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Old 12-30-2016, 05:38 PM   #1
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Tow 23D with BMW X5?

I'm thinking about purchasing a 23D Flying Cloud. I currently have a 2015 BMW X5 with the 3.5L engine. The towing capacity is 6000 and the 23D gross weight is also 6000. Perhaps cutting it too close?
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Old 12-30-2016, 06:18 PM   #2
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It would be tough. I pull a 23d with a 2015 1500 Silverado crew cab max tow and we do fine. But x5 has short wheel base and you will def know it's back there. Tounge weight will be you biggest problem
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Old 12-30-2016, 07:50 PM   #3
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You don't have a 3.5 litre engine, it is a turbo 3.0 litre, but don't worry about it. You will have no issues towing a 23d, with an appropriate weight distributing hitch. You have over 300 hp, and peak torque around 1300 rpm, depending on model year. No comparison with a naturally aspirated engine.

Your limitation will be payload. If you manage that, no worries with that size of trailer. I have towed with an X3 and an X5, and had a 535 with the twin turbo.

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Old 12-30-2016, 07:55 PM   #4
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The X-5 and Airstream are among the most stable vehicles and travel trailers in their respective class. A great starting point.

Next, learn about weight distribution systems. These are what makes it work. Here's a good article, understand this and you will be far ahead of the crowd.

http://www.canamrv.ca/blog/post/hitc...izing-hitches/
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Old 12-30-2016, 10:11 PM   #5
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OEM hitch on F15 won't support weight distribution hitch. You need to go aftermarket hitch route to use WDS. I am towing much larger non-AS trailer with X5 (E70 model). Over 7k miles with the trailer including trips to Tahoe, through Rockies. X5 is towing great.
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Old 12-31-2016, 12:50 PM   #6
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stillrod tows an FC25RB with an X5 and swears by it. He took his to CanAm to have the receiver reinforced. I suggest you search for his posts.

Personally, I will not use an over loaded tow vehicle, but I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority.
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Old 12-31-2016, 01:09 PM   #7
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Don't take chances...

Until there are RELIABLE towing standards mandated by the government, truck manufacturers will not give you anything but marketing driven towing specs. Toyota comes closest to truthfully providing accurate specs. CanAm RV is a very exceptional dealer; in fact, the owner is often a speaker at many Alumapalooza Airstream events. As was suggested, call them to get facts as to your towing question. I've personally used CanAm; the owner (Andy) consults with The Society of Automotive Engineers on behalf of All RV consumers. He's been advocating for honest and standardized towing ratings.
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Old 12-31-2016, 01:25 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by PVMACH View Post
I'm thinking about purchasing a 23D Flying Cloud. I currently have a 2015 BMW X5 with the 3.5L engine. The towing capacity is 6000 and the 23D gross weight is also 6000. Perhaps cutting it too close?
We had a 23D international Serenity and towed with a Ford 250 6.7L Turbo Diesel. Overkill for certain but it was "wonderful" towing with such confidence. I have also towed with a Dodge minivan though the trailer was 18' long and weighed 2400lbs. That was scary as we didn't have the "right" hitch.

I think you would be able to tow the 23d with the X5 but I doubt you will enjoy the experience if in hilly terraine, driving on highways with fast passing trucks or hope to carry much extra weight in the TV or the TT. The weight of the 23d is @4600 lbs empty and by spec can be up to 6000lbs or so at which point it will out weigh the X5. I don't think the trailer should ever outweigh the tow vehicle. Bottom line it boils down to your desired sense of security and the level of stress you can tolerate especially when towing becomes difficult: fast passing trucks; steep hill climbing and descending; maneuvering in camp grounds with small sites etc. So, yes it is possible for the X5 to tow the trailer but with minimum capacity and you must have the proper hitch set up and expect much more stress than towing with a heavier, longer and stronger TV ie., a truck. Best of luck and enjoy the camping and just be careful always what ever set up you end up with.
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Old 12-31-2016, 05:55 PM   #9
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I am towing a 2017 23D with a 2014 grand Cherokee. Only about 100 miles on it so far, as we just got it, but it seems to tow well and has power enough for Colorado mountains. I just had to learn that slow start and ramping up to speed is okay.

We use an equalizer hitch setup. The keep came from the factory with the tow package. Engine does run warmer than usual but still within normal range.


