Towing with the 50i....

[IFlyEm]

Hey guys,

I am looking to order a trailer and would like some input. I am installing an invisihitch and need a trailer to haul my r/c planes around in. I am torn between a 6x12 or a 7x12 single axle trailer enclosed. Trailer is bulky but not heavy, gross weight of the trailer will probably be 2000 - 2500 lbs.

My main questions are:
1. Does anyone have any experience towing with the 50i? General impressions?

2. What MPG did you get?

3. How's the visibility with a 6' trailer? How about 7'?

4. If I end up with a tandem axle is the F15 wired for a trailer brake?

5. Are the interior lights hot wired or does the vehicle have to be on for them to work?


Thanks in advance!

Here are a couple pics of an example of what I want to pull.

[masc2279]

Originally Posted by IFlyEm

Hey guys,

I am looking to order a trailer and would like some input. I am installing an invisihitch and need a trailer to haul my r/c planes around in. I am torn between a 6x12 or a 7x12 single axle trailer enclosed. Trailer is bulky but not heavy, gross weight of the trailer will probably be 2000 - 2500 lbs.

My main questions are:
1. Does anyone have any experience towing with the 50i? General impressions?

2. What MPG did you get?

3. How's the visibility with a 6' trailer? How about 7'?

4. If I end up with a tandem axle is the F15 wired for a trailer brake?

5. Are the interior lights hot wired or does the vehicle have to be on for them to work?


Thanks in advance!

Here are a couple pics of an example of what I want to pull.

My main questions are:
1. Does anyone have any experience towing with the 50i? General impressions?
Cant comment on the 50i but 35i will tow that and more like there is nothing behind it. I tow my boat my trailers with 4Wheelers and a small camper. No issues what so ever.

2. What MPG did you get?
35i Gets 12-15 MPG towing depending on what i am towing

3. How's the visibility with a 6' trailer? How about 7'?
I have seen no issues with visibility using my X6 and you will have more visibility than i do in a X5.

4. If I end up with a tandem axle is the F15 wired for a trailer brake?
I had the dealer wire up a break controller. This is not default and is a separate item just like most vehicles.

5. Are the interior lights hot wired or does the vehicle have to be on for them to work?
Vehicle Lights ? Are you talking about running lights ? They are on if your cars lights are on. Are you talking about interior lights in the trailer ? All depends on how thats wired.

[bjcarls]

I tow a 24ft featherlite (a serious trailer) with a 99 M3 track car + track stuff. Max rated weight on the tongue and total weight.
I use an electronic brake controller.
https://www.etrailer.com/bc-2012_BMW_X5.htm
The car struggles (shifts a lot) above 60mph but manages for the short time I'm on the freeway. I get 12-13mpg, visibility sucks without extended mirrors. Dealer installed the BMW approved hitch. 6-7 wide should not be a problem, don't buy a steel trailer.

[spike5150]

I tow a 6x12 single axle for exact same reason as you. The 50i tows it like not even there. Gas mileage - 10 mpg maybe (haven't calculated it, but that's what dash says while towing at highway speed). Visibility is fine with 6'. Previously towed same trailer with 2012 35i and there is a huge difference in power.

[ajob]

I towed a lot with a E70 50i, now towing the same trailer with a F85, both outstanding tow cars. More info here:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1167155

Happy flying!

[IFlyEm]

Originally Posted by ajob

I towed a lot with a E70 50i, now towing the same trailer with a F85, both outstanding tow cars. More info here:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1167155

Happy flying!

Beautiful bird!

This is what I am hauling around:

[IFlyEm]

Ok I am about to order a trailer. I decided on a 7x12 enclosed. I really need the 7x12 for what I am carrying. I am pretty sure Iam going to need some towing mirriors to see. I see there where OEM mirrors or the E70 but can't find anything for the F15. What are you guys using? I don't mind universal but I don't want anything thats going to markup or damage the current mirrors.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[borderm3]

2011 X5 xdrive50i (N63) 10.5 mpg average from FL to PA.

8.5x16 enclosed trailer. Packed to the brim inside. Three big tool boxes, cherry picker, hydraulic press, jacks, entire 4 bed 3 bath home.

I have no idea how much the trailer weighs, I didn't want to know.

Chris