How Difficult Is It To Install The Draw-Tite 76288 On A 2021 BMW X5?

Published 11/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(45)

$259.35

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

(521)

$192.62

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black

(470)

$1678.00

Question:

I am looking at the Draw-Tite 76288 hitch for my 2021 BMW X5, but have a few questions. First: How much does this weigh? Im thinking about doing the install my self, but if its like 100 pounds or something, I will have someone else do it. Second: How hard is it to install? Again, possibly doing this myself. Third: This will be used to carry my bike rack, but I would also like to have a wiring harness if the need ever comes up, Recommendation? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Wally

Expert Reply:

Though there is no drilling required for the installation of the Draw-Tite # 76288 on your 2021 BMW X5, it will be one of the more difficult hitches to install. The hitch itself will weigh right at 40 pounds, so it isn't overly heavy, especially if you have a helping hand. The difficult part has to do with what will need to be removed in order to get the hitch in place, and what will then need to be trimmed to reinstall everything.

With that being said, the hitches that are available for your 2021 X5 will all be rated 10 out of 10 for all this, so it may not be the best one to start with if you have never done a hitch install before. The instructions are very detailed though, and if you have done something like this before, it will just take a bit of time and effort, but will definitely save you money not having someone else do it. So I always say to try it first.

As to the wiring, you'll need the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat # 119250KIT. This will need a wire run to the battery for needed power, but will then require no other splicing or cutting into the wires of the vehicle.

As a side note, if you are looking to upgrade your bike rack, the Kuat NV 2.0 Four Bike Rack # NV22B-NA22B is an exceptionally nice bike rack. This works with Carbon-Fiber bikes, electric bikes, and fat bikes with up to 5" wide tires. It also has a 3-1/2" shank rise, giving it good ground clearance. The folding up feature and built in bike repair stand are just icing on the proverbial cake.

expert reply by: Lazer S