Ever tow 4000+lbs with your X5 4.4?
 

Looking to go on the ultimate snowmobile trip- 4 sleds in a 24 foot trailer total weight 4300lbs.

i realize the x5 4.4 is rated for 6000 lbs tow capacity but has anyone actually done it?

how did it go?

i am looking to drive 8 hours

thanks for sharing any of your experiences

:)

Refer to my previous post at http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...airstream.html

Ah yes... I still LOVE that picture. :thumbup:

not a problem. I towed a 1955 chevrolet bel air on a uhaul car trailer without any problems. Total weight was probably about 5500lbs.

You should be fine, The x5 is fairly good at towing for what it is.

My 3.0 gets the job done for my 6900 boat
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...61_48_full.jpg

Are you guys using brake controllers for these big weights?
At what tow weight do brake controllers begin to be a necessity?

Just pulling (pun intended) from memory, but I think its around 1,500 pounds GVWR. Any trailer of consequence will have some type of brakes, i.e. "surge" hydraulic brakes which don't require any modifications to the tow vehicle, electric drum brakes or electric over hydraulic disk brakes which do require a brake controller to modulate the voltage to the trailer brakes.

The X5 is pre-wired for all trailer electrical EXCEPT the brake controller, and this is probably due to liability concerns. The controller pulls current DIRECTLY from the battery (i.e. it doesn't interface with any of the X5's electronics) through a circuit breaker, modulates the voltage and passes it directly to the trailer's brake circuitry.

I use a Tekonsha Prodigy controller which seems a pretty decent unit. I fitted it myself with no problems. You wouldnt want to be retro-fitting brakes to the trailer itself as this would be big $. Any large trailer should come with brakes fitted (often electric) - this would dictate an electronic controller for example in the tow vehicle. My 3.0D pulls a 2.5 tonne caravan beautifully - the electric brakes can actually bring both the van and car to a stop without touching the brake pedal if operated manually (not that there is any point in doing this other than testing).
You should also have a weight distribution hitch for large hitch weights. This will evenly distribute the hitch downforce to both the back and front of the X5 improving ride, stability and braking. Without it you will find the extra weight on the hitch will lift the front of the X5 - this is not good.
DS