Tow connector

[Robert Platt Bell]

Originally Posted by NJP

You guys know how it works the stability control when is connected to the trailer ?

It works just fine. Like I said, it makes a great tow vehicle. Good control, very stable, and even corners nicely. Of course, it pays to have the trailer properly balanced, with at least 10-15% of the weight on the tongue.

The trailer brakes are electronic (on an RV, most boat trailers use hydraulic surge brakes) and are not affected by the ASC.

The only caveat I have heard or read about is that using a load-equalizing hitch sometimes confuses the load leveling control (air bag suspension). My car doesn't have the air bag suspension, and from what I read in these forums, I am grateful for that.

Some manufacturers (Chrysler) offer "trailer anti-sway control" which uses the ASC to dampen trailer sway, should it occur. I've been in a situation like that before (trying to tow a large trailer with a Toyota pickup) and it is like trying to fly an airplane with an aft CG. Whatever input you try to make is 180 degrees out of phase, making things worse.

Fortunately computers can do what humans can't, and supposedly that anti-sway control will dampen out oscillations like that. I don't know if BMW offers that. They don't seem to be promoting the tow capacities of their vehicles much. The new X5's don't even have a cutout in the bumper for a hitch.