04-24-2014, 08:58 PM | #1 |
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Tow Hitch
I've seen so many different types of tow hitches online, does it matter what type of hitch they are other than the rating being for 6000+ lbs.
Is there any reason for me to not go with the oem bmw one? or any reason on why its preferred to go with the oem one? What aftermarket ones would you recommend? Also would the X5 be able to tow my 2009 e93 335i with a uhaul trailer or is that to much weight? I haven't decided if my friend is driving the other car yet or if its easier for me to tow it.
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2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold) 2009 335i e93 (Sold) 2007 Bmw X5 (Sold) |
04-25-2014, 05:34 PM | #2 |
My X5d tows my spec miata to the track.
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I got a Curt hitch from an online store for $159. IIRC it was called Hitch Anything. Google it. I bought the OEM barnes for like $188. Installed it myself. The Curt sits lower and you don't have to cut the bumper as much. It's a pretty significant difference. it does not have a mount for the trailer connector. I tuck mine up in the hitch and it stays put very well. I just pull it down when I tow.
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04-25-2014, 05:42 PM | #3 | |
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04-25-2014, 06:50 PM | #4 |
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The max for your X5 is 6000lbs. The 335 is probably no more than 3500, plus the trailer.
The UHaul Auto Transporter is 2200 lbs, so very close to the 6000lb limit. There are also 2wheel dollies as well, if you feel like removing your driveshaft and lift by the front tires. I know for the suburban I've owned and just about any other domestic tow vehicle I've worked on, I ALWAYS install a Trans cooler, even if not towing. Heat kills a trans, real fast. A Trans cooler can bring down temps anywhere from 20-50deg, which in a craptastic 4L60e, can mean life or death for that thing. Not sure if the X5 has anything like that. But if towing a lot or a long distance, I'd highly recommend it. So that said, get the max tow rating you can find (e.g. 6000lbs), a high tongue weight rating, and the appropriate ball and always buy a lock, and the wiring harness to integrate your brake/driving lights. Oh, if in a hilly area, inspect your brakes and/or replace with a higher performing heavy duty pad.
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04-26-2014, 11:36 AM | #5 |
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Here's a link to a tow hitch setting.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/08/ph...-2010-bmw-x5m/ I've included a picture of mine with the cut bumper. gan23 |
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04-26-2014, 12:19 PM | #6 | ||
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04-27-2014, 10:08 AM | #8 |
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Get the Curt. Ridiculous to me that the oem requires cutting the bumper!
Towing a car and trailer should be fine, just watch that tongue weight. No more than 600 pounds. |
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04-27-2014, 10:26 AM | #9 |
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Looks like the Curt hitch is the one to get. Thanks for posting photos, Ive been thinking about a Jetski purchase and was wondering how I was going to tow it.
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04-27-2014, 11:41 AM | #10 |
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I just had the Invisihitch installed since I don't use a hitch often and wanted to retain the stock look with no cutouts. Seems to be a top notch hitch and comes with OEM wiring. Car is being delivered so I have no reports on using it yet but Daryl at Invishitch had sent me good pics of the system before I ordered it. dsavell@invisihitch.com is his email.
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04-27-2014, 11:49 AM | #11 | |
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04-27-2014, 07:27 PM | #12 | |
My X5d tows my spec miata to the track.
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04-27-2014, 08:09 PM | #13 | |||
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One last question. Uhaul has a tow hitch that they install on the car for a total of $544 installed. Seems like a pretty good deal, has anyone bought one of these? Is the wiring that they include the same as oem? How much is the oem one to get installed? It comes with Round Tube Rec. (Powder Coat) (max 6000lbs) $219.95 Ball mount for 2" receivers. 2-1/4" drop with 7-1/2" length. $19.95 2" ball x 1" shank. Shank Length 2-3/16". $10.95 Class III Pin & Clip $1.69 Pulse Width Modulation System Stop/Tail ST $79.99 Hitch Install $110 Wiring Install $60 Warranty $15
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2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold) 2009 335i e93 (Sold) 2007 Bmw X5 (Sold) Last edited by buster84; 04-27-2014 at 08:22 PM.. |
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04-27-2014, 08:37 PM | #14 | |
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Is it really worth the few hundred dollar savings on a 50k-80k vehicle? |
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04-27-2014, 08:54 PM | #15 |
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This is my execuihitch on X6M.
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04-27-2014, 08:58 PM | #16 |
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more pics.
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04-28-2014, 07:00 AM | #17 |
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Nice set up above!!! Did I say Jet ski??? I meant SeaDoo......Thanks for the photos.
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04-28-2014, 08:57 AM | #18 |
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^ agreed - does anybody here have an X5 with the Execuihitch?
I don't like the idea of cutting the bumper (OEM) but the Curt hitch pictured above looks silly IMO sitting below the bumper like that. |
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04-28-2014, 09:09 AM | #19 |
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Execuhitch and Invisihitch are the same company now I think and the pics above would be the same. There are other threads on this which show more pics too. Yes it costs more than others.
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04-28-2014, 10:46 AM | #20 | |
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Once the bumper skirt and the components are off, installing the hardware is straightforward. The fun part comes when you try to hook up the wiring harness ... the car computer has to be coded with proprietary software in order for the trailer lights and rear view camera to work properly ... GL.
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04-28-2014, 11:17 AM | #21 | ||
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04-28-2014, 11:35 AM | #22 | |
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(I also do not like the length of the stinger on the Execuhitch - I like a short hitch and ball to keep the tongue weight right underneath the points supporting the weight, especially on a uniframe SUV. The Curt allows you to do that.) I also highly, highly recommend getting a silent pin for pinning the hitch to the receiver for anyone who tows - locking that up reduces all the audible clunking you otherwise getting when accelerating and braking, which gets really annoying and unsettling in an SUV, if you're used to towing with a truck. Overall been very happy with the Curt, feel it's the best overall design for function and price/quality. |
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