Recommended Trailer Hitch, Brake Controller, And Wiring For 2015 BMW X5  

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Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2015 X5 is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75600. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening.

Since you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

There are a couple items you will need to wire your BMW for trailer brakes on your trailer. You will obviously need the wiring, but you will also need a brake controller. I'll start with the wiring first.

I recommend the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 119250KIT. Since this kit requires hard-wiring the harness, it includes a circuit tester to help identify the wires you need to use. I have also attached a link to an installation video for this kit you can check out. This kit will give you a 4-way connector at the rear of your BMW.

Next, you will need to install part # ETBC7. This connects to the 4-way harness at the rear of your vehicle. You will need additional wire, part # 10-2-1. This is jacketed 10 gauge wire that is sold by the foot.

Attach the white wire at the back of the ETBC7 to the white wire in the 10-2-1 and attach the black wire to the black wire in the 10-2-1. Then run the 10-2-1 under the vehicle to the front of the vehicle and attach the white to the negative terminal on the battery and the black to the positive terminal on the battery. Be sure to avoid exhaust or any moving parts under the vehicle when running the wire.

Because of the complex wiring on your BMW, the brake controller I recommend is the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller, part # TK94FR. I have attached a link to an installation video for this brake controller you may want to take a look at.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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