Recommend Hitch, Wiring Harness, and Brake Controller for a 2002 BMW X5 3.0 Towing Airstream Trailer

Question:

Im needing to get my 2002 BMW X5 3.0 set up to pull a 1978 or possible 1981 31foot Airstream. I believe I will need all the following but want to make sure the wiring harness and brake controller will work with my vehicle before purchasing. Curt Trailer Hitch Code: C13162 Curt Wiring Code: C59236 Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller Code: 90885

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

In order to make sure that safety requirements are met, you would need to confirm the maximum towing limits for your 2002 BMW X5 3.0. This can be done by locating towing information in your owner's manual or by contacting a BMW dealer and providing them with your VIN. This will be the maximum load that you can safely tow with your vehicle. Just a reminder, you will want to follow the weight limitations of the component with the lowest rating. You can also locate the GCWR on the interior of your driver's door. The gross combined weight rating is the maximum weight allowed for the tow vehicle, trailer, and all contents combined. The best way to figure your maximum tow weight is as follows:

Gross Combined Weight Rating (Maximum Weight Allowed for your Vehicle) - The Gross Vehicle Weight (Vehicle + Passengers + Contents) = The Maximum Gross Tow Weight (Trailer + Contents)

According to the information that I came up with for a 2002 X5, the maximum towing capacity is 5000 lbs. I do recommend that you confirm that this is correct for your vehicle. If this is the case, I would be very cautious when purchasing one of the Airstream trailers that you mentioned. I have obtained some generic information for the 1978 and 1981 31 ft Airstream Trailers and some of the models weigh 5550 lbs which would be well over your maximum towing capacity. Keep in mind that when shopping for a trailer, the weight listed is typically the weight of the trailer when it is totally empty. Anything that you load in the trailer will add to that weight and needs to be considered. Choosing a lighter trailer is advisable so you don't risk going over the maximum weight capacity.

The following parts are recommended for your 2002 BMW when towing a trailer with brakes.

Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver, 2 Inch, # C13162, bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required.

Vehicle Wiring Harness with Install Kit, # C59236, contains everything to add a 4-way connection to your vehicle.

Adapter, # 37185, Circuit Breaker, # PK54540, and Black Wire (25ft to be safe), # 12-1-1. These parts are needed to convert the 4 pole to a 7 pole which is needed for the brake controller.

Due to BMW's complex electrical system, provisions have not been made for the installation of an electric brake controller on X5. Instead, the use of the Tekonsha Brake Controller, # 90250, which mounts to your trailer's frame and operates via radio frequency, would be the way to go.

I am including a couple videos and a diagram that may be of help to you.