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#1
02-18-2014, 04:29 PM
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Thinking about getting an aftermarket hitch...
It looks like a consensus on the forum to run an OEM hitch on our cars to allow for towing big and heavy trailers.
Considering that it is next to impossible to find an OEM hitch these days and my plan to only pull a trailer with a inflatable fishing boat, i am starting to consider getting just an aftermarket hitch. I don't do now or every will be doing any camping with my truck, the only purpose would be to tow a small fishing boat(whenever i buy one). Do you guys think i will have any issues with using just an aftermarket hitch? what about wiring for the trailer - can i use OEM wiring harness for it?
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'06 X5 4.4i| (08/06 built date) | Executive Edition | Sport Package '08 X3 (wife's ride) - Sold '05 325i - Sold '03 325i - Sold _______________________ projecttechnik.com - Alberta BMW Forum 
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#2
02-18-2014, 04:44 PM
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Yes, you can use an aftermarket hitch. You don't give a weight range, but you are likely talking about under 2000 lbs.
The risk with an aftermarket hitch isn't just with large trailers. Some of the damage that was reported was from using hitch mounted luggage carriers, which can exert a large bending force on the hitch receiver because the weight is carried further out than the 8" maximum from the receiver pin that BMW specifies. It is still a good idea to use the OE wiring harness, if you can find it separately. ECS used to list it, not sure if they still do.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White Retired: 2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey 2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver 2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey 2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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#3
02-18-2014, 04:55 PM
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Sorry, i should have mentioned weight...yeah i am thinking definitely not more than 2000 lbs... Luggage carrier, if i ever get one would only go on the roof...i would only be using it tow a small boat...
__________________
'06 X5 4.4i| (08/06 built date) | Executive Edition | Sport Package '08 X3 (wife's ride) - Sold '05 325i - Sold '03 325i - Sold _______________________ projecttechnik.com - Alberta BMW Forum
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#5
02-18-2014, 06:24 PM
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Get a class III hitch, don't bother with class I or II
I had a non factory hitch on my Audi A6 avant and I was able to tow my jet boat and jetski. I have a Hidden Hitch on my Ford pickup truck and the X has the Factory hitch. Nothing wrong with a non factory hitch. Do people really believe that non factory hitch aren't designed to tow anything? The factory hitch is really made my Westfalia for BMW just like Thule designed the "Factory cross bars" for the E53 X. Didn't like the Thule design so I went with Rola instead. Rola look more factory then the Thule design.
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2006 Infiniti G35 2001 BMW 3.0I E53 X5 Build date 08/2000 SOLD Lotus Europa 1970 Destroyed by fire Lotus Europa 1970 S2 Renault Powered Lotus Type 52 1970 Twincam Webers Powered PORSCHE 911 Targa 1982 The Garage Queen Audi Avant donated to Kars for Kids BMW 525IT Sold Audi 4000CS Quattro Sold Jensen Healey Lotus Powered Sold Opel 1900 Sold Triumph Spitfire 1971 Sold Triumph Spitfire 1968 Sold Plymouth "Cuda" 340 Six pack SOLD Last edited by upallnight; 02-18-2014 at 06:30 PM.
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#6
02-18-2014, 07:23 PM
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Quote:
If you were bolting one on a pick up truck that had exposed frame rails, any quality aftermarket hitch would be great.
__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White Retired: 2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey 2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver 2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey 2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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#7
02-18-2014, 08:12 PM
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I have a aftermarket hitch on mine and have had no issues at all, I always have a horse float or my boat on the back ,the float loaded weighs around the 2200kg mark and the boat around the 2000kg.Bar is rated at 2700kg.
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#8
02-18-2014, 11:13 PM
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I have had an aftermarket hitch from etrailers on my X since a week after I bought the car. I have pulled utility trailers, two large jet skis, and often have a 4 bike swing away rack mounted to it. I have checked the bolts a number of times since I installed it, and no issues yet. I also wouldn't recommend my hitch for pulling heavy loads, but for my use, it's more than adequate.
__________________
 2001 E53 X5 4.4i Sport Titanium Silver / Black 141k miles, and broken down more than it runs... 2002 E46M3 Convertible with 28k miles - DD
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#9
02-18-2014, 06:40 PM
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it all depends how you attach the assembly to the car... you get a 10,000 lbs rated industrial hook, and attach it to the car with a 2 oz paperclip - guess what? your towing capacity is 2 oz... well, i am grossly exaggerating , but the point is, the OE is designed to connect in the many locations to the car... the aftermarket hitch might not have that many points of connection... i've heard, some even connect to the sheet metal in the battery pan!!!
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#10
02-19-2014, 08:45 AM
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Quote:
__________________
2006 Infiniti G35 2001 BMW 3.0I E53 X5 Build date 08/2000 SOLD Lotus Europa 1970 Destroyed by fire Lotus Europa 1970 S2 Renault Powered Lotus Type 52 1970 Twincam Webers Powered PORSCHE 911 Targa 1982 The Garage Queen Audi Avant donated to Kars for Kids BMW 525IT Sold Audi 4000CS Quattro Sold Jensen Healey Lotus Powered Sold Opel 1900 Sold Triumph Spitfire 1971 Sold Triumph Spitfire 1968 Sold Plymouth "Cuda" 340 Six pack SOLD
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