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Old 01-23-2019, 12:07 PM   #21
jcl
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Sometimes it’s not a matter of simply towing, but how your tv handles quick stops/accident avoidance in inclement weather with the extra load. Pay specific attention to all the tow specs and tongue weight ratings. I always have a professional assess and install my stuff. Not only is it an expensive trailer behind me, but don’t want to skimp on safety. Accidents do happen unexpectedly after all.
Fortunately we have trailer brakes.

But even leaving that aside, the X5 has outstanding brakes, much more powerful than a typical pickup. That is because it is designed to stop safely from very high speeds, and speed is a much more rigorous requirement for braking than weight.

The X5 and similar SUVs also handle much better than typical pickups with rigid axles, narrow suspension mounting stances, and higher centres of gravity, and it is always better to look for an opportunity to steer around an obstacle than simply doing a panic stop.
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Old 01-23-2019, 12:17 PM   #22
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BMW. Dealer called all the way up to Germany to get the real answers. They explained, unlike a pick up truck, the X5's suspension is designed for comfort and or sport's mode. In this case it is NOT just about weight and hitch, it's a different vehicle configuration. They explained the frame + suspension + brakes = trailer should be no more than 70% of the tow capacity. The anti sway bars and stabilizers help a lot too.
Sorry, this doesn't pass the plausible test. You are stating that your BMW dealership contacted the HQ in Munich, Germany to get the truth data on what your BMW could tow. There was no one in the HQ in the USA...Not even in Greer, South Carolina where the vehicle is made could answer the question. Although the engineers here couldn't tackle this question, they sent it to Germany. They stated that although they rated the vehicle for a certain weight, that it wasn't valid, and therefore you needed to adjust that rating by decreasing it by 30%. They also recommended that you get a pickup truck. Although, personal pickup trucks are virtually nonexistent in Europe, they heard about them in the US and that is the way to go.

If I had an X5, I would be upset.
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Old 01-23-2019, 12:54 PM   #23
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OP, you can easily tow the trailer you are planning with your X5. As suggested above, I would replace the current hitch with a square receiver hitch to use weight distribution. I am towing 33’ long Jayco and it is one hand driving experience, including when passed by semis. Any Airstream would tow even easier due to better suspension and better aero profile.

I towed this trailer through Rockies in 110F heat and a number of times through Sierras.

Good luck with your research and do not get discouraged by naysayer.

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Old 01-23-2019, 01:45 PM   #24
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Like many others have told you, go with whatever Andy tells you. He knows the answer and I trust his judgement and level of knowledge.

Dan
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Old 01-23-2019, 02:08 PM   #25
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Call Andy at CanAm RV. He is the guru of towing, especially of the non-giant truck variety.
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Like many others have told you, go with whatever Andy tells you. He knows the answer and I trust his judgement and level of knowledge.Dan
Agree. Andy answered our question about our new QX80 towing our 30 ft. Classic.



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Old 01-23-2019, 03:38 PM   #26
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"Your trailer needs to be ~70% weight that of your tow vehicle capacity."

?? Please cite the reference for this guidance. Engineering specifications already account for a safety factor (i.e. the vehicle is actually capable of towing something heavier then what it is rated for.)
Agreed. Otherwise manufacturer's tow ratings/capacities would be pretty much useless. I don't think they meant for us to have to carry around a calculator so we could determine the "real" towing capacity.
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Old 01-23-2019, 04:54 PM   #27
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We have a 2015 BMW X5 diesel for towing our 30’ Classic. We had the hitch receiver installed and strengthened by Can Am RV (Andy Thomson). We also use a Hensley hitch. We have towed with that combination over 50,000 miles, including multiple times over the Rockies and back. MUCH better tow vehicle than our previous Tundra. Rock solid on the highway and best of all we can get into and out of tight spots (I.e. gas stations) with ease. I HIGHLY recommend.
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Old 01-24-2019, 04:15 PM   #28
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That's what I was hoping to hear. I will definitely look it up
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Old 01-24-2019, 04:29 PM   #29
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I'm just a beginner with this whole thing so it is a lot to swallow. The tongue weight of the AS Int'l serenity is 830lbs and tongue weight capacity for x5 (just as you say) is 600lb so I suppose I will have to walk away from the deal I got at the Boston Show - and research who can modify my car locally. I invested initially in the Invisihitch because it increased tow capacity from 6000 to 7700 but again as a beginner - i didn't understand all the factors and made my 1st mistake (at least for this purpose). I truly appreciate your help and the time you put into the explanation. Can't wait to get to get into the AS world.
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Old 01-24-2019, 05:34 PM   #30
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At the time I bought my X5 in 2011, there was no option for Invisihitch. At the same time I hated to ugly bumper cut for the US hitch. I was thinking about bike rack only at that time, so I brought OEM Euro hitch from Europe (literally the hitch was on the flight with me to the US).

