X5 35D - air suspension for small trailer?

[AJSPDX]

Hi, all. I'm in the process of finding a 2017-2018 X5 35D. It will be my daily driver and tow vehicle for my 2019 Casita travel trailer. The trailer is 17' and weighs 2,480 lbs dry. The tongue weight is about 400-500 pounds. I currently tow with a 2012 Touareg TDI. It's a beast. Here's the question: Given that I won't be close to the maximum towing capacity, how important is it that I have air suspension? I have found an X5 that I love, but it has the standard suspension. Should I wait? Thanks for weighing in, so to speak.

[Radekxpl]

Originally Posted by AJSPDX

Hi, all. I'm in the process of finding a 2017-2018 X5 35D. It will be my daily driver and tow vehicle for my 2019 Casita travel trailer. The trailer is 17' and weighs 2,480 lbs dry. The tongue weight is about 400-500 pounds. I currently tow with a 2012 Touareg TDI. It's a beast. Here's the question: Given that I won't be close to the maximum towing capacity, how important is it that I have air suspension? I have found an X5 that I love, but it has the standard suspension. Should I wait? Thanks for weighing in, so to speak.

Should be no problem, I have 35d and towed several items from boats to cars weighing in close to 8k pound no problem, as long you distribute weight on the trailer properly the rear is not sagging all. Diesel is a beast all around vehicle, too bad they don't make them in US anymore 😞 keeping mine till wheels fall off.

[AJSPDX]

Thank you, General. Just to be clear, you're saying you don't have air suspension?

[Radekxpl]

Originally Posted by AJSPDX

Thank you, General. Just to be clear, you're saying you don't have air suspension?

Yes that's correct regular springs in the back

[RED_Y_]

Towing was discussed here sooo many times:

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1670760
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1025750
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1432145
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1025679

[kktxod]

I tow an airstream that is a little heavier than your trailer with no air suspension and it does really well. I have the diesel. I would get either the 35d
or the 50i

[ajshanny]

I have had a 35i with no air suspension and now have a 35d with air suspension. The air suspension on the 35d does help with keeping the rear end of the vehicle from squatting, but the 35i also towed okay without it. I tow an open aluminum car trailer loaded with a sports car on it. The loaded trailer weighs about 4,500 lbs and tongue weight is 500 to 600 lbs depending on whether I load spare wheels and tires onto the tire rack. The total length of the trailer is about 21 feet (coupler to tail lights).