Parts Needed to Tow Aliner Trailer with 7 Way Connector on 2012 BMW X3

Updated 09/30/2020 | Published 09/28/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

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

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etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

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$88.80

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

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$279.95

etrailer Ball Mount Kit - 1" Rise or 2" Drop - for 8,000 - 16,000 lb Hitches

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

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7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

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Question:

Hi, I am completely new in the towing world, I have a x3 with the hitch received installed, but not any kind of wiring zero I do not see any harness in the compartments on the sides of the trunk, so I think I need a full installation, I want to tow a Aliner camper with a 7 way connector, the Aliner have electronic breaks. So I been reading a looooot in your website and cant figure it out what do I need, for what I learn from your videos I know I need something like a brake controller for 1 axle trailer, and another device to power the lights in the trailer plus the harness for the brakes, aaand a tow ball, is there any kit can you recommend me? or even if is not a kit, just the parts that I need? thank you! My car is a BMW X3, 2012 xDrive 28i with a 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine.

asked by: Omar M

Expert Reply:

We've got all of the parts you're going to need, so don't worry!

To start, you'll need to install a 4 way connector, since it provides the base of what you'll need for the 7 way which is used on your Aliner travel trailer. For that, I recommend the Tekonsha ZCI kit # 119250KIT because not only does Tekonsha have the most reliable powered adapters, but the ZCI system requires no cutting/splicing into the vehicle wiring and simply clamps onto the wires you need a signal from. Once you've installed that, you'll want to use the # ETBC7 (for wired brake controllers) or # ETBC7L (for wireless brake controllers) to add the 7 way.

Because your 2012 BMW X3 won't have the brake controller wiring present in the cab of the vehicle, I do recommend going with a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 which is controlled by your smartphone (iOS 8.0 or newer/Android 4.4 or newer required). This controller simply plugs into the # ETBC7L and will send the signals to activate your brakes in proportion to the braking in your tow vehicle.

You'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball, clip and hitch pin to complete your towing package; for that I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs # EBMK2216 since it comes with multiple hitch balls (2" and 2-5/16") to allow you to tow trailers with different sized couplers, as well as a hitch pin, clip and carrying/storage bag. If you've got a smaller trailer and only need a 2" hitch ball, the # 989900 is a similar kit that comes with 2 ball mounts to help you achieve different rise/drop setups you may need with that trailer. I've linked a helpful article on measuring for the correct rise/drop that I recommend checking out before choosing the ball mount that will work best for you.

I've also gone ahead and linked some review and installation instructional videos that will help you install most of these parts.