Parts Needed to Add Trailer Hitch, Wiring Harness and Brake Controller to 2011 BMW X5
Question:
Hi Kyle, thanks for the info. My camper only has a 7 way plug, so can I do without the 4way flat package? Do you guys offer anything that is plug and play instead of all the wiring splicing? Bmw’s do not take well to aftermarket brake controllers either. I see a lot of people having electrical troubles after these units are spliced in. What are you hearing from your bmw customers? The reviews aren’t good online. The hitch has good reviews but the the brake controller does not. And a lot of people that have a universal trailer wiring kit are seeing electrical issues in their bmw’s. Thanks
asked by: Matt M
Expert Reply:
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 Receiver # 75600.
Next you will need a 4-way wiring harness, the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236. You will also need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will give you a 7-way connector, circuit breakers and the rest of the hardware needed to install a brake controller in your BMW.
For the brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 because it is a proportional controller that gives you smooth braking, is easy to use and has a bright display.
I have added links to video reviews for you to check out, as well as links to installation videos that you may find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Matt M.
6/11/2020
Hi Kyle, thanks for the info. My camper only has a 7 way plug, so can I do without the 4way flat package? Do you guys offer anything that is plug and play instead of all the wiring splicing? Bmw’s do not take well to aftermarket brake controllers either. I see a lot of people having electrical troubles after these units are spliced in. What are you hearing from your bmw customers? The reviews aren’t good online. The hitch has good reviews but the the brake controller does not. And a lot of people that have a universal trailer wiring kit are seeing electrical issues in their bmw’s. Thanks