Trailer Hitch, Wiring & Brake Controller for 2012 BMW X5
Question:
Hello - I have a 2012 BMW X5d. What would you recommend for a trailer and wiring harness? I dont plan on towing anything major, perhaps the 19ft Airstream and tow another car every now and again. Is the installation very difficult? Thank you.
asked by: Jon C
Expert Reply:
Both of the 2-inch Class III hitches we have for your 2012 BMW X5, Draw-Tite # 75600 and Curt # 13077, are fairly involved installations as hitches go. The linked video illustrates the installation of the Draw-Tite hitch on a 2012 X5. This hitch is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 6000-lbs but you will want to check your BMW owner's manual to confirm the towing capacity for your particular X5d as equipped from the factory. Engine and transmission options can affect a vehicle's towing capacity and if the vehicle and hitch are rated for different capacities then the lower-rated item determines overall towing capacity.
For a 4-pole wiring harness you can use Tekonsha kit # 119250KIT. This harness is a no-splice option. It requires no cutting into the car's wiring and it can be removed and re-installed in almost any vehicle should that need arise. Ferrite sensors in the snap-on clamps detect signals in the vehicle wires; this avoids the need to cut into them.
This 4-pole harness will provide trailer lighting functions but if you intend to tow a trailer with brakes, and/or pull another vehicle on a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1, you will need a 7-way trailer socket and a brake controller, the Curt Echo # C51180. To convert a 4-pole harness to the required 7-way type you will also need our 7-way kit # ETBC7L.
Products Referenced in This Question
ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4250 lbs
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12L Foot
- Powder Coated Steel
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 BMW X5
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Amber Lens
- Shop: LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - Driver and Passenger Side - 25' Wire Harness
- Shop: Thinline LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Bracket - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Amber Lens
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: fender
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
on Trailer Hitch
