Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2011 BMW X5

Updated 03/18/2011 | Published 03/16/2011

Products Featured in This Question

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1361)

$11.31

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3886)

$31.34

Question:

Do you have this type of hitch for a BMW X5 or a BMW X3 2011?

asked by: ANTONIO S

Expert Reply:

We do have several trailer hitches available for the 2011 BMW X5. The available trailer hitches for the X5 are all Class III, 2 inch trailer hitches. An Invisi-Hitch is not available. There are many distinct advantages to a Class III trailer hitch over a Class I hitch.

First, a class I trailer hitch has a low tongue weight and gross trailer weight capacity, only 200/2000 pounds or less. But the class III Draw-Tite Hitch, # 75600, has a tongue weight capacity of 600 pounds and a gross trailer weight of 6,000 pounds. This is particularly important when using a hitch mounted accessory like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

With a class I trailer hitch, you would be limited to carrying only 2 bikes whereas on a class III trailer hitch, you can carry as many as 5 bikes on a rack so equipped. There are many more options for the class III 2 inch hitches as well. The same can be said with cargo carriers.

Another advantage is that the class III hitch can be used with weight distribution while the class I cannot. Weight distribution should be used any time the trailer being towed is 50 percent or greater of the vehicle weight or when the vehicle is experiencing sag at the rear or the trailer is swaying.

A lot of people are concerned that the appearance of the trailer hitch will not be aesthetically pleasing. What I usually recommend is adding a hitch cover. The primary function of a hitch cover is to help keep moisture and road grime from entering the receiver but it also can add style, function, or just cover up the opening. It can be something as simple as # 2211.

To complete your towing set up, the recommended ball mount is # C45010 and you can use pin and clip # PC3. For a ball, you can use # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), # 19247 (2 inch diameter), or # 63847 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For trailer wiring, you would need Upgraded Circuit Protected Modulite with 4 Pole Harness, # 119250KIT. I have included a link to the installation details for reference.

For a 2011 BMW X3, I recommend the Draw-Tite hitch # 76226. You can use the same ball mount and wiring harness listed above for this model.