Your BMW epitomizes luxury, but it’s also a powerful and sophisticated machine. It’s also your passport to fun — and whether your passion lies on the water, the open roads, or off-road trails, you need the proper accessories to haul your gear. Keep reading to learn about choosing and installing your BMW trailer hitch.
Trailer Hitches 101: BMW Towing Capacities
Before shopping for a trailer hitch for BMW vehicles, you must know what type you need. Two factors determine the type of hitch your BMW uses: its receiver size and gross towing weight. Most passenger vehicles have a 1.25-inch or 2.0-inch receiver mounted on the rear. Gross towing weight, usually abbreviated as GTW, is the weight of a trailer or another towable and its contents.
You’ll find five types of hitches on the market. Class I and II fit 1.25-inch receivers, while Classes III and up are compatible with 2.0-inch receivers. Each hitch class is rated for a maximum GTW:
Class I: 2,000 pounds
Class II: 3,500 pounds
Class III: 8,000 pounds
Class IV: 10,000 pounds
Class V (Xtra-Duty): 17,000 pounds
The X5, X6, and X7 have the highest towing capacities of all BMW models: the X5 and X6 at 7,200 pounds and the X7 at 7,500 pounds. All three have 2.0-inch receivers and are compatible with Class III hitches. The X3 has the next highest GTW rating: It can tow up to 4,400 pounds and uses a Class III hitch.
For additional information, check your owner’s manual for detailed towing capability and hitch specs. If you don’t have your manual but know your vehicle’s maximum GTW, you can determine your receiver’s size manually. Using a tape measurer or ruler, measure the width of the square opening inside your receiver. Once you have these two pieces of information, you can purchase your hitch.
Easy Installation for On-the-Go Travel
Most trailer hitches offer simple installation, requiring some basic tools to get the job done. Depending on your vehicle’s setup, you may only need a socket set, a ratchet, and a torque wrench. With some hitch models, you may need a power drill. Once you complete your hitch installation, you’re ready to hook up your trailer.
Besides your BMW trailer hitch, you’ll need other equipment to connect your trailer, boat, recreational vehicle, or other towable. Safety chains reinforce the connection between your towable and hitch. Trailer wiring connectors provide power to your trailer’s lights and signals. Finally, a breakaway switch automatically activates the trailer’s brakes if it disconnects from your vehicle.
Before you hit the road, check your vehicle to ensure it’s fit for towing. Summer maintenance can include BMW coolant, brakes, tires, oil, and BMW battery replacement. Along with your towing gear, you can purchase these items at your preferred auto parts and accessories retailer.
Quality Trailer Hitches Made in America
Manufactured in the United States, CURT hitches are tested and proven safe. From small utility trailers to large boats and campers, CURT products offer durable and dependable towing options. Count on your preferred auto parts store for an extensive range of these and other high-quality trailer hitches.
