Towing a 5000 lb boat/trailer with an X35i?

[dw1986]

I'm new to posting here, but have been lurking for a while. I have a 21.5 foot wakeboard boat that weighs 3500 lbs + trailer, so right around 5k lbs altogether. My wife wants an SUV, but I need to tow.

How well would this work? I'm coming from a 2014 RT Durango with a 5.7L V8, and have no experience with BMW SUVs? I've seen Q7s pull boats like mine no problem, but interested how the 35i would do? I'm not interested in the Diesel and the V8 is more than I'm willing to spend.

Thanks!

[neverdone]

even my 1/2 ton hemi ram pulled 5000 lbs with shitty fuel economy so I wouldn't even bother with the 35i

[Iaro]

Originally Posted by dw1986

I'm new to posting here, but have been lurking for a while. I have a 21.5 foot wakeboard boat that weighs 3500 lbs + trailer, so right around 5k lbs altogether. My wife wants an SUV, but I need to tow.

How well would this work? I'm coming from a 2014 RT Durango with a 5.7L V8, and have no experience with BMW SUVs? I've seen Q7s pull boats like mine no problem, but interested how the 35i would do? I'm not interested in the Diesel and the V8 is more than I'm willing to spend.

Thanks!

Some good info here:

Towing Capacity X5 35i? http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1025679

[dw1986]

Originally Posted by Iaro

Some good info here:

Towing Capacity X5 35i? http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1025679

I know the capacity is over 6000 lbs, but if it will legitimately pull 6k lbs, that's one thing, but it seems a lot of European cars in particular have absurdly high tow ratings compared to American ones. My Dodge is rated for 7400 lbs, but I wouldn't tow more than my 5000-5500 lb boat with it. That SUV has 360 hp and 400 ft-lbs and an 8 Speed.

I guess I'm asking how well it would actually pull something. I know it's rated for a lot. It seems high to me given the fact that it's a 3.0L Turbo with 300 ft lbs. I'm wondering if it will legitimately pull 5k lbs up a hill?

[MN2///M]

I've pulled >5,000 lbs with our X5 with an execuhitch several times. Engine, transmission and standard suspension all handled it very well. At this weight, I have only towed the load for about 10 miles and up to about 50 miles.

I think the biggest challenge is suspension. The 3.5i has plenty of HP and torque to handle the load. Might have some issue on very steep grades, but likely no more than other vehicles. I had a 2000 Durango that could barely pull itself up a grade without overheating. Previous two vehicles I used were GMC Acadias; the BMW does a much better job hands down.

If I was routinely doing it, I would strongly consider the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP); about a $4500 option if I remember and difficult to find on previously owned.

Those who have DHP say they would likely never buy one again without it.

[Iaro]

Originally Posted by dw1986

I know the capacity is over 6000 lbs, but if it will legitimately pull 6k lbs, that's one thing, but it seems a lot of European cars in particular have absurdly high tow ratings compared to American ones. My Dodge is rated for 7400 lbs, but I wouldn't tow more than my 5000-5500 lb boat with it. That SUV has 360 hp and 400 ft-lbs and an 8 Speed.

I guess I'm asking how well it would actually pull something. I know it's rated for a lot. It seems high to me given the fact that it's a 3.0L Turbo with 300 ft lbs. I'm wondering if it will legitimately pull 5k lbs up a hill?

From what I read on forums when I did the same research 35i is perfectly capable. BMW hitch it self is bigger limitation than hp and torque. Just gotta watch your tongue weight.

[bjluczyk]

I have a Moomba Outback V (20') wake boat that is probably pushing 4000 lbs loaded with fuel and toys. Sounds like my boat is a little smaller than yours, but I have no problems at all towing it with my X5 35i. I don't have experience pulling up huge grades, however, I have routinely towed 100 miles each way. I can vouch for the sturdiness of the Invisihitch, as the hitch connection has been rock solid. Gas mileage will suffer, naturally. I typically get around 14 mpg while towing on the interstate, but that will probably happen with any tow vehicle. I wish the side view mirrors were a little bigger on the X5 so that I could get a better view behind me. If anyone has a good solution for that, I'd be interested.

