2024 X5 with Towing package using weight distribution hitch

[Dave in Waterloo]

We've used a weight distribution hitch on our previous X5, but when we picked up our new RV travel trailer (3800 lb dry weight), we had to sign a waiver to the RV Dealer because they said that BMW does not recommend using WDH because it can cause damage to the unibody frame, and we insisted on using the weight distribution hitch for safety and towing comfort reasons. We are close to 50% of what the towing capacity is of the X5. Can anyone shed some light on this situation? Checked with BMW Dealer but it seems that they sell so few X5 with towing package, they didn't have much info to add to the RV Dealer's claim.  Appreciate any info you can share. Thanks all ! 

[Greydog]

Morning Dave

Welcome to the Forum

I take it you have a new X5 and have had the WDH system fitted by a reputable supplier ?

BMW factory fitment is Westfailia,  in Europe BMW tend to wash their hands of any aftermarket fitted systems down grading the towing capacity etc etc. Even when it is a Westfailia system but fitted by a specialist company ??? My E53 4.6is has a factory tow package when it was at the dealer recently (Air Bag Recall) The Service Manager told me that my cars handling could be compromised and I shouldn't tow anything as the sob frame mounting bushes were "non standard and not approved" The bushes in question are upgraded to PolyBushes which have a far better life than BMW standard bushes

If the Hitch is fitted correctly and you obviously have experience of this I would not be to concerned they are just putting two hands on their backside for protection.

Hope this helps

Dave

[Julian4285]

Not sure this is too late for you, Dave.  But I thought I'd share my experience anyway having (painstakingly) gone through the research process in last 4 months trying to figure out how to tow a TT that fits the needs for my family of 4 with my X5 and was finally able to arrive at a solution.

Tow vehicle: 2024 X5 50e, rated for 5952 lbs towing and 551 lbs hitch capacity, with factory tow package. 

TT: 2024 Winnebago 2326RK, 4510 lbs dry weight; 6000 lbs GVWR; 412 lbs hitch weight.  Roughly 23.5 ft. long excl. the A frame up front.

The set-up: I decided to stay away from WDH after calling around and reading online, just in case something happens and someone pulls out a document and wash their hands, although no one seems to have seen any document explicitly advising against a WDH.  I had an adjustable, 9.5" rise hitch to bring the hitch ball to the right height.  Winnebago manual says the hitch height is 28" and that is about right.  There is no need to take squatting into the calculation since the airbag will raise the rear end of X5 right back up after TT is connected.  To keep myself safe in cases of severe sways, a CURT 51202 True Course electronic sway controller was installed.  For trailer break controller I used Tekonsha Prodigy 3 with a “Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers” (ITEM # TK29FR on etrailer.com).  The harness plugs right into the receiver under the dash but need to have the break light and +12V wires swapped.

The first trip was very satisfying, about 250 miles, mostly on highways.  Most of the time I was cruising at 65 mph except to pass (!!!) where I'd go up to 70 mph.  To be honest, I didn't feel much sway at all even when semis pass me.  I did stop once to adjust the hitch ball down one notch, I'd say half an inch, when the trailer was like pulling the read end of the X5.  That made the world of difference and remainder of trip smooth.

Hope this helps.

[Julian4285]

Not sure this is too late for you, Dave.  But I thought I'd share my experience anyway having (painstakingly) gone through the research process in last 4 months trying to figure out how to tow a TT that fits the needs for my family of 4 with my X5 and finally being able to arrive at a solution.

Tow vehicle: 2024 X5 50e, rated for 5952 lbs towing and 551 lbs hitch capacity, with factory tow package. 

TT: 2024 Winnebago 2326RK, 4510 lbs dry weight; 6000 lbs GVWR; 412 lbs hitch weight.  Roughly 23.5 ft. long excl. the A frame up front.

The set-up: I decided to stay away from WDH after calling around and reading online, just in case something happens and someone pulls out a document and wash their hands, although no one seems to have seen any document explicitly advising against a WDH.  I had an adjustable, 9.5" rise hitch to bring the hitch ball to the right height.  Winnebago manual says the hitch height is 28" and that is about right.  There is no need to take squatting into the calculation since the airbag will raise the rear end of X5 right back up after TT is connected.  To keep myself safe in cases of severe sways, a CURT 51202 True Course electronic sway controller was installed.  For trailer break controller I used Tekonsha Prodigy 3 with a “Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers” (ITEM # TK29FR on etrailer.com).  The harness plugs right into the receiver under the dash but need to have the break light and +12V wires swapped.

