Recommended Trailer Towing Setup for 2018 BMW X5

Question:

We have the 2018 X5 base model (not M one). We are going to tow an ultralight tear trailer that does not have brakes. We need the hitch, the flat kind of wiring and the other basic items. Can you give us a list of your best recommendations?

asked by: Connor

Expert Reply:

The hitch I recommend for your 2018 BMW X5 is the USA-made Curt Class III model # 13077. I like this hitch because it offers the highest available weight rating of 600-lbs tongue weight and 6000-lbs towing weight. A small ultra-light teardrop trailer will be well within the X5's maximum towing capacity of 5952-lbs. I linked both the written instructions and an install video to show you the process. All required hitch hardware is included.

For a 4-pole flat type wiring harness to power the tear's lights I suggest the ZCI harness # 119250KIT because it will not require any cutting or splicing of the X5's factory wiring. The harness literally snaps into place on the car's wiring and its sensors will detect the signals and provide those to the trailer. You can easily remove this harness to install it on another vehicle in the future.

For a ball mount and hitch ball kit I suggest the etrailer item # 989900 which includes two ball mounts, two hitch balls and a pin with clip, all together in a handy tote bag. To finish off your towing setup a pair of towing mirrors like # KS3990 from K-Source will give you a wider field of view behind your X5. These universal-fit mirrors simply clamp on to your factory mirrors.

expert reply by: Adam R