Self Leveling Really Necessary for Towing 5,000lbs?

[F150 Duke]

All,

I am looking at potentially getting the 35d (50i) is just hard to justify the extra $5k. As explained in other threads I'll be towing a 5,000lb boat and trailer this summer about once a week.

I was going to include the 3rd row seats to get the self leveling suspension to help keep the rear from sagging when the boat trailer is on the hitch. Does anyone know if it'll really counter that much weight or if that 5,000lbs (500lb tongue weight) will really cause the rear to sag? I'd really like to save that $1,700. But then again the boat trailer caused the back of my 2005 F150 to sag 1.5 inches so I have to imagine the X5 would be noticeably low in the back and that would impact ride quality.

Thanks!

[dasbaja]

Can let you know after this weekend. Launching the boat this weekend. I don't have self-leveling rear end.

[ard]

I've wondered elsewhere if it is possible to custom/special order the rear self-leveling without the 3rd row seat....

[F150 Duke]

Originally Posted by dasbaja

Can let you know after this weekend. Launching the boat this weekend. I don't have self-leveling rear end.

Awesome, thank you! Any pictures to help give perspective would also help.

[Jim E.]

Originally Posted by F150 Duke

Awesome, thank you! Any pictures to help give perspective would also help.

Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not.

Why don't you ask your dealer to special order the self leveling suspension (code 220) rather than order the third row seats.

The X5's capacity is slightly increased with the self leveling suspension. See attached pdf.

And yes the trailer and vehicle should be level (i.e., parallel) with the ground.

U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Towing A Trailer, Being Equipped for Safety - Loading and Weight Distribution - DOT HS 809 433 - April 2002