OK, finally switched from open to enclosed trailer...

TowX · #1 01-07-2011, 10:59 AM

I've been concerned about pulling an enclosed trailer with my X5, simply because if the trailer was too heavy I would easily exceed the 6,000 tow capacity of the X5. But after some here have suggested they have no issues towing enclosed, I finally bought one.

I'd been looking casually for a number of months now, trying to find a light trailer. Every 20' I looked at was 3200-3600 empty, or were ultra expensive aluminum trailers. Then I stumbled upon an 18' V-nose that the seller was having a hard time selling because it wasn't 20 or 24' like most racers look for. And it only weighs 2850 lbs. So I brought it home yesterday. Empty it tows effortlessly at 65, the fastest I could try with traffic. Look forward to getting the correct tie downs in so I can load up the 911 and try it out loaded. It'll be close to 6000 when I get the spare race wheels and tools inside but should be OK for most trips.

However, the one downside is that I have no way to see around the sides of the trailer with the stock mirrors. And trying to back it up anywhere is like driving blind. Searching I found a couple of posts about strap-on mirrors but my experience with those is that they tend to vibrate at speed. Has anyone found something that works well on our mirrors?

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chas3 · #2 01-07-2011, 11:37 AM

There also are OEM extended mirrors.
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0d Exterior mirror for towing

Naz24 · #3 01-07-2011, 12:32 PM

badass!

TowX · #4 01-07-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas3

There also are OEM extended mirrors.
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0d Exterior mirror for towing

I saw that but two different BMW dealers told me it's not available to the US dealers.

Anybody in Europe want to send me a pair?

TowX · #5 01-07-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naz24

badass!

It was a quick pic from the iPhone, at dusk as the sun was setting so not a great pic. And I was laughing as I was towing it home- the X5 has the winter 18" TSW wheels and snow tires on it, and there was a fresh dusting of snow on the ground. And it still towed nicely. It'll be a lot better come spring when the 19's go back on.

JBEurotech · #6 01-07-2011, 06:17 PM

Nice I am looking for an 18 foot trailer to two my race sleds with. Glad to here it tows nice. I found a 20 footer but seems a littel bigger than i want

RickM5X3 · #7 01-07-2011, 10:46 PM

I found that the mirrors that you find at the local RV store (that you strap to the mirrors) vibrate fairly badly, but that could be b/c my folding mirrors are a bit loose and any leverage just makes it worse! I tow a 26 foot travel trailer and can't believe how well it does on the high mountain passes, twisties, etc. Ultimate tow vehicle in a mid-size SUV package.