The first trip was very satisfying, about 250 miles, mostly on highways.  Most of the time I was cruising at 65 mph except to pass (!!!) where I'd go up to 70 mph.  To be honest, I didn't feel much sway at all even when semis pass me.  I did stop once to adjust the hitch ball down one notch, I'd say half an inch, when the trailer was like pulling the read end of the X5.  That made the world of difference and remainder of trip smooth.

Hope this helps. 

[Greydog]

Morning Lee

Brilliant information and that you actually got there, Why oh Why do they make it such hard work for the Customer !!!

When towing in the UK we are restricted to a Max 60 on Dual carriageways and Motorways. When towing I pull a Horse Trailer with a couple of fat horses on board and touch wood never had an issue.

Enjoy your Beemer and Winnebago 

Dave

 

[Jeff1965]

Julian,

You have done EXACTLY what I have been researching. I have the 2024 X5 50e and I am supposed to pickup my Winnebago 2326RK on Wednesday. I need to know if your hitch was factory installed before you purchased it. Mine did not have a hitch so I have the local BMW Dealer installing the OEM HITCH. Problem is they say there needs to be a code entered into the software that will allow them to wire the vehicle. They say the factory will not allow them to add the code. Question: will the airbag leveling occur if the hitch was added after delivery? Does the adjustable 9.5 inch rise hitch block the opening of the rear lift gate? 

LOVE your description of your first trip!

[Julian4285]

Hi Jeff,

My hitch was factory installed.  Unfortunately, I have no knowledge about aftermarket hitches.  Do you see a trailer option in the vehicle menu though?  You should see it if it's there even when no trailer is connected.  I would guess that the airbag would work if trailer mode is there.

The 9.5 inch rise hitch does not block the top part of the rear gate but don't try to open to bottom part.  I made a mistake trying and now have chipped paint on the top edge of it.

The X5 tows this trailer beautifully, even without a WDH which ALMOST EVERYBODY said is required.  There are couple dealers refusing to sell 2326RK to me, one for not wanting a WDH, one for "your vehicle is not rated to tow it."  Seems most Americans need to have V8 even for going grocery shopping 🙂.

Let me know should there be any other questions.  It's a beautiful trailer.  Enjoy it!

[Jeff1965]

Thanks for your reply. BMW dealer has installed the own hitch on the vehicle, however, they would not wire it because of the missing code in the software. I am having another company wire it up. How did you connect both the brake controller and the electronic sway controller to the 7 pin plug?

[Julian4285]

27 minutes ago, Jeff1965 said:

Thanks for your reply. BMW dealer has installed the own hitch on the vehicle, however, they would not wire it because of the missing code in the software. I am having another company wire it up. How did you connect both the brake controller and the electronic sway controller to the 7 pin plug?

This vehicle comes with a plug under the dash for break controller. I’ve attached a couple pictures my dealer sent me. All you need to do is to pop the panel under the dash open to see it.  You don’t need any work in the back of the vehicle.

The sway controller has a receptacle for a 7-pin. You would plug the trailer’s 7-pin into it, then the 7-pin coming out of the controller to the trailer. 

[Julian4285]

35 minutes ago, Jeff1965 said:

Thanks for your reply. BMW dealer has installed the own hitch on the vehicle, however, they would not wire it because of the missing code in the software. I am having another company wire it up. How did you connect both the brake controller and the electronic sway controller to the 7 pin plug?

Besides, I could never understand why someone would sell you something but not set it up for you to use. BMW USA is not the most logical company to talk to, just like they would advise against using WDH but could not produce documentation to support it. Fortunately my dealer was helpful when I tried to figure out the break controller wiring. They even ordered a set of plugs for me although I eventually went with the Etrailer harness. 

[Julian4285]

5 minutes ago, Julian4285 said:

This vehicle comes with a plug under the dash for break controller. I’ve attached a couple pictures my dealer sent me. All you need to do is to pop the panel under the dash open to see it.  You don’t need any work in the back of the vehicle.

The sway controller has a receptacle for a 7-pin. You would plug the trailer’s 7-pin into it, then the 7-pin coming out of the controller to the trailer. 

 

 

Just realized that I made a mistake.  The last sentence should have been: " You would plug the trailer’s 7-pin into it, then the 7-pin coming out of the controller to X5."