Recommended AS for a family

[Galacticos]

We have been looking at AS as a great way to vacation with our family (2 adults and 2 year old child). We aren't looking to expand our family any further but want to start to explore the US while we can with our little one. Our TV is a 2015 BMW X5 35d 600/6000 tow capacity. I think I've narrowed my options down to the largest trailer I can tow given TV capacity - FC23FB. However, I'd really like to to get the option with the bunk (FC23D). Issue being the TW is in excess of TV. I've read that Can-Am can reinforce the hitch and distribute the weight to lower the TW, but wanted to make sure I was considering all the options and making the right investment for our family.

Thanks for the advice ahead of time.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by Galacticos

...Our TV is a 2015 BMW X5 35d 600/6000 tow capacity. I think I've narrowed my options down to the largest trailer I can tow given TV capacity - FC23FB. However, I'd really like to to get the option with the bunk (FC23D). ... I've read that Can-Am can reinforce the hitch and distribute the weight to lower the TW, but wanted to make sure I was considering all the options and making the right investment for our family.

Can-Am would be the place to go for hitch work. They can strengthen your hitch receiver so the weight distribution hitch can work properly to balance the weight between the steering and drive axles and the trailer. With their hitch work, you could probably tow at 25 foot Airstream without any problems. I know they have set up similar (and even smaller) vehicles. Check out some the YouTube videos and you will find one where they set up a Mini to two a customized Bambi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1WpKVmQdw8

[AldeanFan]

Can't help with the towing, but speaking as a father, try to get a trailer with two separate sleeping areas. We travel with two kids in a '77 Safari 23' and it's nice to be able to put the kids to bed and close a door between us.

[Galacticos]

AldeanFan: I was thinking the same thing, especially since he is now 2. Thanks for the confirmation!

Adventure.AS: It's ironic that you say check out Can-Am. I've scoured the forum over the last few days to see if my idea on TV & TT will be a viable option and probably have seen a minimum of 50 mentions. Being only 6-7hrs away from Chicago, I'm sold on going there to have them fix me up.

FYI - for anyone else looking at this combo. I reached out to them yesterday and got the following reply:

"The BMW X5 is among the very best tow vehicles for an Airstream. You can pull any size in current production. You will need a reinforced Class III receiver and a weight-distributing hitch with 2 friction sway controls.

The reason tongue weight ratings are derated on European SUVs is that weight-distribution isn't used in the EU. We have dozens of clients successfully, comfortably, and safely towing all sizes of Airstreams with the X5. You will need an electronic brake control installed.

It would make an awesome combination."

Philip Tipler
Can-Am RV Centre