Acura MDX towing

[propchef]

Originally Posted by jcl

For X5 hitches, BMW has had different solutions with different generations/years of manufacturer of the X5. The early X5s had a very robust receiver that did not require any strengthening for large trailers. The next generation had a less robust receiver that did benefit from reinforcement. Both of these generations had no OE tow package, but did have a BMW OE hitch kit available from the dealer, with BMW technical instructions for installation. There were no changes tot he vehicle, it was just a hitch and a wiring kit that plugged into the vehicle harness. I installed several of them.

Then BMW moved to a variety of hidden hitches that used a vertical female receiver to hold a swan neck hitch. These were more for looks than function, and some owners liked that they were completely invisible when not in use.

Invisihitch and others have versions of these available in the aftermarket. The challenge with them is that they are generally not suitable for weight distributing equipment due to their design. Some have an optional 2" receiver attachment, to hold a bike rack, but they are not robust in bending when WD is applied.

I don't know what the latest G05 version of the X5 is using, but understand that there is a tow option available. Worth checking out. The other option is to look at etrailer.com for the specific model you are considering, and see what they offer. Whether you use the OE hitch or another, it is worth using the OE wiring connections, available from the dealer if not equipped from new.

CanAm would have a good recommendation on which hitch to use for this vehicle. Personally, I would skip the factory receiver, and not consider the Invisihitch. I would use a traditional Curt or Drawtite receiver, strengthened for WD. CanAm may do that, or they may just fabricate one from scratch, I'm not sure.

Jeff

I’ve spoken with at length with Andy at CanAm about the factory installed hitch and you’re right, the concern is torque from the WDH, not necessarily TW. The advantage the factory tow package has on the G05 is it comes standard with larger brakes, more cooling, different programming and upgraded electrical, something not available on earlier models and hard to retrofit. We also have the adaptive suspension (not airbags), but not the M-Sport seats.

[jcl]

Originally Posted by propchef

I’ve spoken with at length with Andy at CanAm about the factory installed hitch and you’re right, the concern is torque from the WDH, not necessarily TW. The advantage the factory tow package has on the G05 is it comes standard with larger brakes, more cooling, different programming and upgraded electrical, something not available on earlier models and hard to retrofit. We also have the adaptive suspension (not airbags), but not the M-Sport seats.

Is the factory tow package on the G05 X5 the same thing as the factory hitch option? I didn't see a separate tow package in the configurator, and the factory tow hitch is priced at $650. IF so, that is a lot of additional equipment for that price.

[propchef]

Originally Posted by jcl

Is the factory tow package on the G05 X5 the same thing as the factory hitch option? I didn't see a separate tow package in the configurator, and the factory tow hitch is priced at $650. IF so, that is a lot of additional equipment for that price.

Correct, its a bargain. It’s no longer a dealer (or DIY) installed item.

Edit: We did pay extra for the adaptive M suspension. The hardware for this is already installed and can be activated through the MyBMW website.

[Di3s3l_Power]

I have '23 X5 45e (standard air suspension) tows well with WDH, I wouldn't tow without it

you need the OEM (factory installed) tow hitch and aftermarket trailer brake controller

[SteveNdebbie]

This has been very helpful. We can start looking for any late model X5’s that have the factory tow package and hitch. It does sound like a great package for not much added cost. I’ll have to see what the other automakers offer.

[foobar]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

This has been very helpful. We can start looking for any late model X5’s that have the factory tow package and hitch. It does sound like a great package for not much added cost. I’ll have to see what the other automakers offer.

Audi Q5, VW Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne are equally capable, if not more. These three share the same body, chassis, suspension, and drive trains. Recommend considering these as well.

[SteveNdebbie]

I wondered about the Audi Q5 but there seemed to be a pretty big discrepancy in towing capacity between the Audi and the Porsche Cayenne. Even though they share the same drivetrain would that be due to a difference in the platform or other components?

