Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Wiring Harness For 2016 BMW X5 xDrive 50i W/ M Package

Question:

greetings team, I own a 2016 BMW X5 xDrive 50i with the M Sport package. I believe this hitch is compatible with my X5 but I have a question about wiring. I plan to tow UHauls 6x12 enclosed trailer and their car carrier separate trips, obvs! and then use the setup occasionally to haul a flat bed or similar, simple/small trailers. I would like to get this installation done as economically as possible. Can you please advise me on the bare minimum wiring setup that I need to accomplish the goals I described above? many thanks!

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13077 you were looking at is confirmed to fit your 2016 BMW X5 xDrive 50i and is a great option for towing a trailer due to its 600lbs tongue weight rating and 6000lb trailer weight rating.

U-Haul trailers typically use a surge brake actuator and hydraulic brakes so you shouldn't need a 7-way connector. Now if one of the other trailers does have electric trailer brakes you will need a 7-way connector.

For either option you will need to start with installing a 4-way connector using # 119250KIT.

If you do need a 7-way connector I recommend the # ETBC7L which will plug in to your newly installed 4-way connector and just require you to ground the white wire and extend the black wire to the battery with the included 40 amp circuit breaker. This kit was designed for the Curt Echo Wireless # C51180 which is the trailer brake controller I recommend if your trailer has electric trailer brakes due to it plugging in to your 7-way connector and not requiring any wiring or modification to the interior of your X5.

Lastly to complete your towing setup you will need a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.