BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-28-2020, 12:33 PM   #1
docal
Private First Class
48
Rep
123
Posts

Drives: 08 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

X3 towing

I just loaded my 18 foot Ranger on the back of my new 2020 X3M40 yesterday and it towed like a dream, handling was fantastic, no sway and barely felt it back there. Two problems, however, both related. As you can see, this attachment has a ball attachment which results in the trailer riding a little too low. This results in a later entry into the water which compromises the exhaust. With a higher riding tongue, I believe I could alleviate this problem. The dealer is pretty clueless on what is recommended. Can you give me an idea and pic to alleviate this. Thanks. Maybe even aftermarket where I can pick one up
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 12:40 PM   #2
corn18
Captain
corn18's Avatar
1712
Rep
618
Posts

Drives: 2020 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: SW OH

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 Jeep Wrangler 2D  [0.00]
2015 Chevy 2500HD  [0.00]
2015 Z4  [0.00]
2020 X3 M40i  [0.00]
Well, you can pick any drop or rise you want. I use a B&W adjustable ball. It is pricey but I use it for my truck and the X3, so this saves me having multiple shanks.

Just go to Lowes or HD or auto parts store and pick the one you want. There is no limits from BMW on what you use, unless you get a 12" drop and drag the shank around throwing sparks everywhere. Just be careful on getting it too nose high. A nose high Tonge shifts the CG slightly aft which might induce sway.

__________________
stultorum criminis reus erit
Appreciate 1
docal48.00
      05-28-2020, 01:48 PM   #3
docal
Private First Class
48
Rep
123
Posts

Drives: 08 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by corn18 View Post
Well, you can pick any drop or rise you want. I use a B&W adjustable ball. It is pricey but I use it for my truck and the X3, so this saves me having multiple shanks.

Just go to Lowes or HD or auto parts store and pick the one you want. There is no limits from BMW on what you use, unless you get a 12" drop and drag the shank around throwing sparks everywhere. Just be careful on getting it too nose high. A nose high Tonge shifts the CG slightly aft which might induce sway.

Thanks. Like the adjustable height, but don't need multiple balls. Didn't know those DIY outlets might carry an item like this.
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 03:30 PM   #4
383vett
Major
383vett's Avatar
United_States
626
Rep
1,044
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2012 X3 Xdrive35
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Moraga, California

iTrader: (0)

That looks like a 4" drop hitch. Try a 2" or even a straight hitch might work. Any trailer supply place or Walmart will have an assortment of hitches.
__________________
2016 Z06 Vette, 10.53@132
1984 Vette, 406, 10.23@131
2021 SQ5
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2020, 08:52 AM   #5
mattchops
Enlisted Member
United_States
12
Rep
49
Posts

Drives: X3
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Just buy a straight hitch. I use this with mine: https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpowe...0760294&sr=8-4
Appreciate 1
docal48.00
      05-29-2020, 10:09 AM   #6
383vett
Major
383vett's Avatar
United_States
626
Rep
1,044
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2012 X3 Xdrive35
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Moraga, California

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattchops View Post
Just buy a straight hitch. I use this with mine: https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpowe...0760294&sr=8-4
Op stated he didn't want multiple hitch balls.
__________________
2016 Z06 Vette, 10.53@132
1984 Vette, 406, 10.23@131
2021 SQ5
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2020, 10:17 AM   #7
corn18
Captain
corn18's Avatar
1712
Rep
618
Posts

Drives: 2020 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: SW OH

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 Jeep Wrangler 2D  [0.00]
2015 Chevy 2500HD  [0.00]
2015 Z4  [0.00]
2020 X3 M40i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by 383vett View Post
Op stated he didn't want multiple hitch balls.
But an experienced puller stepped in and offered a great alternative. I have a straight trip-ball (now replaced with the fancy B&W) and it has served me well for decades. Comes in very handy when the U-Haul trailer is 2" and the Home Depot trailer is 1 7/8" and the camper is 2 5/16". The one he showed is a good value.
__________________
stultorum criminis reus erit
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 04:42 PM   #8
Jeepersjoey
Stay Tuned!
United_States
297
Rep
390
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 m40i
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: North Denvah

iTrader: (0)

Flip it.

The drop is now the rise.

[drop the hitch]
Paul
__________________
Lots of mods!
Appreciate 0
      06-05-2020, 07:19 PM   #9
jcorallo
Private
27
Rep
59
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeepersjoey View Post
Flip it.

The drop is now the rise.

[drop the hitch]
Paul
Beat me to it!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:11 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST