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Enclosed Car Trailer - Review
This weekend I will be towing a 23ft v-nose Featherlite with an M3 E36. Trailer weight is (per Featherlite confirmation) 2,770lbs, tandem 3.5k axles, with a total capacity of 7,000lbs. Tongue weight is approximately 12% of the total trailer weight - we'll see what loaded weight is as I will be conscious by loading the car backwards and placing more equipment in the rear. Car weighs 2,700 pounds with 5/8 tank of fuel and with tools, tires, etc. I should be at 6,000 pounds. I will be using the Prodigy Wireless Brake Controller by Tekonsha. I will post pictures and feedback after this weekends event as I know many are wondering if they can tow with a trailer like this.
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2012 X5 35i 1999 M3 |
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Make sure you keep enough tongue weight on it to keep it stable. 600-700 lbs should be about right.
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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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How did it go?
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Here is it
Pro's: More comfortable than the 2001 2500HD GMC I was using. Braking was very positive and I never felt like I didn't have enough brakes. Cons: Comfort seats..same complaint as on my 535i - I can't get them to be as comfortable as the sport seats on my old 545i. Too many damn adjustments. And the next X5 needs a better arm rest. Rant over. Towing - The X5 is undersized (weight and power) at interstate speeds (70mph). With the i6T its sweet spot is 0-55mph and I felt very comfortable at that speed. Anything over and I felt it and I was working too hard. Acceleration was good and I think it surprised a lot of people. With another 75lbs of torque cruising at 70mph would be much easier. I averaged 12 MPG with an average speed of 60 mph which was pretty good considering the GMC would get 8mpg. The Progidy Wireless remote - hookup and installation was a breeze. It did take two attempts to get the remote to pair but after that it worked flawlessly. I did have an issue with the 12volt pin not being energized on the 7 way plug. I had a work around for the weekend and its in the shop today being rectified. I did get an error code that the alternator was not charging the battery. I assumed the trailer lights were drawing too much juice from the system - I turned off the radio, trailer lights and the error went away. Overall, I give it a 6.5 out of 10 as a towing vehicle. If you are towing often and anything near 6,000 I think a Suburban or something that size would make you much more comfortable. With that said it does work for for 5-6 track weekends and based on my expectations of it as a tow vehicle I give it an 8.5 - 9 out of 10. Please ask questions.
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2012 X5 35i 1999 M3 Last edited by Oaktree; 07-23-2011 at 02:43 PM. |
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Very nice video.
How modded is your e36?
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The car is gutted behind driver/passenger seats, rollbar, 6pnt harnesses, GC suspension, Hankook's, brake ducting. No major engine mods yet.
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2012 X5 35i 1999 M3 Last edited by Oaktree; 07-23-2011 at 03:36 PM. |
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Very nice. Thanks for the info and photo. Those cars are really good performers on the track. I have a friend who races his e36 M3 in the BMWCCA events and he embarrases much more expensive and powerful cars on a regular basis.
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Profeshenal spellar |
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reviving an old thread... i'm actually thinking about getting this exact same trailer, well the one i want is the featherlite 20 ft with a v-nose and i'll also be towing a track prepped E36 M3 with my E70 X5 35d.
Are you still towing this combo? how's it going so far? Do you use any equalizing hitch or anti sway hitch? When you say that you wouldn't go up to 70mph, do you mean its because the engine is working too hard? Or do you feel too much sway, stability issues? How does this set up feel when you're passing big trucks, cross winds, etc...? sorry for all the questions, really would love to get some input on towing fully enclosed trailers! |
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