Towing - Standard vs. Load-Leveling Suspension

[digdesign]

Originally Posted by Bayerische E53

Hi Dig,

I used my E53 NON-SPORT to tow my open trailer and racecar; total weight was 5,000lbs with about a 550lbs tongue weight. I did not use a WD hitch with this setup and the truck towed a treat. There is obviously a bit of sag, but nothing absurd. I did around 10,000 miles with this setup without a hitch (no pun intended). At 380lbs tongue weight, you should be just fine.

Also notice that the weight on the rear axle will actually be more than 550lbs because the 380lbs you're exerting on the tongue is a lever, exaggerating the amount of weight on the rear axle. Either way, based on the weight I was putting on the tongue, you should be more than fine as I was within spec. Regardless, make sure to check your tongue weight with a scale to really get an idea of what weight you're placing on the tongue - the last thing you want to do is underload the tongue, making the trailer have a tendency to want to buck up and down, lifting the rear of the X5 (no stability).

Ideally, you'd want to use at least an "Equalizer" brand WD hitch, but it isn't terribly necessary - especially with only a 380lbs tongue weight.

Thanks, that's good to hear.
I don't plan to use a WD hitch. It sounds like if I distribute the trailer load correctly I should be fine.