the X5 makes a GREAT tow vehicle!!!

hayaku · #1 02-20-2006, 09:54 PM

24 foot long, 8.5 foot wide enclosed trailer, roughly 3500 lbs empty.

i didn't get a chance to install the brake controller yet (nor flush my brake fluid) but i had to pick up the trailer yesterday... the air suspension on the rear makes this an INCREDIBLE performer. not once did the trailer swayed or feel uncomfortable at all (up to 80 mph). In fact, at 55mph, i couldn't tell i had the trailer behind me unless i looked. but over bumpy roads, the extra air in the rear suspension did make the rear very bouncy - however still in complete control. It'll feel even more planted while trailering once i get the brake controller in and the load distribution mechanism installed on the trailer.

i had friends towed open trailers with street cars on them and told me they didn't need a brake controller and i thought they were crazy, but now i see why they thought they didn't need it.

however, state law here requires a brake controller for anything above 1600 lbs and i was going to install it anyways... this 70 mile tow was a last minute thing and had to be done yesterday. PLEASE do not attempt this... use a brake controller...

anyhow, the X5 again performed flawlessly when i needed it too... and i have no doubt it will be great with my race car and tools in it.

now to clean up the trailer and remove those stickers...

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Stewthebassman · #2 02-20-2006, 10:05 PM

Lucky guy....it's not very safe bucking the laws of the universe and trailering over 1000 lbs without a controller. Your brakes would suffer if you did this for long...

And please keep your speed below 65mph...there are tons of reputable websites (Ford.com, and all the car mags) that have trailering FAQs that state max speed should be 55 or 60...

I tow a 5500 lb horse trailer (loaded) during the horse show season. We use a Tekonsha brake controller. It's a difficult install...in fact I let my dealer do it so the work was guaranteed.

The Tekonsha can be set to brake the trailer with different forces depending on your load weight. It's a great tool.

The X5 is a great trailering truck. It's fun to drive, easy on gas, looks great on the highway, and it's very stable.

Congrats on the new trailer!! What's it for?

LeMansX5 · #3 02-20-2006, 10:06 PM

It sure does make a great tow vehicle and I have tested with a 12 feet trailer weighing over 4000lbs loaded. I was able to do 70 mph no problem.

TQ2K · #4 02-20-2006, 10:13 PM

Nice! That's an awesome way to make good use of the X.

Stewthebassman · #5 02-20-2006, 10:15 PM

Here's my rig.

hayaku · #6 02-20-2006, 10:29 PM

yep.. i have the prodigy brake controller also.. going in very soon.. definitely before the next tow outing...

Stewthebassman · #7 02-20-2006, 10:40 PM

Do you have sway bars like mine?

zimster28 · #8 02-20-2006, 11:18 PM

I completed my hitch installation this weekend. It took about 6 hours for my son and i to do it. It was quite easy,just time consuming. My boat with trailer only weighs 1200 LBs. No need for brakes.

Intel55 · #9 02-20-2006, 11:26 PM

Towing a '55 chevy bel air.

heavy....

from Tucson to Grand Rapids.

6x12 trailer. easy.....

hayaku · #10 02-21-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewthebassman

Do you have sway bars like mine?

i need to get new ones.. the old rig broke and the previous owner just towed without it...

however, i don't like the idea of 6000+ lbs behind me without a load distribution system either

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