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.
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
Bleed your cooling system http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1709482The ULTIMATE OEM Alarm/Keyless thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1792200
No
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.
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
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).
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
This is a pretty good article on the subject
https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-ne...-ar181425.html
Bleed your cooling system http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1709482The ULTIMATE OEM Alarm/Keyless thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1792200
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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