Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2016 BMW X1

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 BMW X1 F48. It has a Curt #13303 class 3 trailer hitch which I currently use only with a bike rack. My X1 also has BMWs 8SL trailer hitch prewiring installed. Recently my wife and I ordered an RV NuCamp T@B 400 which uses a 7-pole connector and electric brakes. Towing a trailer is all new to me. Can you please recommend the following? 1 Trailer wiring harness preferably zero-contact 7-pole 2 Brake controller 3 Weight distribution hitch / sway control Is there any wiring system that works directly with the BMW 8SL trailer hitch prewiring? Thanks very much for any advice.

asked by: Justin M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The BMW 8SL harness gives you a wiring harness that fits the vehicle, but it does not come with the actual trailer connector and it still requires a visit to the BMW dealer to have it reprogrammed to activate it.

We don't have a way to integrate into that system but we do have another option.

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # 119250KIT which is a confirmed fit does not require any hardwiring into your vehicle to install. I attached a video that shows a hardwired kit getting installed in a similar 2017 X1 which will show you which wires to use when installing the zero contact kit.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

For a 70 lb E-bike with fat tires we really only have one option that will work well. That's the Hollywood Racks #HLY84FR that has a weight capacity of 80 lbs per bike and can accommodate tire widths of up to 5 inches. It can also carry up to two…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

Hey George, thanks for reaching out! As long as you aren't towing more than the 3,400 lbs I recommend using the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT82GR for your 2023 Volvo XC60 because of the completely removable hitch receiver…

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Answer 4

Hey Kris, thanks for reaching out! You'll already have a good idea of how to adjust the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195, but it would be good to do a bit of a test run once your trailer is loaded just to make sure the brakes are operating safely and…

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Answer 5

There are a number of factors involved when converting a semi 7-way to an RV 7-way. Semis generally use a 7-pin round pin socket, similar to #PK11720. And RV style 7-way uses blades, like #PK12706. We do not offer any pre-made adapters to make this…

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Answer 6

You do have the option to utilize the air brakes on your 2023 Freightliner Cascadia to control electric trailer brakes using the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller, part #HA100400C. However, we mostly recommend just using an electric brake…

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Answer 7

It sounds as though there is a short or something is mis-wired. Using a circuit tester, like the #PTW2993, check the connection points in the vehicle side connector, to see if there is constant power on the running light circuit (brown wire on the…

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Answer 8

To add a hitch to your 2024 Honda Pilot, I recommend the etrailer item #e27KR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Honda with included hardware. I really like the etrailer hitch item #e27KR because it installs behind your rear bumper cover and…

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Answer 9

With The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Kit #C56190KIT having zero output to the right side turn/brake lights it sounds like you have a bad ground. Make sure the ground is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. You should also…

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Answer 10

The wiring of the Replacement Solenoid Valve #T4748800 is ran to the reverse light circuit of the trailer's wiring connector. Basically one wire will get run to the reverse light circuit and the other wire will get grounded on the trailer frame.…

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Answer 11

You will still be able to use the trailer with the 4-Way after installing the 4 to 5-Way adapter, #20036. First, you could just remove the adapter if you wanted to and then plug in the 4-Way like normal while stowing the adapter in the truck. The…

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Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2016 BMW X1

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