Brake Controller Recommendation for 2015 BMW X5

Question

Question:

Ok, so I think I’ve decided to go with the draw-tite hitch and use the oem wiring so the electronics will work. Can you tell me what hitch to buy, what ball mounts to buy for towing a 18’ travel trailer and any other accessories? Also, what brake controller do you recommend? I believe there is one that plugs into the BMW module but also lots of wireless options. 2015 bmw x5 f15, sdrive 35i

asked by: Bill K

0

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Class III hitch part # 75600 for the 2015 BMW X5 is a great option as long as the X5 doesn't have the M performance add on. The Draw-Tite hitch provides about 13-1/2 inches from the top of the receiver tube to the ground for ground clearance. To figure out the proper amount of rise or drop needed in a ball mount to tow the trailer level, you will need to measure from the bottom of the coupler on your trailer to the ground. The difference between the 13-1/2" and your measurement is the amount of rise or drop that you will need to tow level. I have attached a link to the Class III 2" ball mounts available. I have also attached a helpful article on figuring out rise/drop and an installation video of the hitch for your reference.

It sounds like you have an OEM 7-way plug on your BMW for trailer brakes. I recommend to use the Curt Echo part # C51180 because it is the easiest installation option available. The Curt Echo only requires a 7-way plug with an active power wire to the vehicle's battery for operation. You can control the brake settings via your smart phone with an app.

expert reply by: Heather A

0

Answer 1

Since the Draw-Tite trailer hitch part #75600 is a concealed cross tube design there is not a bracket that is designed to install on the cross tube that is long enough to clear the bumper on the 2017 BMW X5. The cross tube sits too high up once the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

I would be happy to help you set up your 2013 BMW X5 35i to tow your trailers. Lets start with a hitch that will reach your X5's full capacity. I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver item #75600. This hitch is custom fit and…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You will need to remove a few screws and fasteners to remove a section of the rear fascia to install the Draw-Tite Hitch #75600, and you will need to trim a section out of the rear fascia. Check out the pictures that I attached that show the areas…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #75600 for your 2018 BMW X5 does not have a designated mounting location for your 4-way trailer connector. So, for the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer hitch, #75600, will fit on your 2013 BMW X5 as long as it is not the M model and the installation will be the same as the 2011 X5. The 2011 X5 is the same generation as the 2013 X5 so the vehicles are very…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Draw-Tite #75600 and Curt #13077 are the confirmed hitch fits for your 2015 BMW X5 so long as it is not the M model; for that model we have no hitch. Both of these hitch items are fairly involved installations as hitches go; you can refer to the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #75600 which is a fit for a 2015 BMW X5 actually comes with the poly rivets that you'll need to use to reattach the fender trim. If you need the tool as well, we do carry one you can use for…

view full answer...

Answer 8

You are correct, I checked the instructions and the revision currently provided with the hitch, part #75600, were done in 2008. I spoke with my technical contact at Draw-Tite and he said that his engineering department now has some directions photos…

view full answer...

Answer 9

There are two available trailer hitch options for a 2011 BMW X5, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #75600 and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #13077. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver but they are admittingly very…

view full answer...

Answer 10

To tow with your 2011 BMW X5 you are correct that you will need a trailer hitch receiver, a 4-way flat, 7-way and brake controller. Let's start with the trailer hitch and for that the best option for your 2011 X5 is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch…

view full answer...

Answer 11

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…

view full answer...

Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...