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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    UTC-5:00
    Posts
    568
    My Cars
    X5, R90/6

    Towing 5,000lb boat with X5?

    Need to update my profile. I no longer have that X5. Thinking about trading in my current vehicle for a new (maybe 2018 new on lot or 2019) X5. Does anyone tow with their X5? Would be a sailboat with keel so in addition to weight, windage would be a huge factor. X5 has roughly same wheelbase (I believe) as small Yukon or Escalade. I believe finding a longer wheelbase SUV means Suburban/Yukon XL/big Escalade or maybe an X7 or the new Q7 (not really interested in either of those). Also maybe LWB Range but that seems stupid expensive for a tow vehicle. Only other logical alternative would be F150/250 pickup but not really looking to buy a vehicle only for towing.


    This would probably be on the order of magnitude of an enclosed race car trailer or maybe an open trailer with a couple tire racks up front. Pretty big, very heavy, lots of windage, dual axle, electric (or maybe hydraulic surge) brakes. I'm very comfortable pulling a trailer long distances. Just don't want to get pushed around on the highway, a little concerned about the shorter wheelbase and also don't want to destroy an X5 if it really isn't made to tow.


    Thanks for feedback. Happy to post this over in a racing/auto-x section too if that would get better feedback.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    31,073
    My Cars
    2004 330 vert 2004 X5
    I have a 25 foot Catalina keel boat. It weighs 3000 and the trailer is probably 500-750. If yours is 5000 it must be a pretty big boat. I towed mine 2 hours to my house then 2 hours to the marina 2 weeks later .my 3500lbs was a piece of cake and my trailer has a single axel. If you've got twin axles you'll be fine . I was on interstate on both trips .I averaged 60mph, I probably could've done more

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    No

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    UTC-5:00
    Posts
    568
    My Cars
    X5, R90/6
    What does "no" mean? Boat is on single axle trailer. I'm worried about short wheelbase and wind resistance. Don't want to destroy a new X5 but also don't want a 'Burban or pick-em-up truck. Thanks.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    13
    My Cars
    2009 X5 35d
    I often tow a 24 foot pontoon that is close to 5k and an enclosed cargo trailer. My mileage drops to 14-16 mpg with no real loss in power or stability.

    09 X5 35d

    BMW and Boat.jpg

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Minneapolis
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    2000 Z3 2.3 & 14 allroad
    I towed a 6k pound 24 foot boat tandem axel with mine, no problem! The limit for my 2011 was 6700, I think and I believe the new one has a similar rating. i would strongly suggest the diesel if you can find one. The torque is super helpful, and the fuel mileage is unbelievable. I was getting around 25 without the trailer, and 16 to 18 with the trailer, which is superb compared to anything else I've towed with.

    I agree that I worried about the wheelbase when I first got it. It wasn't a big issue, not any more than any other vehicle. But, the maneuverability is excellent with the short wheelbase. It makes backing the trailer much easier. You'll be surprised how much easier it is to maneuver than something like a Q7 (which I also owned) or a Suburban kind of thing (yep, had one of those too).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    I had a customer call me and said I bought this brand new boat. He asked if it could be towed by his x5 e53 I think. We looked up the model of the boat and his gross vehicle weight and towing capacity and if would have been unsafe. Plus the short wheelbase was not good. The guy I work with tows his bare foot boat with chevy Tahoe. He also commented the boat would be driving the x5, because of the wheel base. Plus his chevy never breaks down

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    31,073
    My Cars
    2004 330 vert 2004 X5
    This is a pretty good article on the subject

    https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-ne...-ar181425.html

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    UTC-5:00
    Posts
    568
    My Cars
    X5, R90/6
    Quote Originally Posted by flyfishvt View Post
    This is a pretty good article on the subject

    https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-ne...-ar181425.html
    Thanks. I understand weight and wheelbase. Probably why something like a little older LR4 (weight) would be a better choice within that shorter wheelbase range.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    704
    My Cars
    Spec3 & MCoupe
    I use a 2015 X5 diesel to tow my E36 racecar (3,000 lbs, loaded with tools etc.) on an open 16ft steel trailer with tire rack. Not sure how much the trailer weighs but it's probably about 1,900 lbs. with the extra wheels and tires. I usually cruise at 75mph with no problem.

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