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aircampr · 08-14-2017, 11:29 AM

Yes, as jcl states, the X5 Xdrive40e is a plug-in electric hybrid.

Greg_Small · 08-29-2017, 07:02 PM

Very interesting information above (thnaks to all), from which it seems that the BMW X5D (mine is 2011) should be a capable tow vehicle for an Airstream 23 FB (6000 GVWR).
I now just need to find a good used late model Airstream FC or Internation 23 FB!

aircampr · 08-29-2017, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_Small

Very interesting information above (thnaks to all), from which it seems that the BMW X5D (mine is 2011) should be a capable tow vehicle for an Airstream 23 FB (6000 GVWR).
I now just need to find a good used late model Airstream FC or Internation 23 FB!

Greg,

Yes the X5 35d is a very capable tow vehicle for the 23D. Do you have the "factory" BMW hitch receiver? Also an electronic brake controller? Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

Charlie

SilverHouseDreams · 08-29-2017, 10:47 PM

It likely isn't just a cost issue, but a continuous power draw issue. The 40e might not be a problem, but an actual EV can draw 30amps or more continuously for a long window of time (my i3 charges at 30amps), but some could max out a 50amp pedestal at 50amps for many hours. If you had a few people doing this at the same time they would possibly be pulling a higher aggregate load than the site is planned for. No one likes voltage drops or transformer boil overs

SilverHouseDreams · 08-29-2017, 10:48 PM

Btw, I look forward to reading about your explorations with the plugin hybrid TV.

Greg_Small · 08-29-2017, 11:04 PM

Charlie
BMW OEM / factory trailer hitch with brake and signal lights connection is installed.
As you kindly note, I have been advised by friendly AS'ers to add a electronic brake controller (local AS dealer can install) and use a weight distribution hitch.
In addiition, a BMW X5D'er towing a 2002 22 foot CCD (about 5000 GVWR) was not using any 'rear air supsension' accessories / upgrades.
So with a 'controller' and 'upgrade hitch', it looks like my 2011 X5D will be a-ok for a 23 FB (6000 lb).
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Greg

SilverHouseDreams · 08-29-2017, 11:14 PM

If you want to avoid the complexity of wiring the brake controller into the car, you can look at the Teshonka Prodigy RF. It's essentially a P3 that has all of the brains attached to the A-frame in a box that gets mounted. The trailer plugs into the box, the box plugs into the TV and you have a remote that plugs into a lighter plug in the TV to adjust the brakes or manually apply them.

switz · 08-30-2017, 08:50 AM

Check with Tekonsha first if there is any incompatibility with that specific model BMW and the Prodigy RF. We installed the "RF" on our 2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI and the brakes pulsate with the same frequency as either the turn signals or the four way flasher. We have to turn off the turn signal or flashers before starting braking. They have no solution to this problem.

This car was built to my order in October of 2006 with every option and Mercedes "forgot" to bring the trailer brake wire components from the left rear quarter panel to the driver position and we would have had to tear out the interior to "correct" the manufacturing oversight. The oversight was fixed in January 2007 to cars made after that time.

aircampr · 08-30-2017, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_Small

Charlie
BMW OEM / factory trailer hitch with brake and signal lights connection is installed.
As you kindly note, I have been advised by friendly AS'ers to add a electronic brake controller (local AS dealer can install) and use a weight distribution hitch.
In addiition, a BMW X5D'er towing a 2002 22 foot CCD (about 5000 GVWR) was not using any 'rear air supsension' accessories / upgrades.
So with a 'controller' and 'upgrade hitch', it looks like my 2011 X5D will be a-ok for a 23 FB (6000 lb).
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Greg

Greg,

For the most stable ride, and more importantly the best braking performance, you will want to use weight distribution. The 23D tongue weight exceeds BMW spec of 600lb. A Blue OX, EZLift or similar will work well to redistribute tongue wt to trailer axels and X5 front wheels. I do not recommend Equalizer brand for an SUV, due to the high stiffness of their spring bars. The BMW hitch receiver for our 2012 was adequate for weight distribution loading without reinforcement. Our 2017 has a Curt Class III hitch, which was reinforced at CanAm RV in London, ON.

We have been using the Prodigy P2 for many years now, and it has worked very well.