[Live4USMC]

Originally Posted by bjluczyk

I have a Moomba Outback V (20') wake boat that is probably pushing 4000 lbs loaded with fuel and toys. Sounds like my boat is a little smaller than yours, but I have no problems at all towing it with my X5 35i. I don't have experience pulling up huge grades, however, I have routinely towed 100 miles each way. I can vouch for the sturdiness of the Invisihitch, as the hitch connection has been rock solid. Gas mileage will suffer, naturally. I typically get around 14 mpg while towing on the interstate, but that will probably happen with any tow vehicle. I wish the side view mirrors were a little bigger on the X5 so that I could get a better view behind me. If anyone has a good solution for that, I'd be interested.

What wiring harness did you go with?

[Phil Devtec]

Anything can pull. It's stopping that I'm always concerned about.

A while back, I bought my 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2L to tow my boat. To be honest, I have a feeling the my 35d can tow it...we will see in the spring!

[ajshanny]

I have started using my 2017 X5 35i (xdrive) to tow my track car to the track. The car and open trailer weigh about 4300 lbs together and the X5 has handled the weight very well so far. The motor seems to have sufficient power to tow but on hills it does work a bit harder than a diesel would. Fuel mileage has been much better than I expected when towing on the highway. I am using the Invisihitch and it has been great. It is sort of a pain to connect the seven pin plug because it plugs in under the bumper cover so you have to lay on your back on the ground to connect it. The eyes on the hitch for attaching the safety cables are also sort of awkward and too close to the receiver so I have to use heavy duty carabiners to connect the snap hooks on my cables. I have the standard suspension (not self-leveling) and rear sag is not bad with 500 lbs of tongue weight. Braking is not a problem with my trailer, which has electric brakes, and I use a Tekonsha wireless brake controller, though BMW does sell a wired version of a different Tekonsha brake controller that also works with the X5. I also bought the BMW trailer wiring harness and lighting module, and had the X5 programmed to activate the towing features.

[expidia]

Originally Posted by ajshanny

I have started using my 2017 X5 35i (xdrive) to tow my track car to the track. The car and open trailer weigh about 4300 lbs together and the X5 has handled the weight very well so far. The motor seems to have sufficient power to tow but on hills it does work a bit harder than a diesel would. Fuel mileage has been much better than I expected when towing on the highway. I am using the Invisihitch and it has been great. It is sort of a pain to connect the seven pin plug because it plugs in under the bumper cover so you have to lay on your back on the ground to connect it. The eyes on the hitch for attaching the safety cables are also sort of awkward and too close to the receiver so I have to use heavy duty carabiners to connect the snap hooks on my cables. I have the standard suspension (not self-leveling) and rear sag is not bad with 500 lbs of tongue weight. Braking is not a problem with my trailer, which has electric brakes, and I use a Tekonsha wireless brake controller, though BMW does sell a wired version of a different Tekonsha brake controller that also wor ks with the X5. I also bought the BMW trailer wiring harness and lighting module, and had the X5 programmed to activate the towing features.

To each his own, but you don't have to lay on your back to plug in the 7 pin connector with an invisihitch. I tow my boat every weekend and I don't even let a knee touch the ground. I can either crouch down like a catchers stance or just lean over a little with my left hand on my bumper and the connector in my right hand. The trick is the male connector from the trailer side has a vertical keyway (as does inside the female socket. Position the keyway in your hand towards the front, but extend a finger in same hand to press the spring loaded cover open enough to start the male end into the female socket. Takes a few times for practice, but the only time I've ever been on my back was when I installed this hitch myself.

I also use a finger to first to locate the safety chain loop while holding the hook in same hand and my left hand on top of bumper and leaning 1/2 over hook it through the loop.

