Towing with the X5

[ibkevman]

Originally Posted by JCL

I'll skip the lecture on using aftermarket hitches and wiring

I just read through pages and pages of lecture

Thanks for the reply!

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by JCL

Ghost, TiAg:

If you could get right under the hitch attachment bolts (at the rear pan) then the OE hitch is rated for a 600 lb vertical load. This hitch would be similar in capacity, as it is loading the rear attachment point in shear, with no bending moment.

But bring the trolley jack back towards the middle of that aftermarket hitch strut, and you introduce bending forces. Also, the rear of the X5 weighs a bit more than 600 lbs. Quite a bit, in fact.

Not that I'd recommend it, but you could just as easily lift on any part of the sheetmetal underneath the vehicle, it would have the same strength.

I'd say it is a terrible jacking point, for those reasons.

Okay okay, I see what you mean. I actually never thought that through but I looked under my bumper and the hitch is attached to some knid of plates. But , I'm not going to take any chances going forward. I'll find another jacking point. I would think the center of the rear axle would be okay to raise the rear end at once then put the jack stands under the corners

[JCL]

You can jack on the differential if you are careful of the flanges and fins. It is strong enough

In the shop I had a long handled trolley jack so that worked fine. My trolley jack at home has a shorter handle so I find it easier to do one side then the other for the rear jack stands, then the front centre jacking point

[DaveInVa]

Well after two attempts and some swearing the factory hitch and electronics are installed and except for some issues with the parking sensors and the running lights on the trailer flashing slowly I'm more than happy with the results. For those of you worried about the brake controller, the Prodigy RF system is the way to go. Took 10 minutes to install and setup.

[ECS Tuning]

Congrats! The X sure makes a nice looking tow rig for that e30!

[TerminatorX5]

My head is spinning from reading so many posts on the towing, so I don't even know, if I am coming or going!!!

I do have an OEM hitch, installed by previous owner, with the module in the battery compartment and hopefully all the correct struts under the bumper.

I need to get a UHaul trailer to haul some pieces of furniture for about 20 miles one way (and go empty 20 miles back), and before stepping into a UHaul place, I wanted to know what kind of hitch mount, or ball or whatever that thing is called that I need, and also, if I need any kind of electrical adapter to go from the OEM electrical outlet to the UHaul electrical inlet. I think I saw something the ECS guys were selling for an adapter, not sure if I need it or not, but I have not seen that ball thingy being offered as an OEM device.

An advice would be appreciated.

thank you,

[JCL]

With the OE hitch kit you need a hitch ball mount which fits into the 2" square receiver, drops the ball to a convenient height, and has a 2" (or similar) ball mounted on it. You need one with the correct size ball for the trailer you will be towing. I can't remember if the hitch mount came in the kit or I bought it separately when I bought my hitch kit. If you don't have the BMW one, any one will do, as long as the drop and reach (from pin to ball mount) are within the BMW spec, ie not too long or too extended.

The OE hitch kit also includes an electrical adaptor that plugs into the round socket under the flap, and converts that to a flat four pin connector commonly used in North America. If you don't still have that adaptor, U-Haul sell a version of it for a few bucks. You can see a picture of this adaptor in post 10 in this thread, right above the white trailer wiring module. It has two ears on it, is cylindrical on one end, and has a four pin flat connector on the other end.

[TerminatorX5]

Having bought the car used, I do not have the adapter nor the 2" adapter with a ball. I will check with the UHaul about those.

I don't think I have to go OEM on those parts, do I?

So, I guess, even a Wal-Mart will do, with their chinese made crap? I hope it will last 40 mile trip... lol...

[JCL]

Get them from U-Haul, not Walmart.

OE not required.

Updated my post, but you posted first.

[TerminatorX5]

Thanks!!! Let me talk to the U-Haul