how much weight is that euro hitch rated up to?
I still think that I could get that hitch to work here in the states.
how close is that ball to a 2 inch ball?
given the fact that you can actualy put a 1.3/4 inch ball into a 2 inch trailer and tighten up the clasp, I think the euro hithc coult work. hmm.
any one any one.

I will have mine mid august... Than I can give you exaxt measurements and pictures...

Mayby hans can do this?

The ISO spec for the European hitch ball is 1.97 inch diameter (50 mm).

I am sure you could get it to work. There may be some liability issues, as the Euro hitch doesn't meet North American DOT/SAE standards, just as the NA hitch doesn't meet Euro standards.

Yeah I understand that but those problems would only arise should a crash happen and the hitch be the fault.
but as far as safety conern for myself and my family I don't think that it would be unsafe. nor for other people on the road. Jsut different standards. not everything DOT does needs to be done.
And if Euro hitch is rated at enough weight then it should be all good.
What is the rateing anyway.
however after seeing the hithc pulling a 4400 pound boat then that is reasuring that it would be fine.
any other thoughts.

and what is the tow weight capacity of the eruo hitch.

Hitch 235 and increased trailer capasity 233 allows a trailer weight of 3,5t (7700lbs).

hmm, yeah maybe I seen that before, so actually the euro x5's can tow more then the usa ones?
I dont think I would have any issues towing a 3600 pound (empty)boat.
good news.
now who wants to help me get the euro hitch?:dunno:

one other problem maye?
Does the Euro hitch have a place to hook safety chains to?

buschy

Trt:

http://www.towequipe.co.uk/?gclid=CK...FQWR1QodLCROWA

You want the Westfalia detachable one E70> £296, they will give you a postage price, this is the same towbar as BMW UK supply, a dealers may get their price £10 / 15 cheaper with some face to face horse trading.

The safty cain will just link round the towbar it's self.

Hope this helps.

Buschy:

Just a couple of comments. Firstly, I like the EU towing system. I like the hidden feature, and how the rest of the world uses the same standard; it is just North America that is stuck in the past.

Here are a couple of comments. Take them for what they are worth.

1) The part number listed (Westfalia 303273) is rated at 3500 lbs according to the web site. It may be that the web information is wrong (lol, not the first time). There are hitch ratings, and then there are vehicle ratings. You need to make sure that you get the same part number hitch that is rated at the higher load rating, ie 6000 or 7700 lbs. Westfalia did a nice job building my North American standard OEM BMW hitch, and they have a good name. A UK supplier could answer the above questions about load ratings.

2) Your safety chains must be attached separately (not to the hitch platform) according to the US laws. That is why the US receiver hitch has two additional attachment points. Looping the safety chains around the hitch ball may attract attention of law enforcement types. Use your discretion. Roadside safety inspections in my province would pick this one up quickly. Your state may be very different.

3) Towequipe (link provided by DBC, above) has two on-line stores. The UK store does not ship out of the UK according to their website. They have an EU store for non-UK purchasers; the same part has a price of 420 Euros (330 GBP), a little more than their UK price of 293 GBP. Electrical connections aren't included in that price, you need those as well.

4) Shipping things internationally is a pain. Been there, tried that. The most successful experience was when I was relocating to and from the UK (you get to bring in personal items duty free) but the rest of the time you usually end up needing to know a traveller with no weight restrictions on their baggage. Go ahead and call Towequipe and see what they will do for you.

Good luck.


PS: I used the OEM BMW hitch. The receiver shows. The hitch comes with a cap for the 2" square tube, that says BMW on it. Mine was never stolen, don't know why. BMW also sell a step that fits into the receiver, chrome, folds up out of the way. All this by way of pointing out that if it doesn't work out, there are ways of dealing with the visible hitch.

Couldn't have said it better :)

E53 3.0 towing 6500 pounds.
Aftermarket hitch