Pictures of hitch on 2011's

[YuCrew]

Thought some of you would appreciate the pic of my Alumistinger #3507 aluminum ball mount. I'm using it in the 5" rise position (flip it over for 6" drop applications) to offset the drop due to the aftermarket hitch being below the bumper (avoiding major and ugly bumper surgery). Now I need to replace my old ball

[YuCrew]

Eenybear: using the factory harness on a 2012 and getting the right programming does in fact disable the rear park distance sensors from operating if my trailer is connected to the electrical harness. Nice to not have the sensors beeping because they think I'm backing into an obstruction just because my boat is hitched up. There's also an icon of a ball mount that appears on my display panel when I put vehicle into reverse. Can't comment on the camera since I don't have that option.

[EenyBear]

Curt hitch #13077 and wiring kit #56200

Excellent pre-sales service from Curt and fast shipping from their CDN depot.
We are delighted with the build quality. The main tube is "sealed" with only a small vent hole to prevent internal rusting and the gloss powder coat is impeccable and thick.

We carry bikes nearly every day so invisibility wasn't a priority (however, Invisihitch was considered and the pre-sales service and follow-up from them was excellent).

A modest rise in the ball mount keeps the utility trailer level ... and the hitch itself is high enough to provide plenty of clearance for safety chains etc.

The wiring comes down through a drain grommet next to the battery and is zipped to the cross-bar using a neat little housing for a 4-wire connector I picked up at Canadian Tire. This housing is optional of course. The wiring stays dry and dust free tucked under the bumper anyway.

Fascia trimming was limited to a little less than 3" x 3" and is not visible. I had planned to use some automotive edge trim on the tiny cutout, but it has proved to be unnecessary.

Total including full installation (while I watched, because we were both learning) was $600 ..... >half parts and <half labor. About 2 hours to install the hitch and an hour for the wiring... and would be even faster the second time. Once the bumper was off, the install was a breeze.

The cameras on the 2011 X5 are great for an overhead view of the hitch when backing up to my utility trailer (no programming required for that). The sensor beeps while in reverse .... this is actually a GOOD thing because it is a reminder that the hitch and rack (or trailer) is there. There is no way I would program that away.

Delighted in every way.

Now for the IMPORTANT part...
... scroll through each page... this may be the best reason to have an exposed receiver under your bumper
Hitch Covers | etrailer.com

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by YuCrew

Thought some of you would appreciate the pic of my Alumistinger #3507 aluminum ball mount. I'm using it in the 5" rise position (flip it over for 6" drop applications) to offset the drop due to the aftermarket hitch being below the bumper (avoiding major and ugly bumper surgery). Now I need to replace my old ball

Major and ugly bumper surgery? Personally, havinv the receiver below the bumper just looks out of place -- but that's just me.

[blkmamba]

Subscribed.

[ex10psi]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

Major and ugly bumper surgery? Personally, havinv the receiver below the bumper just looks out of place -- but that's just me.

+1

[crsx5d]

I'm new to the tow hitch and trailer thing so pardon me with these simple questions. I read through many posts on aftermarket tow hitches and decided to go with a Curt hitch and 119191 ModuLite HD Protector. The only thing is that the modulite is a 4pin connector and the car trailer I was looking to buy needs a 7-pin connector (electronic brakes). So I would need a Hopkins Wiring - 37185 4-7pin adapter and a separate brake controller?? Or does my car have a brake controller wire I can tap into? Thank you.

[EenyBear]

Although you may well get great responses here, my experience with Curt is that they are quick to answer the phone (and emails) and they will provide you with exactly the information you need... Promptly. Cheers.

[Lambeau]

I've read through quite a few hitch threads and am not sure on what replacement rivets I would need for a 2011. I'll keep researching but if someone can provide a means to mail order I would very much appreciate it. I'm over 2 hours from the nearest dealer. Also, someone mentioned using removable rivets instead of using the ones that are destroyed when removing. Anyone have a source for these?

Can someone tell me about the coding? Once I install the hitch on the auto hobby shop hoist here at the Air Force Base, it's over 2 hours to the nearest dealer. What I'm wondering is if the taillights will work on the trailer before it's recoded?
Thanks