UHaul versus OEM hitch

dirtdevilnc · #1 12-21-2009, 03:43 PM

Ok, after reading forums left and right and I am more confused now than when i started.
I recently purchased an 06 X5 4.4 with out a trailer hitch.
I purchased this vehicle with the intention of using it to transport my dirtbikes with my versahaul motorcycle carrier.
My local Uhaul will do a hitch install for $295 out the door.
They also have two different models, one with a tongue rating of 350 lbs. and another with a tongue rating of 500 lbs. which requires a support brace to be drilled into a spot below the vehicle for $50 more.
My local BMW dealer is selling the hitch alone for $495. Installation is over $500 !
The Uhaul manager states that their hitch is exactly like the OEM BMW hitch in the way that it attaches to the chassis at the bumper stops etc.
Question for you guys is if the Uhaul hitch attaches to the chassis in the same exact places etc. how is the OEM hitch any better ? Different materials or something else I should know about.

Thanks!

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cobra94563 · #2 12-21-2009, 04:10 PM

do some searching on this forum...there are several threads about the differences.
(I don't have the links off hand.)
Bottom line, the OEM hitch has some extensions that bolt further into the frame, which helps resist flex if you have a heavy vertical (tongue) load. The non-OEM does not have that. OEM hitch also inculdes with the OEM lighting modual that plugs in.
If you don't have a big load, you *could* go non-oem. There are a couple designs variations - one with a brace that kind of angles back. Mixed reviews on that, I think.
(I went with the Curt and an aftermarket lighting module.)

killcrap · #3 12-21-2009, 05:20 PM

go with the BMW kit. i think its rated at 6000lbs. the hitch is not the same as the Uhaul. its actually a joke of a system compared to how well the OEM hitch is integrated and suppored.

LeMansX5 · #4 12-21-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killcrap

go with the BMW kit. i think its rated at 6000lbs. the hitch is not the same as the Uhaul. its actually a joke of a system compared to how well the OEM hitch is integrated and suppored.

Uhaul hitch may damage the frame.

LightWerkz · #5 12-21-2009, 06:05 PM

Dont kid yourself, get the OEM one.

dirtdevilnc · #6 12-21-2009, 06:33 PM

Alright, after all that i have read i think i am sold on the BMW hitch.
Curious if anyone has had success using a Versahaul type carrier on an X5. The carrier itself is a little less than 90lbs. My bike, a Yamaha YZ weighs about 195 lbs. The factory hitch is rated for 500lbs correct ?
I understand that as the load moves further away from the hitch the more downward pressure there is but would less than 300 lbs be within reason ?

JCL · #7 12-22-2009, 01:38 AM

Agree with all of the above re the integrity of the OEM hitch solution. The U-Haul design is not even close.

Interestingly, my local U-Haul has a memo from their head office that says they are not allowed to touch an X5. They paid out so many damage claims that they won't go near one now. I only found out because I had the OEM hitch and wiring, and when I rented a trailer they asked about my wiring. When I said that I had the OEM wiring solution they said great, because otherwise we can't help you or rent you a trailer. They were quite willing to talk about their previous experiences. Their modified hitch with the strut running forward was a design modification due to early models bending the X5 rear pan.

For a bike carrier, you are pushing the limits of the OEM hitch. It isn't the tongue load that matters, it is the twisting (bending moment) applied by the CoG of the bike. The hitch is designed for a point load at the hitch ball. A carrier twists the hitch, essentially. Static load calculations would suggest that you may get away with a couple of hundred pounds mounted fairly close, but now add in the dynamic loads (going over a speed bump, for example). Dynamic loads can be multiples of static loads.

Previously discussed here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...solutions.html

and in many other similar posts. Search on 'bending moment', that is how I found this old post.

Here is the label that comes with the OEM hitch for maximum tongue weight, and more importantly, intended location of that load. Notice that the hitch is designed for the load to be applied (fore and aft) below the hitch centreline. With a carrier, the load will likely be significantly above the hitch centreline, and thus outside of the design limits of the OEM hitch.

Good luck.

Jeff

Weasel · #8 12-22-2009, 02:38 AM

I agree that the OEM hitch is the way to go. But the bike carrier is too risky as it puts the load too far out from the hitch giving it too much leverage, then it will have a bouncing affect while driving which will damage the unibody frame in the back. It would be different if it were a full frame vehicle, but not for a unibody. I'd get a tow behind bike trailer with it's own wheels. And just as a fyi point, the oem hitch wasn't available when I really needed one so I got a cheap aftermarket one and by being careful have been able to tow a 5500lb enclosed trailer with about 500lbs tongue weight with no damage. You just need to be extra careful, especially with the starting/stopping. The two most important things with towing are proper equipment and proper technique.

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