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Perrier 05-27-2021 09:16 PM

Trailer towing
 
I need a trailer and looking to get an enclosed trailer to tow behind my 2004 e53 3.0. I don't have a tow package on this car and will have to settle for an aftermarket tow bar.

What specifications should I be looking for to be able to safely tow long distance without breaking the car? i.e. Is a 6x12 enclosed trailer too heavy for a 3.0? 6x10 safer? Single axle or dual axle?

Any recommendations and insights would be appreciated.

andrewwynn 05-27-2021 09:44 PM

Do you have 255 tires and what load rating? Also do you have air suspension?

I've towed 4500# and I've towed 1700# with 1300# inisde the truck at the same time. Tows like a champ


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Perrier 05-27-2021 10:31 PM

I have 255 tires with load rating XL, and no air suspension

Any thoughts regarding single or tandem axles?

Bdc101 05-27-2021 10:46 PM

The car is rated up to I think 5,500 or 6,000 for the 3.0 with automatic trans.



I have towed a 3500lb trailer for several years with a fully loaded car and it does fine. Climbing at elevation is a little straining on the 3.0 but just make sure your cooling system is in good shape. Expect 10-12 mpg.



On ebay there is a guy making reproduction wiring for the factory tow module. I would highly recommend this as it is plug and play.

Effduration 05-27-2021 11:24 PM

Get the OEM tow package. Yes it’s expensive (unless you get lucky and find one in a junkyard), but it is worth every cent.

Perrier 05-27-2021 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Effduration (Post 1204350)
Get the OEM tow package. Yes it’s expensive (unless you get lucky and find one in a junkyard), but it is worth every cent.

What does this include? Towing electronic module, it's wires, and plugs, anything else since the tow hitch is NLA

Do you guys use brake controllers?

LVP 05-28-2021 07:17 AM

I've got the Tekonsha wireless unit and it does ok. If you have multiple trailers with brakes, you need to move it around from trailer to trailer. I leave mine on the track car trailer. The smaller trailers I tow don't have brakes so this setup works for me.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Bra...ha/TK94FR.html

I also got an adapter in line with this so the LED lights on the trailer don't set off the blinkers. Can't remember which one, but I think I listed in another post. I could look up if you get to that point.

Effduration 05-28-2021 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perrier (Post 1204351)
What does this include? Towing electronic module, it's wires, and plugs, anything else since the tow hitch is NLA

Do you guys use brake controllers?

Originally the OEM trailer hitch came with everything incl. all metal pieces, trailer harness and trailer module. Make sure you get EVERYTHING... There are a lot of people on EBay selling incomplete hitches and you will likely never find the missing pieces.

As noted, you can buy the harness and modules separately from seller(s) on Ebay.

People also sell complete hitch kits and you might get lucky in a junkyard, but have to move fast.

Here is a complete kit
- the 5-sided spacers shown on top of the box on left next to piston inserts were eliminated in later years when this hitch was offered.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...-hitch-kit.jpg

Perrier 05-28-2021 04:45 PM

In terms of wiring, is this all I need, does it look complete?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234019343767

There seems to be two ends to the wires, so one end plugs into the module, the other end into the trailer plug. How does the module communicate with the car?

Effduration 05-28-2021 05:13 PM

Yes in fact that is actual OEM I think, not a reproduction. All you need for wiring.


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