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PKI · 08-03-2016, 09:21 PM

We had our AS dealer source and install the RF at a cost of $600 so all including the pairing was their responsibility. You could likely source the brake control and have them do the install labor. Worth asking, especially if they are installing the weight distribution hitch. Pat

dc601 · 11-01-2016, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StillRod

My 2012 X5d hauls our 2015 FC Rear Twin quite capably. Fuel economy suffers, just as with any vehicle, in our case ~14.5 to 15.5 mpg, depending on terrain and speed.

I opted for BMW's rebranded Tekonsha Prodigy because it included the proprietary wiring harness...worth its weight in gold. It routes from the right side of the rear compartment to the center console. I had the dealer in Minneapolis install it for me just to avoid disassembling all the trim myself. That cost about two-hours labor.

Can-Am did a great job of reinforcing the OEM hitch receiver, and just inspected it in June. Its holding up quite well.

You'll have a different torque curve than my diesel. Change your fluids regularly, including transmission and transfer case, and your V-8 should do quite well.

Ignore the ¾ ton truck crowd and enjoy yourself.

Hi I just got a 19' Bambi and I own a x5 diesel as well. Would you be able to let me how high the hitch ball should be?

Thanks!

PKI · 11-01-2016, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc601

Hi I just got a 19' Bambi and I own a x5 diesel as well. Would you be able to let me how high the hitch ball should be?

Thanks!

Well, it depends on what hitch you will use on the X5 (a WDH will raise the ball when weight is transfered), your tongue weight loaded to travel (more weight depresses the ball or requires more weight transfer), the weight you load behind the wheels of the X5 (adds to tongue weight), which X5 you have (different hitches for different X5s), and if the X5 has an air suspension (with, X5 self levels and without the X5 will squat).

The short answer is the ball needs to be the height that allows the coach to be level.

An air suspension will level the X5. The ball can be at the height that levels the coach. Load the X5 as much forward as possible to keep weight on the front axle.

If you plan to tow with a WDH, you need to apply enough weight transfer to return the unhitched front axle loading, more if your rear axle is overloaded (it likely will not be) or you want to use the WDH to move more tongue weight forward.

If you do not intend to tow with a WDH and the X5 does not have air suspension, then the hitch ball will need to be higher than final ride height to compensate for squat and you will need to load the X5 as much forward as possible to keep the front axle loaded. Plan on nothing behind the rear axle.

Also, as long as the trailer has enough clearance to turn without hitting the X5, it is a good idea for the ball to be as close as possible to the bumper. Less overhang reduces the lever arm the trailer has on the Tow vehicle and improves stability. Sometimes, a new pin hole has to be drilled in the ball mount shank to move the ball closer.

Even if you do not use WDH, a sway control device is a good idea. You should consider some type of sway control.

Rig setup is a trial and error process. Spend the effort and time necessary to get it right. Your towing experience will improve considerably if you do.

Investigate your options. Understand the compromises of each and make the decision that is best and safest for you.

Good luck with your effort and travel Safe. Pat

dc601 · 11-01-2016, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

Well, it depends on what hitch you will use on the X5 (a WDH will raise the ball when weight is transfered), your tongue weight loaded to travel (more weight depresses the ball or requires more weight transfer), the weight you load behind the wheels of the X5 (adds to tongue weight), which X5 you have (different hitches for different X5s), and if the X5 has an air suspension (with, X5 self levels and without the X5 will squat).

The short answer is the ball needs to be the height that allows the coach to be level.

An air suspension will level the X5. The ball can be at the height that levels the coach. Load the X5 as much forward as possible to keep weight on the front axle.

If you plan to tow with a WDH, you need to apply enough weight transfer to return the unhitched front axle loading, more if your rear axle is overloaded (it likely will not be) or you want to use the WDH to move more tongue weight forward.

If you do not intend to tow with a WDH and the X5 does not have air suspension, then the hitch ball will need to be higher than final ride height to compensate for squat and you will need to load the X5 as much forward as possible to keep the front axle loaded. Plan on nothing behind the rear axle.

Also, as long as the trailer has enough clearance to turn without hitting the X5, it is a good idea for the ball to be as close as possible to the bumper. Less overhang reduces the lever arm the trailer has on the Tow vehicle and improves stability. Sometimes, a new pin hole has to be drilled in the ball mount shank to move the ball closer.

Even if you do not use WDH, a sway control device is a good idea. You should consider some type of sway control.

Rig setup is a trial and error process. Spend the effort and time necessary to get it right. Your towing experience will improve considerably if you do.

Investigate your options. Understand the compromises of each and make the decision that is best and safest for you.

Good luck with your effort and travel Safe. Pat

Hey thanks pat! I am using the wdh but the ball is set to the middle height. But I will definitely investigate and see. Does your x5 diesel tow well?

Thanks again
Dennis