Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver, Wiring, And Ball Mount For 2006 BMW X5

Published 02/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(62)

$211.00

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(521)

$192.62

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop, 5-1/2" Rise - 10K - Black

(4612)

$269.00

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel

(1306)

$38.66

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

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

I need to get my 2006 BMW X5 ready for towing a trailer. I need a hitch, wires, brake controller, extra wires/bolts?, etc. I have a guide who will install it, if I bring him everything he needs and let him know what tools he needs (or provide specialized tools). Thanks!

asked by: Jen F

Expert Reply:

According to your owner's manual, the 2006 BMW X5 cannot be flat towed or towed with a car dolly. It can only be transported on a loading platform or trailer.

Let me know if you'd like help with another vehicle.

expert reply by: Jason S

Jen

2/6/2017

Jason S.

2/6/2017

For your 2006 BMW X5, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2 inch # 75492. This is a strong and durable hitch with hardware and instructions. It has a black powder coat finish over an e-coat base for superior rust protection. I've included a video of this installation that may be helpful for the person installing it. For a ball mount, I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop, 5-1/2" Rise - 10K - Black # BWTS10037B. This ball mount will give you the adjustability to tow a trailer level and give you the safest ride. This mount has two hitch ball sizes and has the ability to be stowed underneath on the back side. I recommend using a locking pin like # e98882 to secure your investment to your vehicle. For your vehicle wiring, I recommend the Tekonsha Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with Install Kit, # 119190KIT. This kit will give you circuit protection to safeguard against harmful electrical shorts. This kit does require wiring to the battery. If you don't wish to cut into your vehicle wiring, then I recommend using the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT which is a confirmed fit for your vehicle as well. To upgrade from a 4-way trailer connection to a connection for trailer brakes, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This will give you all the wiring, connectors, and circuit breakers needed to make your 4-way into a 7-way for using an electric brake controller. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is a proportional controller that will apply the brakes on your trailer with the same amount of force and at the same time that you hit the brakes in your X5. It has an easy to read LCD screen that will let you know what is happening with your system without any code deciphering cheat sheet needed. This is an adjustable system that you can adapt to your driving preferences and it has 3 levels of boost as well.