Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2015 BMW X1

Published 12/09/2015

Question:

Can BMW X1 2015 pull a trailer? If so what is the size limit. My options are 12x6 inside 56inch tall cargo trailer or 2011 / 5 x 10 Enclosed Trailer I would be driving 950 miles interstate with this. Can my car handle this? Which hitch do you recommend? Whats the typical cost of the parts and installation if you know? Thank you!

asked by: Marina

Expert Reply:

I searched and searched and was finally able to find out that BMW does not provide a tow rating for the 2015 X1. Though in the owner's manual it does state that the vehicle can be used to tow.

Usually on smaller SUVs and cross over vehicles the towing capacity is not very high, 1,500 pounds, which I would say is safe for this vehicle. To get a more definitive answer I recommend contacting a BMW dealership.

For a trailer hitch you can use Curt hitch # C13140. All of the trailer hitches for your X1 will only fit if the vehicle has the panoramic glass roof. Curt estimates that it would take a professional installer 40 minutes to install the hitch and a novice 80 minutes. Labor rates vary from place to place so you could call around and ask what places charge for labor in your area.

I also recommend etrailer ball mount kit # EBMK4. It comes with a ball mount with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop, interchangeable ball set, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag. If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 119250KIT to add a 4-Way flat connector to the back of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H