Would you tow a 23' 5,000lb boat with an X5?

See this thread.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=534658

YuCrew

I had the Execuhitch installed today on my 2007 X5 4.8. I will be towing a 26' bowrider on a heavy duty dual axel trailer. Execuhitch's HQ is 5 miles from my office, so I had the opportunity to drill down on a Q & A session with the key players before I handed over the keys.

Not only do they have a compelling tow solution, these people have the same mission critical tenet as NASA or even NASCAR. They claim to make most of the parts in South Africa, but the US facility seems to have a few million in laser cutting equipment too. They operate out of a facility that previously was Saturn dealership, aprox 35,000 sq ft. The salient message is this not an operation run on a shoe string, they very could well be an aerospace contractor for the military. Their skill set is that impressive.

I asked my BMW dealer to provide granular details of what the OEM installation would look like. No way in hell do I want my bumper cut then finished with flimsy trim which is glued on and an exposed muffler to boot. That was their $1,200 deliverable. Even the Drawtite solution without the cut made me cringe with that butt ugly receiver sticking out.

You can't tell their is a tow hitch on mine. The safety chain hooks are not as exposed more than an inch or half inch. Does not negatively impact the flow of the bumper. Sweet!

Once I get the trailer hitched up I will post some pictures or upload a video to YouTube.

I have no reservations regarding if the X5 got enough muscle to tow my boat. I do a lot of long haul towing between Atlanta & Miami, Atlanta & Venice, La (both aprox 600 miles each way) with dually's and an assortment of other trucks pulling my much heavier saltwater boats. I can't wait to see how much the X5 squats with 500lb tongue weight. Some report it won't squat an inch. This I want to see.

YuCrew

I had the Execuhitch installed today on my 2007 X5 4.8. I will be towing a 26' bowrider on a heavy duty dual axel trailer. Execuhitch's HQ is 5 miles from my office, so I had the opportunity to drill down on a Q & A session with the key players before I handed over the keys.

Not only do they have a compelling tow solution, these people have the same mission critical tenet as NASA or even NASCAR. They claim to make most of the parts in South Africa, but the US facility seems to have a few million in laser cutting equipment too. They operate out of a facility that previously was Saturn dealership, aprox 35,000 sq ft. The salient message is this not an operation run on a shoe string, they very could well be an aerospace contractor for the military. Their skill set is that impressive.

I asked my BMW dealer to provide granular details of what the OEM installation would look like. No way in hell do I want my bumper cut then finished with flimsy trim which is glued on and an exposed muffler to boot. That was their $1,200 deliverable. Even the Drawtite solution without the cut made me cringe with that butt ugly receiver sticking out.

You can't tell their is a tow hitch on mine. The safety chain hooks are not as exposed more than an inch or half inch. Does not negatively impact the flow of the bumper. Sweet!

Once I get the trailer hitched up I will post some pictures or upload a video to YouTube.

I have no reservations regarding if the X5 got enough muscle to tow my boat. I do a lot of long haul towing between Atlanta & Miami, Atlanta & Venice, La (both aprox 600 miles each way) with dually's and an assortment of other trucks pulling my much heavier saltwater boats. I can't wait to see how much the X5 squats with 500lb tongue weight. Some report it won't squat an inch. This I want to see.

Originally Posted by YuCrew

I tow a 23-1/2 boat with a 1999 ML430 and plan to order TOMORROW a 2012 X5, gas. Based on all my research, I expect to have zero problems towing that load with the X5.

You really don't tell us very much, other than the fact that you have "some" 23 1/2 foot boat.

• What type of boat? Rib? Bass boat? Center console? Cuddy cabin? Walkaround? Maybe even a monohull or trimaran?
• What motor(s)? Single? Dual? I/O? Jet drive?
• What manufacturer? (Makes a huge difference - A Scout 222 Sportfish weighs 2,200 pounds without engines; a comparable Grady White Fisherman 222 weighs 3,160 pounds). As a Grady owner, I can attest that if you are venturing more than a couple miles offshore, every ounce of that extra weight is worth it. But you can't necessarily tow a Grady with the same vehicle as a Scout.

In short, your "23 1/2 foot boat" could be anything from a 1,500 pound rib, to a 4,500 cabin cruiser - plus motor(s). While I am sure YOU know what you have, it really doesn't do anyone else here much good to say "I tow a 23 footer with ease".

BTW for those contemplating towing, it may be prudent to delve into the Self Levelling Rear Suspension question. For years I thought it ONLY came with the 3rd row seat package, but there seem to be some 2-row X5's being built with it. I don't think anyone has really figured out how you can be sure you get it. Do a search on this forum for the thread if you are interested.

Sorry but wanted to stick as close to what I thought the discussion was about but realize you make a good point.

23-1/2' Seadoo jet boat, 430 HP, twin engine. Fully loaded with 50+ gallons of fuel, dealer says I'm just under 5,000 lbs.

Originally Posted by YuCrew

Sorry but wanted to stick as close to what I thought the discussion was about but realize you make a good point.

23-1/2' Seadoo jet boat, 430 HP, twin engine. Fully loaded with 50+ gallons of fuel, dealer says I'm just under 5,000 lbs.

Is that with or without trailer?

430 HP on a 23 foot hull - she must fly. Wish I could get by with "only" 50 gallons of fuel. Mine takes 96, which makes for a very painful fill-up.

I believe the official numbers are 4,420 gross on the trailer w/o fuel, water toys, food and drink.

The 23.5' is not quite as fast as my 15' that had only one of the same 215 HP engines (supercharged and intercooled). The small boat would do a little over 60 mph but a rough ride. The bigger boat mid 50's mph, much smoother ride. What I really love about the jet boats is the maneuverability. They turn on a dime, just like a PWC. Sorry to be off topic so I'll stop talking about boats.

Hey, boats are cool! I suggest, however, that anyone actually wanting to trail a boat take the fully loaded boat, trailer, fuel, equipment loaded to a public scale and get an accurate weight certificate. Don't depend on what the dealer tells you it will weigh. Good for peace of mind and if there is ever a problem it is nice to have to show that you were within the limits of the car's towing capability.

Originally Posted by YuCrew

Sorry to be off topic so I'll stop talking about boats.

No need to apologize! Our friends down South may not appreciate how short our season is in New England, and how we're all looking forward to getting back in the water, whether that's catching blues or towing skiers. And I bet at least half of the folks interested in tow kits are thinking about towing their boat. ($1,000-plus is a silly amount to spend if all you want to do is hitch mount your bike rack).

Originally Posted by UncleJ

Hey, boats are cool! I suggest, however, that anyone actually wanting to trail a boat take the fully loaded boat, trailer, fuel, equipment loaded to a public scale and get an accurate weight certificate. Don't depend on what the dealer tells you it will weigh. Good for peace of mind and if there is ever a problem it is nice to have to show that you were within the limits of the car's towing capability.

Very good advice, indeed.