The carabiners I'm sure make it easier for you, but since they sway on the loop that might make it harder than the stationary safety chain loops which are built onto the unit. I try and eliminate more things that can rattle.

It is an amazingly solidly built hitch. The Uhaul hitch I had on my last SUV was awful. The trailer on that hitch made so much noise. I leave mine on all summer as I like the protection it affords my bumper. Just took it off for the winter and love how invisible it is. $1,050, installed myself and well worth the money, and they code it for free byOkee from "codemycar.com" who does it by remote laptop and as an added bonus invisihitch (Steve in Atlanta) gives you a list of dozens of X5 features that Okee codes in for free at the same time he does the hitch. Now my key fob folds in my mirror when I press the BMW logo. If i hold down the unlock button all the windows and the sunroof open. He did about 10 coding features for my X5.

OR maybe you are just built like my relatives who I know to have "short arms" . . . I know this because whenever a dinner check comes, they can't seem to get their "short arms" down into their pockets to ever pay for a check :

[Kzang]

I'm not experienced in towing.. actually Have zero experiences.
But wouldn't the weight of the vehicle that is doing the towing would also need to be considered?

[expidia]

Originally Posted by Kzang

I'm not experienced in towing.. actually Have zero experiences.
But wouldn't the weight of the vehicle that is doing the towing would also need to be considered?

Its like another poster has said . . . its not the "towing" . . . its the stopping that makes towing big rigs with small SUV's so dangerous.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by expidia

Its like another poster has said . . . its not the "towing" . . . its the stopping that makes towing big rigs with small SUV's so dangerous.

X5 is rated to tow 6k lbs. Boat trailer has brakes that are sufficient for the weight on the trailer.

If you use the factory electronics/wiring/towing coding, it's super stable (well, my E53 was). Coding uses the DSC to stop trailer sway should you be unfortunate enough to have that happen to you, plus it stops the parking sensors from going off when you plug into the electrical connector.

I've towed a trailer that weighed more than my tow vehicle (as does every big rig on the road, fwiw). As long as you're within the conservative rating BMW puts on the vehicle for load and tongue weight, you'll be fine. Adjust your speed/stopping distances/turning radii.

[SueWilliams]

Firstly you can check the weight capacity given by the company to decide whether you can tow it. If the weight capacity allows, you can tow a vehicle following the instruction given by the company. But it is better choosing an auto transport company to transport your vehicle which will be more safe and avoid the risk of accidents and damage as you are going with family. There are many auto transport companies like We Will Transport It who transport your vehicle safely in fair prices to the destination.

[StevenRoque]

Even you can look for a number of other websites of transportation company by surfing online.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by StevenRoque

Even you can look for a number of other websites of transportation company by surfing online.

?

[M302_imola]

Looks like it's rated to pull that but I'd worry about the tranny. My buddy has a 21' Axis that he pulled behind his Tacoma but after a season of towing it the tranny went out. He's since upgraded to a Tundra. Of course the X5 35i has more HP and torque but again not sure how the tranny will hold up over time. Does the xdrive have more towing capacity then sdrive?

BTW, what kind of wakeboard boat did you get?

[Arjestyle@gmail.com]

so am i coorect though the numbers that people are stating in the 6000lbs is only with a trailer that has brakes? If the trailer does not have brakes the towing capacity of my 35i is greatly reduced to about 1700lbs?

[blue dragon]

Disc brakes on all 4 wheels. Towed this with E70 35d for 10 years. Have not done much towing with the F15

[Drlu23]

Has anyone tried to reinforce the hitch so that the tongue weight for the hitch is increased?

My biggest concern is not the towing capability of the X5, but rather the hitch tongue weight rating. I have only found one hitch with a tongue weight rating higher than 600 pounds.

I am trying to find a happy medium in getting a travel tailer with bunks that don't exceed the tongue weight with a sway control device attached.

[jeffrey101]

I have a 50i and I forget it's back there.