Recommended Hitch, Wiring Harness, and Brake Controller for a 2013 BMW X5 35i

Question

Question:

Hi I would like to get a list of all of the needed parts that I would need for my BMW X5 35i to Be able to tow the 6000 pound capacity that the vehicle is rated for. The trailers that I have also have brakes so I would need the seven pin connector and I would also need the brake controller. Thank you in advance

asked by: Joseph C

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Expert Reply:

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 bolts directly to your BMW with included hardware.

You're limited in options to have a hitch with a 6,000 lbs capacity but the reason I selected this hitch is because it has a subtle installation profile. The main crosstube is hidden behind the rear bumper leaving only the 2" x 2" receiver exposed. We had a 2013 in our shop not long ago and I have attached a picture and a video below that will show what the final product looks like and the installation steps.

To add a 7-way to your BMW you will need two separate wiring harnesses as there isn't a single part that will provide a 7-way. The first is the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit item # 119250KIT. This kit clamps to your tail light powers to power a 4-flat connector. It does not require cutting or splicing. I have added an installation video below.

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

To control your trailer's brakes you will also need a brake controller. I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. The Tow-Pro Liberty has a unique installation method where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only visible part is the control knob. To complete the installation you will also need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR.

To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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BMW X5 Hitch
(click to enlarge)

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…

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Answer 2

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…

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Answer 3

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/…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

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…

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Answer 6

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…

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Answer 7

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…

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Answer 8

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…

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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…

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Answer 10

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…

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Answer 11

If you look at the photo I provided, you can see the relevant dimensions. If you can measure 5/8 inches above the top of your receiver opening and 6-3/4 inches to the left of the inside of the receiver opening without obstruction, the Easy Mount…

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Answer 12

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…

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