Recommended Class III Hitch and Wiring for 2017 BMW X3

Question:

Hi, I recently bought a boat and need to purchase a class three hitch and wiring for towing. My vehicle is a 2017 BMW X3 xdrive2.8l…can you recommend a hitch and wiring kit to accommodate a 7 way plug this was suggested by the dealer who I bought the boat from the trailer is a dual axel shorelander that will be towing an aluminum boat with a combined boat, motor trailer, fuel weight of 2900 pounds

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

For a complete setup to tow your ShoreLand'r boat trailer with your 2017 BMW X3 I recommend the following parts:

-etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e78AR

-Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236

-Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7

-etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900

The etrailer hitch # e78AR is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a maximum gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs which is more than enough for your application. It also features a matte black powder coat finish which gives it an OEM look. This has a concealed cross tube so only the receiver will be visible at the back of the vehicle. If you don't want to see the hitch when you aren't towing then I would get the EcoHitch Stealth # 306-X7275 instead.

For wiring, you will start by installing the # C59236 which will give you a 4-way. From there, you will upgrade to the 7-way using the # ETBC7. Since you need a 7-way it sounds like you also have brakes on your trailer. If that is the case, you will also need a brake controller like the # RED52VR. This brake controller mounts out of sight with only the knob visible in the cab of your vehicle. The knob controls the braking power and acts as the manual override.

Lastly you have the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900. This kit has two ball mounts, one with a 3/4" rise or 2" drop and the other with a 2-3/4" rise or 4" drop. It also comes with a 1-7/8" and 2" ball, as well as a ball mount bag to store everything in.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.