[foobar]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

I wondered about the Audi Q5 but there seemed to be a pretty big discrepancy in towing capacity between the Audi and the Porsche Cayenne. Even though they share the same drivetrain would that be due to a difference in the platform or other components?

My apologies. That was a typo. The Q7, the VW Touareg and the Cayenne share the same chassis and body and have similar towing capabilities. The cayenne is the most capable of the 3 though.

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by foobar

My apologies. That was a typo. The Q7, the VW Touareg and the Cayenne share the same chassis and body and have similar towing capabilities. The cayenne is the most capable of the 3 though.

Ok, thanks for the clarification. We are considering the Q7, but yet to test drive either the Cayenne or Q7. My wife is 4’10” and the X5 fit her better than any other vehicle she has driven. Looking forward to more test drives [emoji16]

[SteveNdebbie]

Hi all,

This Saturday we are test driving a 2020 Porsche Cayenne. We test drove a BMW X5 Hybrid but didn’t like it as well as the non-hybrid. When I let off the gas it seemed to lurch a bit instead of coasting. As far as towing with a Cayenne, is there anyone who can tell me whether we should be looking for a Cayenne S instead of the base? We have a 25’ FB Airstream Safari and a Hensley Arrow Hitch. Thanks for any recommendations!

Steve

[foobar]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

Hi all,

This Saturday we are test driving a 2020 Porsche Cayenne. We test drove a BMW X5 Hybrid but didn’t like it as well as the non-hybrid. When I let off the gas it seemed to lurch a bit instead of coasting. As far as towing with a Cayenne, is there anyone who can tell me whether we should be looking for a Cayenne S instead of the base? We have a 25’ FB Airstream Safari and a Hensley Arrow Hitch. Thanks for any recommendations!

Steve

Can you please share some info on the 2020 base Cayenne? Horsepower, torque @yyy-rpm? Is it turbocharged?

I have a 2016 Cayenne S. 420hp, 405 ft-lbs torque available at 1350rpm. Twin Turbo. I towed my 2022 Globetrotter 27FB Twin for nearly 8000 miles, including trips through Utah, CO, NM, AZ. The turbos maintain engine output, even at high altitude. The Cayenne plus Globetrotter was rock solid under all conditions once I got the WD dialed in correctly. Absolutely no sway or stability issues, even at high speeds in windy conditions (up to 50mph gusting to 90mph). Acceleration and braking were very good. When my trailer brake controller failed, I completed a 60mile trip down 12% grades on hwy12 in Utah without difficulties. The oversized Cayenne brakes designed for long excursions on a racetrack were a godsend :-)

If the base model has turbos for altitude compensation and reasonable torque and HP, you should be fine.

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by foobar

Can you please share some info on the 2020 base Cayenne? Horsepower, torque @yyy-rpm? Is it turbocharged?

I have a 2016 Cayenne S. 420hp, 405 ft-lbs torque available at 1350rpm. Twin Turbo. I towed my 2022 Globetrotter 27FB Twin for nearly 8000 miles, including trips through Utah, CO, NM, AZ. The turbos maintain engine output, even at high altitude. The Cayenne plus Globetrotter was rock solid under all conditions once I got the WD dialed in correctly. Absolutely no sway or stability issues, even at high speeds in windy conditions (up to 50mph gusting to 90mph). Acceleration and braking were very good. When my trailer brake controller failed, I completed a 60mile trip down 12% grades on hwy12 in Utah without difficulties. The oversized Cayenne brakes designed for long excursions on a racetrack were a godsend :-)

If the base model has turbos for altitude compensation and reasonable torque and HP, you should be fine.

Here are the specs.

[foobar]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

Attachment 438130Attachment 438131Attachment 438132Attachment 438133Attachment 438134

Here are the specs.

Wow, 1657lb payload! I hope that is the actual door sticker. That is nearly 500lbs more than the 1168lb payload limit of my heavily optioned 2016 Cayenne S (panoramic moon roof, etc).

