2015 BMW X1 Hitch and Wiring for Towing a Pop Up Trailer

Question:

Hey! I know what hitch to buy for the X1, but am wondering what you would recommend for a ball mount and wiring. Because the X1 sits low to the ground do you think Ill need a ball mount that has a rise to it? Also, this will be my first pop up so Im not sure if pop ups all use the same wiring connector or if it is different for certain models. Any direction on that would be really helpful! Thanks

asked by: Brian G

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite part # 75761 is a good choice because it does offer the most tongue weight capacity of the options available for the BMW. However, you do want to check the owner's manual for how much weight the 2015 BMW X1 is actually rated to tow. You do not want to exceed the weight capacity of the vehicle itself. I have attached an installation video on a 2015 BMW X1.

I recommend Tekonsha ZCI 4-pole flat installation kit part # 119250KIT for the wiring because it is an easier installation compared to the other hardwired connectors. Most vehicles have custom fit wiring harnesses available for their vehicle that plug into the tail light wiring harness. The BMW does not have a custom fit option available but the Tekonsha ZCI is the only wiring harness available that does not splice into the BMW'S factory wiring. The sensors of the ZCI wiring harness clamp onto the vehicle's tail light wiring to detect current and avoids the hassle of cutting into the wiring. The ZCI does include a power wire that needs to be run to the vehicle's battery. Powering the connector from the vehicle's battery, instead of drawing power from the BMW's electrical system avoids overloading and damaging the vehicle's wiring. I have attached an installation video of the ZCI on a 2013 BMW X1.

Since the BMW sits lower to the ground you are most likely going to need a ball mount with a rise to tow level with your trailer. To figure out the rise needed, measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the trailer. Then measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the Draw-Tite hitch. Subtract the hitch height number from the coupler height number. The answer is the amount of rise you need in a ball mount.

expert reply by: Heather A