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Old 01-02-2017, 07:31 PM   #10
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As Bill observes, I am extremely pleased with the X5d-25 foot AS combo. Your X5 will handle the lighter 23 footer with ease. The hitch arrangement is key, and I commend CanAm to your attention. They do superb hitch work, optimizing towing dynamics for both safety and comfort.

You do not need a truck to haul that trailer. We've done probably 40k miles towing with the X5d over the last four seasons, and couldn't be happier.

Good luck with your decision. Feel free to PM me if you like.

Rod
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Old 01-02-2017, 08:29 PM   #11
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Expect increased maintenance and repairs if you tow with a BMW, any BMW. I owned a BMW repair shop for 40 years and have seen firsthand what damage and accelerated wear towing will cause. The drivetrain and chassis is not designed for towing, I don't care what someone tells you.
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Old 01-02-2017, 08:30 PM   #12
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expect increased maintenance and repairs if you tow with a bmw, any bmw. I owned a bmw repair shop for 40 years and have seen firsthand what damage and accelerated wear towing will cause. The drivetrain and chassis is not designed for towing, i don't care what someone tells you.
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Old 01-02-2017, 08:56 PM   #13
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I will agree with Troutboy's comment on using the new Jeep Grand Cherokee with one exception.....the diesel version has a higher tow limit with excellent gas mileage!! Resale will be very high too. They all come with the tow package and no modifications will be required for the Jeep. Get a load distribution hitch set up and "ain't no mountain high enough" to slow you down!!
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Old 01-19-2017, 04:43 PM   #14
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and she took the oppourtunity to drive a BMW X5

a couple years ago we noticed an 06 BMW X5 at the local car lot and I suggested to the bh that we check it out.

Looked like new inside and out with only 96,000Klm's.

$15,000 was not out of line either so we got the saleman to slap a plate on it and off we went. I immediately was impressed with the road feel, handling and braking. Just amazing. About 10 minutes later we switched sides and the little lady took over. We weren't 50' down the road and the words "WOW" came out of her mouth. Now realize she, as a rule, has little interest in cars and I don't get much of a reaction from her when we do test drives and we do a lot of them. Five minutes later down the highway she was talking about how "hoe-hum" life would be without owning this vehicle.

Anyway when we got back to the car lot we found out it had the big V8 and it likes to burn premium fuel. I also explained to her the cost of a new set of summer tires and the cost of a set of winter tires. Plus the cost of maintaining a high end German car. Well the wind fell out of her sails as we drove away. Fun to dream!

Anyway I never forgot the way that X5 felt and the reaction my wife had when she drove it. Soooooo..... last week we picked up a gently used 2010 X5. Not set up for towing yet but looking forward to the drive.

PS... For those of you who have never had the experience of test driving one of these engineering wonders give it a try. So nice.
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Old 01-19-2017, 07:30 PM   #15
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For those of you who have never had the experience of test driving one of these engineering wonders give it a try. So nice.
Agreed, but I am biased. Six BMWs now, including my last five new car purchases. Three X drive models. Towed with two of them. Maintained all of them myself. Haven't experienced any of the increased maintenance and repairs some commented on above. The current X got front brakes at 125,000 km, for the first time, despite towing. 24,000 km between oil changes on the last four, which is early according to the on board computer, and no oil consumption between services.

Jeff
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:20 PM   #16
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The 23D is going to have more tongue weight that the X5's 600lbs. There is some belief that the capacity should be more like 770lbs, but in any case, care in loading the coach is required or you will overload the hitch.

The 23FB is not to difficult to keep close to the 600lb tongue weight capacity. Alternatively, if the 23D is your choice, there are hitch upgrade modifications that can effectively increase the tongue weight capacity. Understand that the responsibility for those modifications are on you.

The X5 makes a very nice tow vehicle, but it requires more involvement and knowledge to setup the rig than should be required. There are some other SUVs that clearly specify more tongue weight capacity and are closer to turn key for tow applications.

With respect to higher maintenance, it is still early days for us. We have a bit over 30K of towing out of the current 35K and it's time to replace the brakes. We do change oil more often than recommended, but that is our practice even if not towing. Note - our X5 is a 35i (gas) - most go with a 35d (diesel). Both have sufficient power to tow 6K and we really like the A8 transmission.

Good luck with your investigation. Pat
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