If I had a 1657 payload rating, I probably wouldn't have purchased an F350 so I could carry more stuff in the tow vehicle. With my 1168lb payload, I can handle the wife and I plus the tongue weight of my 27 GT FB Twin and that's it.

Your HP and torque are both down about 75-80 vs my S trim level. However, your trailer is lighter/smaller than mine. I bet it would do just fine. I have never lacked acceleration, braking or stability when towing my Airstream. Andy at CanAm RV in Canada told me that the Cayenne is the best tow vehicle for Airstreams that are available due to low center of gravity (relatively speaking) and overall handling and performance. Having done it myself, I can't really argue with him, lol.

The good news is that your potential Cayenne vehicle is turbocharged, so you get the altitude compensation.

I bet this is the exact same engine configuration that is in the S model. In any case, an aftermarket ECU tune will easily and safely bump up the performance to about the S level for a lot less $ than buying the S version.

If you like this base Cayenne, it will serve you well.

[SteveNdebbie]

Thank you, Foobar, for your post. That was very helpful. Currently we are towing with an Acura MDX 2011 with 300 hp and 270 ft/ lbs torque with payload 1150 lb. Setup by CanAm RV in 2017 and Andy Thompson went on a test drive with us afterwards. The MDX has done great but now needs retirement life from towing with 190K miles. Andy said the base Cayenne would be very capable and he preferred the spring suspension over the air suspension. He suggested trying out a Ford Explorer ST so we test driving both tomorrow.

Steve

[SteveNdebbie]

Now, Acura, if you are listening, I would be quite willing to continue on as the “MDX Towing Expert” if you can provide me (at a reasonable cost and a warranty guarantee even if we have CanAm do the set-up) an MDX Type S with a hitch and towing package. It just might be worth your investment and backing [emoji6]. I have had several MDXers and Honda Pilot owners personal message me inquiring about towing their travel trailer after reading about our experience towing a 5210 lb. UBW and 7300 lb. GVWR Airstream with 720 lb. Tongue weight from east coast to west coast and in-between over the past 6 years.

Andy Thompson and CanAm RV would be willing to assist in this endeavor.

Just had to put that out there [emoji16].

StevenNdebbie (Steven D. Murray MD)

[SteveNdebbie]

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by foobar

Wow, 1657lb payload! I hope that is the actual door sticker. That is nearly 500lbs more than the 1168lb payload limit of my heavily optioned 2016 Cayenne S (panoramic moon roof, etc).

If I had a 1657 payload rating, I probably wouldn't have purchased an F350 so I could carry more stuff in the tow vehicle. With my 1168lb payload, I can handle the wife and I plus the tongue weight of my 27 GT FB Twin and that's it.

Your HP and torque are both down about 75-80 vs my S trim level. However, your trailer is lighter/smaller than mine. I bet it would do just fine. I have never lacked acceleration, braking or stability when towing my Airstream. Andy at CanAm RV in Canada told me that the Cayenne is the best tow vehicle for Airstreams that are available due to low center of gravity (relatively speaking) and overall handling and performance. Having done it myself, I can't really argue with him, lol.

The good news is that your potential Cayenne vehicle is turbocharged, so you get the altitude compensation.

I bet this is the exact same engine configuration that is in the S model. In any case, an aftermarket ECU tune will easily and safely bump up the performance to about the S level for a lot less $ than buying the S version.

If you like this base Cayenne, it will serve you well.

Yea, but with the F350, you can bring along the BBQ, the smoker, the generator, the kayaks, the fire pit, the adjustable WiFi antenna, and of course there is still room for the wife and a St. Bernard! Plus, your not worried about towing off road when boondocking, over rocky trails to nice mountain or water sites with the truck, getting scratched up from tree branches so much as I would be if I were at limits with a nice Porsche!

[foobar]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Yea, but with the F350, you can bring along the BBQ, the smoker, the generator, the kayaks, the fire pit, the adjustable WiFi antenna, and of course there is still room for the wife and a St. Bernard! Plus, your not worried about towing off road when boondocking, over rocky trails to nice mountain or water sites with the truck, getting scratched up from tree branches so much as I would be if I were at limits with a nice Porsche!

