Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for Towing with a 2018 BMW X5

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Question:

I need to tow a trailer with brakes with my 2018 X5. What do I need.

asked by: Jordan

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Expert Reply:

To tow a trailer with any vehicle you need a trailer hitch, ball mount kit, and wiring. Since you are needing to tow a trailer that has brakes with your 2018 BMW X5 you will also need a brake controller.

The trailer hitch that I recommend using is the Curt # 13077 which pairs nicely with the Curt ball mount kit # C45036. This trailer hitch has a 6,000 lb towing rating and a 600 lb tongue weight rating but you will want to compare these with the weight ratings of your X5 in your owner's manual and go with the lower of the 2 ratings. Also be sure to check out the linked ball mount article to make sure that the 2" drop of the ball mount is correct for your towing application.

Then for wiring we have the upgraded Tekonsha # 119250KIT which installs by clamping around your wiring instead of splicing. This option includes wiring that runs to your battery to draw power for your trailer lights.

The typical brake controller installs in the cab of your vehicle and attaches to pre-existing wiring under your driver's side dash. Since the stop light switch (which tells the brake controller when you are braking) is very difficult to find on your 2018 X5 I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy RF # TK94FR instead. This is an alternative controller that actually installs on the trailer and only needs the trailer lighting functions and the 12V function to operate properly.

To complete your wiring so that it is compatible with the RF you will need the Adapter # 37185 which you will then simply run wire from the black wire on the adapter up to the positive terminal on your battery with a 40 amp circuit breaker # 9510 in-line to protect the circuit. You can use the Easy Mount Bracket # C58000 for a clean looking installation of the adapter.

Some videos and articles have been linked to assist you with the installation.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

We are here to answer any question you can throw at us to the best of our abilities, so keep them coming if you have more. As to the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit #SH85VR on your 2017 BMW X5 Diesel, it will work…

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Answer 2

Really good question, and the wiring kit is a passive one for the Stealth Hitches receiver and wiring kit that fits your 2018 Audi S4, which is the following part number: - Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit #391AUDA417T I…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 7

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 10

You are correct that both the Curt #C94WR and Draw-Tite #DT22MR you were looking at for your 2022 Hyundai Tuscon are very similar. Both hitches share the same 525lb tongue weight and 3,500lb trailer weight ratings, both share the same hidden…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for Towing with a 2018 BMW X5

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