2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d (diesel) as an AS TV?

[TravelerJoe]

My TV is 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d (V6 diesel). When I bought it in 2015 I had no intentions of towing a trailer like an AS, but rather a small trailer for household furniture, etc. on occasion. Therefore, I had the BMW dealer install a hitch (removable) with electrical and was told that it could tow up to 6,300 lbs.

My BMW SUV does not have adjustable suspension or dynamic handling package. The tires currently are 255/50 R19.

My favorite AS to buy is the Globetrotter® 23FB Twin which has a max load rating of 6,300 lbs.

Can my BMW "as-is" tow this GT 23FBT safely or what should I do? Or should the hitch receiver be re-worked by someone like for instance, Can-Am RV in Canada https://www.canamrv.ca/ who seem to pride themselves on their expertise in this sort of thing?

[jcl]

The X5 is well suited to a 23’ Airstream.

It seems you have the removable hitch, designed more for a clean look when not attached, than functional towing. You need a permanently installed receiver that is rated for weight distribution equipment. ETrailer sells them online. They list a Curt and a Draw-Tite. Some may differ, but I don’t think you need reinforcement for that size trailer. Your electrical connection should be fine. You will need a brake controller unless that was installed originally. The trailer wiring module doesn’t normally include a brake control function. You are better off without the air suspension.

If you do call CanAm they will have specific knowledge re the need for reinforcement of either of those two receivers.

Jeff

[Whizzo]

Originally Posted by TravelerJoe

My TV is 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d (V6 diesel).


Can my BMW "as-is" tow this GT 23FBT safely or what should I do? Or should the hitch receiver be re-worked by someone like for instance, Can-Am RV in Canada https://www.canamrv.ca/ who seem to pride themselves on their expertise in this sort of thing?

We had a 2009 x35d, and found it well matched to our 2014 23FB. We always loaded lightly on both TV and TT (5,200 lbs loaded) and also had the more expensive and heavy Hensley Arrow hitch (transferred from a previous trailer). Handling, braking, and pulling mountain grades were all quite good over 6,000 towing miles.

There is much discussion in these forums about using weight distribution, given BMW does not test this, nor recommend it’s use in the vehicle manual. But we had no issues with the earlier model, stock BMW factory hitch. That said, Can-Am is really well regarded by many in this group, and if you plan to keep the X5 for a long time, it may be worth getting their take.

[Jnash467]

I have the same tow vehicle you have. I installed a drawtite hitch, then later installed the factory wiring towing harness. I also was able to locate a used BMW branded brake controller.
I towed a 20' Bambi that I rented with zero issues. In fact, I got about 23 mpg. This fall I am renting a 23' FB twin axle when I go out to Utah in October. I have total confidence in this set up. The diesel has more than enough power to pull this set up.

[RMNummi]

Towed the 23D all over creation with my X5 35D. Nary a problem except for getting blown around a bit by semi trucks. Ran the equalizer hitch w 1000lb bars. Swapped TV for an AMG GL63 till warranty ran out. Now running a Lexus LX570. FYI, the hitch weight on the 23D is way over the 23FB. Go forth and tow. 23 is the perfect trailer for the SUV market… would be a bit hesitant about going bigger.