Towing with a 2015 BMW X3?

[AndylikesOTMusic]

Is anyone towing a small trailer (13') with a BMW X3? If so, any issues with the dealer installed hitch/7 pin connection? I am planning on purchasing a Casita PD but not 100% convinced the dealer's 7 way plug will work with Casita's plug. I will be using a radio frequency brake controller because BMW says I should avoid connecting electrical devices. Any feedback would be appreciated.

BTW, this is my first post and looking forward to being a f/g camper owner!!

[Mike Magee]

I don't know of more than one size/configuration of 7 pin plug, sometimes called a "Bargman" plug. Even if it did turn out to be a strange shape or something, a shop (or you) probably could switch it out with a standard one for about $20-$30.

[MC1]

Good day Andy. There are many blurbs on the the various forums on how well BMW's perform as TV's. I will see if I can find some links that explain.

[AndylikesOTMusic]

Thanks for the quick reply!! I know I will be getting a standard 7 pin plug (aka Bargman -thanks). I guess I was concerned that Casita sent me a wiring diagram showing various colors for various functions but the dealer could not confirm that this is what they are installing. They said they get a "kit" and just install it. They sent me the install directions but the wires colors to the 7 pin are multi-colored and are not labeled with functions - I thinking maybe I am worrying too much. The dealer said they have not had any past problems with their hitches. Thanks again.

[wandererlee]

Andy,
I too was worried about tapping into the wiring of a German SUV and therefore I used a radio controlled brake controller.

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250

The wiring harness was factory installed but not the trailer brake controller. I pull a Parkliner with my Cayenne diesel and the Tekonsha works well for us.

Your X 3 is lighter than my Cayenne which has a tow rating of ~7,000 lbs. I know the Parkliner is back there even though it only weighs ~2800 lbs loaded for weekend use. Please verify your tow rating and max cargo and tongue weight ratings.

I looked at X3 and 5 before buying my SUV. They are great cars but the Cayenne was more fun when not towing .

Happy camping!

Lee

[Uplander]

I'd have a well respected RV dealer's service department install the 7 pin connector. First of all because they do a lot of them and second because the dealer said..." We just buy a kit and install it as per the directions".
When I asked my dealer to install a trans-cooler he said since there is no
"OEM" trans cooler supplied as a part for my vehicle by the manufacturer they would send the job out to a qualified transmission repair specialist...he gave me the name and suggested I take it to them directly. The dealer also told me to take my vehicle to an RV dealership to have a brake controler installed...his policy was to send all specialist work out to the people who specialize in installing after market towing items.

[Borden]

Originally Posted by AndylikesOTMusic

Is anyone towing a small trailer (13') with a BMW X3? If so, any issues with the dealer installed hitch/7 pin connection? I am planning on purchasing a Casita PD but not 100% convinced the dealer's 7 way plug will work with Casita's plug. I will be using a radio frequency brake controller because BMW says I should avoid connecting electrical devices. Any feedback would be appreciated.

BTW, this is my first post and looking forward to being a f/g camper owner!!

We tow with a Corolla; custom hitch from Ca-am RV in London ON

[Borden]

Mr. Transmition has a good progressive transaxle cooler

[Borden]

7pin wire with electric brakes good

[AndylikesOTMusic]

Wayne, that would be appreciated.

[reachg]

Sorry for the late reply. I tow with a 2009 X3. Though I have taken the scamp 13 only once so far. I have towed the scamp from my house to the RV park 3-4 times. So far so good. Also I installed the Towbar myself.

[ratty3]

I also tow with an X3, so far, so good. Dealer installed hitch.

[MC1]

Originally Posted by AndylikesOTMusic

Wayne, that would be appreciated.

Sorry Andy, most of the references I recall were from Airforums.com where they are towing with X3's, larger and heavier trailers than the smaller glass eggs. Guess that info would not be of value.