Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2016 BMW X1

Updated 05/22/2017 | Published 05/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3480)

$118.67

Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 BMW X1 F48. It has a Curt #13303 class 3 trailer hitch which I currently use only with a bike rack. My X1 also has BMWs 8SL trailer hitch prewiring installed. Recently my wife and I ordered an RV NuCamp T@B 400 which uses a 7-pole connector and electric brakes. Towing a trailer is all new to me. Can you please recommend the following? 1 Trailer wiring harness preferably zero-contact 7-pole 2 Brake controller 3 Weight distribution hitch / sway control Is there any wiring system that works directly with the BMW 8SL trailer hitch prewiring? Thanks very much for any advice.

asked by: Justin M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The BMW 8SL harness gives you a wiring harness that fits the vehicle, but it does not come with the actual trailer connector and it still requires a visit to the BMW dealer to have it reprogrammed to activate it.

We don't have a way to integrate into that system but we do have another option.

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # 119250KIT which is a confirmed fit does not require any hardwiring into your vehicle to install. I attached a video that shows a hardwired kit getting installed in a similar 2017 X1 which will show you which wires to use when installing the zero contact kit.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

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.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.