Charlie

jeffmiller · 08-25-2019, 09:42 PM

Charlie,

I’m looking at a 2016 BMW X5 40e for towing a Bambi 22FB and I found this thread. How has your setup been working for you in the two years since the last posts in this thread? The alternative for me would probably be the X5 35i. Any additional thoughts about it now that you’ve lived with it for a while?

Thanks for all the info in the thread so far. It’s been very helpful.

Jeff

aircampr · 08-25-2019, 11:52 PM

Jeff,
Our Xdrive40e has been great towing our 23D. You should have no trouble with the 22. You will want WD hitch for best handling and braking, but I doubt you will need to have hitch reinforced for the Bambi.

Happy Travels,

Charlie

jeffmiller · 08-27-2019, 08:38 AM

Great, thanks for the info and the quick response Charlie.

Jeff

SYC2Vette · 08-31-2019, 09:09 PM

The newest versions have an interesting feature that allows you to 1) to save battery (I can see that being useful if you know you have a hill climb coming up) and 2) If you program in a destination, it will predict "recharge" following hill climb, and program electrical assist accordingly. That is pretty cool, that said, based on my limited experience you will burn through the battery power very quickly on any hill climbing and wish you had your diesel. JMHO.

BeSerious · 09-01-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverHouseDreams

If you want to avoid the complexity of wiring the brake controller into the car, you can look at the Teshonka Prodigy RF. It's essentially a P3 that has all of the brains attached to the A-frame in a box that gets mounted. The trailer plugs into the box, the box plugs into the TV and you have a remote that plugs into a lighter plug in the TV to adjust the brakes or manually apply them.

Good advice.

FWIW We’re using a Teshonka Prodigy RF with our 2009 X5 35d and NEST. It works great. We don’t have any pulsing with turn signals etc.

The Teshonka Prodigy RF is a no hassle way of adding a brake controller to an X5. And it can be easily moved (4 screws) to our heavy duty utility trailer (5,000 lb GVWR) when we’re hauling the occasional heavy load.

dcasali · 10-21-2019, 09:07 PM

Hi Charlie,

I’ve read thru this thread twice now and learned a lot. I’m now considering a 40e to pull a yet unpurchased 20’ Safari. I noticed that the 40e cames with air suspension/auto leveling as standard. Has that created any issues? Also noticed that the hybrid no longer is offered. Any info on a possible replacement?
Inspiring work, Thanks for sharing it.

Dan

BeSerious · 10-22-2019, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcasali

... Any info on a possible replacement?...

Google BMW 45e for info on a replacement.

aircampr · 10-22-2019, 06:43 AM

Dan,

I am surprised to learn that BMW no longer offer hybrid X5. On a quick look at their web site it seems they no longer offer diesel. If you are looking for a new X5 as TV, the Xdrive40i should work well. I note the towing capacity rating is now higher, but I don’t know what the factory hitch looks like. I am distracted by other activities, so am no longer current on new vehicles for towing.

I am very pleased with the X5 Xdrive40e (Equipped with our hitch) for towing our 23D. The self-leveling rear suspension is great for towing. The only issue with self-leveling is that the process for setting up weight distribution hitch is slightly different - but this is a one-time issue when you first install the hitch (for me it is how many chain links to use every time I hitch up).

If you’re looking for a used Xdrive40e, I can say ours is working great. I do wonder why BMW seem to have discontinued the Hybrid. Last I heard there was an Xdrive45e with 6 cylinders and more battery capacity, but it was late in the 2019 model year. I hope there are no reliability issues or similar which caused BMW to rethink. You should do some research there?

Charlie

bono · 10-22-2019, 08:19 AM

G05 45e is the next hybrid version of X5. It is already available in Europe and will be available in the US next year. It has detuned 6 cylinder gas engine + electric engine. All together around 400 HP. Pure electric range is ca. 50 miles.

I believe it has lower towing capacity (6k lbs vs. 7.2k lbs on most of other models). It has ca. 12 gallons tank, which would be the biggest concern for me...

aircampr · 10-23-2019, 03:04 PM

bono,

Thanks, that is good news.

Charlie

xnmuller · 05-26-2020, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aircampr

We are thinking of replacing our 2012 X5 diesel, to tow the 23D. Has anyone experience with the Hybrid gas-electric, BMW or otherwise?

What kind of mileage do you get on longer trips? Have you ever been low on battery and found the torque inadequate? What do you like and not like about the hybrid power train?

Charlie

I know this is a little stale dated, but did you ever go ahead with the X5 PHEV?