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Soyboy · 02-26-2014, 10:59 AM

Of course you can always check out Andy Thomson's posts on here or of course his dealership (Can Am Airstream) website, for info about towing with "alternative" vehicles. Something that he is somewhat of a "master" at setting up those combos. He also regularly writes in "Airstream Life" mag.

urban71 · 08-23-2014, 10:21 AM

Hi all - I am taking delivery of a new X5 and would love some help on the hitch install.

If you did proceed with the 2014 X5, what did you go with for a hitch setup? Looks like the BMW OEM Class III hitch has an integrated ball and not a 2" receiver for a shank and sway control set up.

For many reasons, I'd prefer my current sway control I have now.

Thanks for the insight.

wlanford · 08-23-2014, 01:29 PM

Urban71-We are going to Ontario, Canada to get Can-Am RV (Andy Thompson) to install a hitch receiver from scratch. It will be much stronger than the BMW hitch. I would recommend you check into this option.

urban71 · 08-23-2014, 06:51 PM

Best of luck with the install. We'll be sure to research that.

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txdxrider · 08-24-2014, 09:40 AM

Urban71- there is more to it with the BMW than just installing the hitch- the X5 needs to be reprogrammed to know the hitch has been installed - so when the TV is hooked up to the TT- the X5 with change the shifting patterns, engine cooling, Xdrive dynamics, etc....

RacerX · 08-24-2014, 10:35 AM

To txdxrider's point, I know on my 2011 X5 35d there is an auxiliary transmission cooler built in by BMW at the factory that can only be activated if the car has been reprogrammed. I went with the factory receiver install and wiring harness for the 7-way connector so I can take advantage of it.

BMW doesn't recommend using sway controls...it's an open debate as to why on various towing forums. I tow with my Reese Dual Cams and haven't experienced any issues.

urban71 · 08-24-2014, 11:19 AM

Great input. I'll get with the parts and service guys to make sure we are utilizing all that the x5 has. It's interesting how little they put out there about towing options. Like spelunking for info!

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jcl · 08-24-2014, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerX

To txdxrider's point, I know on my 2011 X5 35d there is an auxiliary transmission cooler built in by BMW at the factory that can only be activated if the car has been reprogrammed. I went with the factory receiver install and wiring harness for the 7-way connector so I can take advantage of it.

RacerX, do you have any documentation on that cooler? That is different than my earlier model X5, and I haven't seen that before. The reprogramming on earlier models did not add any code, but simply allowed the vehicle to recognize the existence of the trailer wiring module, which then allowed access to the trailer stability control mode of DSC, turned off the rear PDC, and on some models, changed the rear camera mode. All models of X5 have and use the transmission cooler with or without a trailer AFAIK.

Jeff

RacerX · 08-24-2014, 09:16 PM

Jeff,

It may be that the reprogramming changed the operating temperature for the thermostat to open to an existing transmission cooler when towing. My memory isn't what it used to be so I'll have to locate some of my pre-purchase sources on-line.

In the meantime, here is a link to BMW's installation instructions for the trailer hitch kit:

https://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/ins370.pdf

It speaks to retrofit codes on page 15 but the doc is dated Jan '08.