What Does GTW and TW Mean and What is Weight Distribution, 2008 BMW X5

Question

Question:

I have a 2008 BMW X5 4.3. Looking for a hitch to pull a boat with surge breaks and a snowmobile trailer with no brakes. Can you explain the difference between the following? TW/GTW? Weight distribution? Maximum gross trailer weight: 6,000 lbs Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 6,000 lbs Maximum tongue weight: 600 lbs Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 600 lbs

asked by: Rich

0

Expert Reply:

I can certainly help you out. The TW is the tongue weight. This is the weight of the trailer at the coupler that attaches to the ball mount on the trailer hitch. It should be 10 to 15 percent of the GTW or gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer.

Weight distribution is a system that installs on the trailer frame and the trailer couples to a special shank on the trailer hitch. The spring bars that come with a weight distribution system take some of the weight of the trailer and distribute it equally among all the axles of the towing vehicle and trailer. As a result, some vehicles can tow more weight when using weight distribution and there will be less sag at the connection point of the vehicle and trailer. Weight distribution should be used if the gross trailer weight is 50 percent or more of the gross vehicle weight. I have included a link below to our weight distribution FAQ article.

In the case of your 2008 BMW X5, you will not be able to tow more using weight distribution but it will still help with vehicle sag. And, if used with sway control, trailer sway will be reduced, so there are still benefits to using a weight distribution system.

For your BMW X5, I recommend Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, # 75600, that you have referenced. I have included a link to the installation details below. To complete your towing set up, you will need the recommended ball mount, # C45010, for use with ball # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), # 19247 (2 inch diameter), or # 63847 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For trailer wiring, you can use ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT. I have included a link to the installation details below.

If you decide to go with a weight distribution and sway control system, you will need to use one that uses friction style sway control as it is the only type compatible with surge brakes. You would need to go with the tongue weight of each trailer and then choose a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses that tongue weight. For a 500 to 1000 pound tongue weight, you could use Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution and Sway Control System, # RP66559.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

The Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame #75742 that you referenced is the strongest trailer hitch available for your 2014 Honda CR-V so it is the best all-around option whether your CR-V is a 2WD or an AWD. The only other option that would be worth…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The Draw-Tite #76271 and our etrailer #e83ZR trailer hitch receivers do have a fairly similar construction. While the Draw-Tite is listed at a higher towing and tongue weight capacity these numbers do not mean a lot since both are rated for more…

view full answer...

Answer 3

I recommend the Curt Easy Mount Bracket #C58000 on the end of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #13077. This is going to be a solid mount and will handle the weight of the connector and the 7-way harness when they are connected. Using a Mighty Cord…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I am attaching a picture from the instructions for the Draw-Tite #75600 for you to reference when removing the rear bumper fascia on your 2018 BMW X5. You will need to remove some pop rivets, fascia screws, reflectors, screws behind the reflectors,…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #75600 is going to be our closest receiver which meets your requirements on your 2014 BMW X5 35i. The Curt #13077, Draw-Tite #DT36GR (76903), and EcoHitch #EH44FR (X7403) all require the removal of the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

We do have some options for parts, but there will be no direct replacements since this rack is no longer made. For your Thule model 515-0109 bike rack, the best options for replacement straps are the #05002200000 or the #853-2569. For the cradles,…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite item #DT36GR is only listed as fitting the standard model of the 2010 BMW X5 because of the rear fascia and trim added to the rear of the M models. You would have to make significant cuts in your rear bumper area to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The Curt #13077 and Draw-Tite #75600 are both at a weight rating where it could be considered a class III or IV. A class III is rated up to 6,000lbs with up to 600lbs of tongue weight. While a class IV is rated higher there is not a specific number…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7221 that fits your 2018 Nissan Leaf requires the trimming of a 6-1/4" x 5-1/2" section of your fascia. I have added a photo from the installation manual which shows exactly what…

view full answer...

What Does GTW and TW Mean and What is Weight Distribution, 2008 BMW X5

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching