Towing pictures

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

Are there any recommended settings for the X5 (50i) for towing? I know many vehicles have a tow/haul mode that can be enabled but im not aware of anything on the bmw.

Sport mode is tow haul mode

[Mikegfx4]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

Sport mode is tow haul mode

Just want to double check, you are being serious here? I should be in sport mode for towing?

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

Just want to double check, you are being serious here? I should be in sport mode for towing?

If you want something similar to tow haul yes. It'll keep your rpms higher which is basically the same.

[Mikegfx4]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

If you want something similar to tow haul yes. It'll keep your rpms higher which is basically the same.

Got it, makes sense to me, thanks for the info.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

Sport mode is tow haul mode

I was thinking the same thing, but then I started wondering about shifting points etc., and if Sport Mode is set to assume shifting under lighter loads, than what you have when hauling a trailer, could potentially cause issues?


I could be wrong and sport mode might be the best mode for hauling a trailer, or?! Does the transmission know when a trailer is hooked up, I have heard people claiming this, and also that it does not know?!?!

Does the manual say anything about it? I don't have one with me currently.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by 1norseman

I was thinking the same thing, but then I started wondering about shifting points etc., and if Sport Mode is set to assume shifting under lighter loads, than what you have when hauling a trailer, could potentially cause issues?


I could be wrong and sport mode might be the best mode for hauling a trailer, or?! Does the transmission know when a trailer is hooked up, I have heard people claiming this, and also that it does not know?!?!

Does the manual say anything about it? I don't have one with me currently.

The car knows when there's a trailer hooked up because it disabled the proximity alert. I have no idea what changes it makes (if any) to the drivetrain. Even if sport mode doesn't change with/without a trailer it's meant for more aggressive driving (heavier load) anyway.

[Mikegfx4]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

The car knows when there's a trailer hooked up because it disabled the proximity alert. I have no idea what changes it makes (if any) to the drivetrain. Even if sport mode doesn't change with/without a trailer it's meant for more aggressive driving (heavier load) anyway.

How would the car know I have a trailer hooked up? I do not have the BMW factory wiring, just a kit from etrailer.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

How would the car know I have a trailer hooked up? I do not have the BMW factory wiring, just a kit from etrailer.

Oh, for you it wouldn't. Sorry I was assuming the factory harness.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

The car knows when there's a trailer hooked up because it disabled the proximity alert. I have no idea what changes it makes (if any) to the drivetrain. Even if sport mode doesn't change with/without a trailer it's meant for more aggressive driving (heavier load) anyway.

I was aware the car knows there is a trailer hooked up, just didn't know if the car knows how to handle sport mode and a potentially heavy trailer at the same time, or not.

Sport mode might be the right way to tow, but I also know one of the times I ended up with the drivetrain malfunction, was when towing (pulling my 14ft enclosed trailer) and using sport mode (Ended up replacing all the coils and then an injector not long after). So that made me wonder if sport mode with trailer put a bigger load on engine, than the software anticipates?
How all systems work together in this scenario, is way past my knowledge in the matter...

Anyway, here is another towing picture.. Borrowed a buddy's tractor to do some "landscaping" (knocked down a small building on one of my properties). Was only about a 20 miles drive, loaded it as balanced as I could, and drove very careful in non sport mode...

[Mikegfx4]

Biggest reason to go into sport mode is to hold the shifts longer right? Also probably stop some gear hunting on the highway. If that's the case why not just do manual?

[GrantF]

Picture from last October of my 2018 F16 towing my wakesports boat

[Mikegfx4]

Anybody have experience towing with spacers installed? I've got 449 wheels and an considering spacers for the rear maybe the front but I don't want to compromise towing.

[blue dragon]

Splashed this weekend, water level on the lake is low, so I didn't put the boat in, just the PWCs

[Mikegfx4]

Did a quick tow across town and the 50i did suprisingly well. Light weight this time, eventually the trailer will be loaded more. [IMG]undefined[/IMG]

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

Anybody have experience towing with spacers installed? I've got 449 wheels and an considering spacers for the rear maybe the front but I don't want to compromise towing.

I tow with 15mm spacers (H&R) all the time, never had an issue. Just drove 1200 miles with around 2,500-3,000lbs trailer in tow. 21" OEM wheels.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by 1norseman

I tow with 15mm spacers (H&R) all the time, never had an issue. Just drove 1200 miles with around 2,500-3,000lbs trailer in tow. 21" OEM wheels.

I tow with 12mm and it's fine for the most part. My tires have developed some uneven wear though. I have 22s and about a 3k lb trailer.

Would probably not be an issue with a weight distribution hitch but that's a whole other discussion.

[oma3710]

The x5 does well with my Yamaha.

[skoold2003]

Does everyone who's towing in here have the air suspension? I just picked up a lance trailer and it's about 650 tongue weight. Even with weight distribution it sags the ass end.

[blue dragon]

Sold my Four Winns this year, pre-order for a Nautique G23 next year

[scotty339]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

Does everyone who's towing in here have the air suspension? I just picked up a lance trailer and it's about 650 tongue weight. Even with weight distribution it sags the ass end.

Max weight for the F15 X5 is 6000 lbs / 600 lb tongue weight, so ya, 50 lb over + whatever you add uptowards the GVWR is gonna sag that back end. With or without air, you are overloaded. I believe you may be able to find some stiffer springs.

I have rear air and its fantastic. Enjoy towing with it. I put 25 rolls of sod in the other day because I was to lazy to get my trailer, squatted a bunch, but very satisfying watching it rise up and level out after.

Picked up 12 cedar trees the other day as well as dropped off 1500 lbs of dirt. Little cargo worked great. While I do miss my Tundra for the convenience of truck, a trailer has solved that problem 99% of the time.

[scotty339]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Sold my Four Winns this year, pre-order for a Nautique G23 next year

Attachment 265235

Attachment 26436

That Telescoping Flight Control Tower is pretty slick....

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by scotty339

That Telescoping Flight Control Tower is pretty slick....

Didn't order the telescoping tower, just the powered folding flight control tower. The options add up pretty quickly $$$$