Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2011 BMW X5 That Requires Minimal Trimming

Question:

Hi, Which hitch manufacturer has a hitch for the 2011 BMW X5 in which the bumper has no cutting or very less trimming required to install the it? Thank you!

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

There are three trailer hitches available for your 2011 BMW X5. The only installation differences that you will run into will be with the Curt hitch. Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch are sister companies and their hitches are identical.

We have not had the chance to install the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, # 13077, on a 2011 BMW X5 yet, but based on the design of the hitch, I would assume the Curt hitch would require the least amount of trimming. The Curt hitch only has a 2-1/2 inch wide section extending down from the main crosstube, so you should only have to trim that amount out of the fascia. Curt does not specify where or how to cut the fascia. They simply say to trim the fascia to fit around the hitch.

We have installed the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75600, which is identical to the Hidden Hitch, # 87455 (no longer available). Draw-Tite requires a 2 inch x 8 inch section to be cut out on the underside of the bumper fascia that is not visible. The installation instructions specify where and how to cut the fascia. I attached our installation video for you to check out. I have also attached the installation instructions for each of the trailer hitches.

I can tell you that the trimming for each of these hitches is done on the underside of the bumper fascia which should not be visible once the hitch is installed.

expert reply by: John H