds "torqued" to the trailer axles, leaving only 300 pounds on the tongue.

It's important that the hitch be able to handle the torque without damaging it's attachment to the tow vehicle, and that's where the BMW OEM hitch is an important installation since its engineered to the vehicle.

Incidently, I now have over 28,000 miles on the assembly with 78,000+ miles on the X5.

Jeez

you guys a doing well over there then.

Although we would not be able to legally tow your airstream here no way would our X5's with our tow hitch system be able to take your van anyway. we have no gadgets for weight distribution.

Airstream are coming onto the European market but will have more a Euro spec and I for one will be getting one.

Fi.