Lol. These are all fair points and absolutely form part of our ultimate motivation to get an F350.

Our motivation can be boiled down to: We just need more space to carry more stuff and the payload capacity to handle it safely.

Sure, we can live within the limitations of the cayenne + airstream. We have done so. I certainly won't criticize folks who are perfectly happy understanding the limits of towing with SUV's and staying within them by traveling light.

But, we personally want to take many multi-month excursions while also taking along the stuff that makes the trip more fun. Solo wood firepit, propane firepit, BBQ smoker/grill (we are from Texas so we think this is an absolute necessity :-)), future e-bikes, etc, etc.

So F350 it is. We still have the Cayenne for local daily driving and to potentially serve as a backup tow vehicle if needed. I do miss traveling the dirt roads of Utah at high speed in the 4wd Cayenne though once we unhook :-) The F350 just isn't quite the same...

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Yea, but with the F350, you can bring along the BBQ, the smoker, the generator, the kayaks, the fire pit, the adjustable WiFi antenna, and of course there is still room for the wife and a St. Bernard! Plus, your not worried about towing off road when boondocking, over rocky trails to nice mountain or water sites with the truck, getting scratched up from tree branches so much as I would be if I were at limits with a nice Porsche!

Well, we are buying the Porsche Cayenne. Today we test drove the Porsche Cayenne base with the premium plus upgrade, a 2022 Ford Explorer ST upon recommendation from Andy at Can Am (which, BTW, had the best car audio system we ever heard with the Bang and Olufsen system), and a 2021 BMW X5 40i with the M package upgrade. For us, the Porsche gave us the refinement, balance, road feel and responsiveness. The Ford felt more truck-like in chassis tuning and the BMW a bit heavy on the gadgetry with less road feel and more body roll.

The first car we ever bought brand new was a 1994 Acura Integra GSR 4 door with manual transmission. That car might have been a major influence in our preference for the Porsche Cayenne.

When we travel, we don’t need the BBQ, smoker, generator, or the kayaks. We have a Renogy solar panel, an Ariel E bike, and minimal gear for 2 people. Although we have two horses at home, we don’t wear a 10 Gallon Hat since the horses stay at home in Ohio (we are not in Texas).

The Porsche has a towing mode and can also be set for off roading in sand, mud, gravel, quick-sand… okay, that’s an exaggeration! MM

[foobar]

Originally Posted by SteveNdebbie

Well, we are buying the Porsche Cayenne. Today we test drove the Porsche Cayenne base with the premium plus upgrade, a 2022 Ford Explorer ST upon recommendation from Andy at Can Am (which, BTW, had the best car audio system we ever heard with the Bang and Olufsen system), and a 2021 BMW X5 40i with the M package upgrade. For us, the Porsche gave us the refinement, balance, road feel and responsiveness. The Ford felt more truck-like in chassis tuning and the BMW a bit heavy on the gadgetry with less road feel and more body roll.

The first car we ever bought brand new was a 1994 Acura Integra GSR 4 door with manual transmission. That car might have been a major influence in our preference for the Porsche Cayenne.

When we travel, we don’t need the BBQ, smoker, generator, or the kayaks. We have a Renogy solar panel, an Ariel E bike, and minimal gear for 2 people. Although we have two horses at home, we don’t wear a 10 Gallon Hat since the horses stay at home in Ohio (we are not in Texas).

The Porsche has a towing mode and can also be set for off roading in sand, mud, gravel, quick-sand… okay, that’s an exaggeration! MM

Congratulations! The Cayenne will serve you well and is fun to drive too!

Side Note: the Cayenne tpms supports two inflation ranges. One for light loads and another for heavy loads. Please select the heavy load range and inflate your tires accordingly when towing.

Also, recommend rotating tires more frequently than recommended to even out tire wear as the rear tires tend to wear more quickly when towing trailers with heavy tongue weights.