When I started towing, I needed to do the ugly cut and install OEM US hitch, so I could use weight distribution. Two hours job.

Good luck!
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Old 01-24-2019, 05:59 PM   #31
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Thankfully you and a few others wrote in previous threads pointing out what can / cannot be done with an x5 which is why I a posted a new thread concerning this subject in more detail. I appreciate your 1st hand example and apparently there are a few others with X5s having a good experience. by the way - what is the GVWR and tongue weight of your Trailer and have you done any mods on the X5 frame or suspension. Thanks again...
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Old 01-24-2019, 11:12 PM   #32
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The trailer is 6,400 lbs dry, usually 7,000-7,200 lbs ready for camping (tanks dry), max weight 7,500 lbs.

Factory spec for the tongue 680 lbs. Ready for camping 800-850 lbs with ProPride. I removed battery from the tongue, have 2x20 lbs cylinders and packing heavy stuff above the axles.

X5 mod: reinforcement of the hitch.
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Old 01-25-2019, 08:45 AM   #33
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Agree. Andy answered our question about our new QX80 towing our 30 ft. Classic.



73/gus


Gklott

Do you still have the stock shocks on your QX80?
I have a 2018 Armada and I have some front end dive when I brake.
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Old 01-25-2019, 10:37 AM   #34
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Stuffing 100lbs of potatoes in a bag rated for 50lbs is possible but is it wise choice?
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Old 01-25-2019, 10:49 AM   #35
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I'm just a beginner with this whole thing so it is a lot to swallow. The tongue weight of the AS Int'l serenity is 830lbs and tongue weight capacity for x5 (just as you say) is 600lb so I suppose I will have to walk away from the deal I got at the Boston Show - .
AS brochure says the tongue weight is 830lbs. In reality, they a more like 1000lbs, some coming in even higher. The 25s have some of the heaviest TWs of all the Airstreams.
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Old 01-25-2019, 10:49 AM   #36
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Stuffing 100lbs of potatoes in a bag rated for 50lbs is possible but is it wise choice?
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Old 01-25-2019, 11:21 AM   #37
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AS brochure says the tongue weight is 830lbs. In reality, they a more like 1000lbs, some coming in even higher. The 25s have some of the heaviest TWs of all the Airstreams.


2007 34’ Classic Ltd Slide Out tongue weight

1250 lbs

https://www.colonialairstream.com/wp...O_07_ss_lo.pdf

I put my 30’ Slide Out on a 1000 lb sherline, couldn’t take it, pegged out before jack post cleared the ground.

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Old 01-25-2019, 02:17 PM   #38
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The 25 Serenity has a heavy tongue. Much more than advertised.

I have a 2018 Serenity 25FB. Tongue weight measured on a sherline scale is almost 1,000 lbs with an empty fresh water tank. That was before I added a propride. I had a 2018 F150. After adding the propride I went back to the scales and I was able to get great results but the RAWR was maxed out before loading up for a trip. I did have a topper and kept most of my tools in the bed. Probably 600 pounds altogether. I could have made some changes, moved the tools back in the shed for one, but part of the reason for having a truck was also to have my tools with me rather than having to lug boxes from the shed and hope I didn’t forget anything. So I decided I needed to make a different change and bought a 3/4 ton TV. I bought a diesel because it was in the truck that had all the other options I wanted. I don’t know the realm of things that are possible to modify or reinforce TVs, but felt this was the right decision for me.
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Old 01-25-2019, 03:21 PM   #39
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Bottom line for me is this, make sure YOUR tow vehicle is rated to do what you want to do. Numerous factors come in to play, as spelled out in this thread, and numerous other threads here, and elsewhere on the web.

I personally wanted to have a topper, haul firewood, tools, bikes, tents, chairs, rugs, grill, propane, generator, and whatever my lovely wife wishes to buy on our trips around the country.

Next guy/gal might travel without all that stuff.

I'm sure Andy can setup that BMW to tow that airstream.

No doubt many tow vehicles are overkill. For this ole boy....I like overkill. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it, and not have it
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Old 01-26-2019, 01:55 PM   #40
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Stuffing 100lbs of potatoes in a bag rated for 50lbs is possible but is it wise choice?
Please explain. Not sure how this is relative or helpful to the OP’s question.
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