Finding Towing Capacities for a 2018 BMW X5 Diesel and Brake Controller Recommendation

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Question:

Hello – we own a 2018 BMW X5 diesel and it reads that It can tow a trailer up to 6000 pounds. I cannot find anywhere what the combined maximum weight is for both our towing vehicle Plus the weight of a trailer . We purchased a lance travel trailer with a GVW loaded maximum of 6000 pounds and our BMW claims that it can tow up to 6000 pounds. I’ve read and read and I’ve been able to discern that there is a maximum total weight of the combination of the towing vehicle and trailer that is allowed but I cannot find what that number is anywhere for my vehicle. I am quite perplexed and hoping that you can let me know what this actual number is. And also if you could tell me whether my towing vehicle can safely tow this trailer. Another question that has come up has to do with the automatic brake controller module for our BMW and thus far no one including BMW reps can confirm that such a brake control module even exists for our F- 15 chassis that will by way of the seven pin controller activate the trailer brakes. Perhaps you have insight on a specific type of brake controller that can be installed in our BMW X5 diesel F-15 chassis that will activate brakes and not interfere with the electronics of our car. Thank you kindly and I eagerly await your expert insight and advice regarding these questions and concerns

asked by: Stephen K

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best places to look for capacity information for your 2018 BMW X5 are the owner's manual in the towing section and the sticker in the driver's side door jamb that also lists the tire pressure. Normally I would look these things up myself but with BMW you have to have a VIN number to see the owner's manual pdf files.

Technically if the vehicle can tow 6,000 pounds and the trailer weighs 6,000 pounds you are within capacity. But there is no room for a miscalculation. And the trailer will likely end up weighing less unless you have it fully loaded.

The brake controller I recommend for your X5 is the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 which connects to your vehicle's 7 way connector and is controlled with your Bluetooth enabled smart phone. This controller does not tap into the vehicle wiring at all and only needs a functioning 7-Way connector to work.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

I would be happy to and thanks for the pictures! The B&W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch item #BWHDRH25122 measures 5.4" from the top of the frame brackets to the top of the receiver and 19-1/2" to the back of the receiver from the last bolt.…

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Answer 3

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he put together a chart that has all of the dimensions of the hitches you referenced.

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Answer 4

I checked with Curt and the distance between the vertical mounting flanges of the Curt #C15300 is 33.312 inches.

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Answer 5

Hey Cory, thanks for reaching out! I'd be more than happy to help you get your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 set up for trailer towing! Here are the parts you'll need: - T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118329 - Universal Wiring Upgrade #ETBC7 - Mount…

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Answer 6

Hi Ken, Starting with the wiring harness, I can verify for you the correct fit for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited without a tow package is indeed the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118786. Then for the hitches, the…

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Answer 7

Did you use the Dometic lower vent assembly with just the top Advent? Unfortunately this type of issue is very common when mixing and matching between AC components and there isn't a great solution aside from just replacing components so that it…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Finding Towing Capacities for a 2018 BMW X5 Diesel and Brake Controller Recommendation

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