Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2010 BMW X5

Updated 02/04/2016 | Published 02/03/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(194)

$273.73

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1817)

$87.27

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3448)

$124.19

Question:

Hi, I would like to fit my 2010 BMW X5 with a traier hitch, a short circuit protection and an external socket to receive the trailer wire plug. No problem with the trailer hitch. I have seen hitches and videos how to mount them. Electrical connection however is not clear. Starting from the car, I would like to put a Modulite short circuit protection, then guide the cable to the trailer through the body of the car there is an opening specially made for that towards a socket fixed on the hitch next to the 2inch hitch receiver. This socket is meant to receive the cable from the trailer lights when the trailer is connected. Can you tell me what components I need? I was thinking 1° the modulite protector would cut off the flat connector 2° a piece of multicore cable that i connect to the wires that held the flat connector, then run through the opening in the car body to the exterior socket 3° the exterior socket mount that I need to connect to the hitch bar 4° the exterior socket Am I correct? Can I use a trailer wire adapter kit for the socket mount and socket? Can I do my own cabling between the Modulite and the exterior socket romise I will not make wiring mistakes...

asked by: Peter S

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch for your 2010 BMW X5 that you would need is the part # 13077.

For trailer wiring it sounds like you are looking for a way to install a 7-way at the rear of your vehicle and you don't have any trailer wiring at all.

Now if your trailer does not have brakes all you would need is the part # 37185 as an adapter to convert the 4-way to a 7-way. You would need to start with a modulate 4-way like the part # 119250KIT or the Curt # C59236.

If you do have trailer brakes you would need the # ETBC7 instead of the # 37185 and a brake controller. This kit comes with everything needed to wire up the 7-way and install a brake controller.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.

Take a look at the 7-way like the part # 37185 and be sure that is the style of trailer connector you are looking for. Based on what you described and the popularity of this type of connector this should be what you are wanting and everything mentioned above would be much easier than everything you listed that you were thinking about doing. But if I totally missed the mark email me back and I will help you further.