Best Truck To Pull A Boat

[ifishinxs]

Do you have any idea what kind of fuel mileage you get? What kind of motor do you have? I’ve seen Chevy 1500 slide all the way down a long ramp a couple times, does yours ever slide or spin on the ramp?

Sliding down a ramp has zero to do with the truck. Slick ramp, crappy tires and possibly driver error will cause a slide.

[digthemup]

False..... x5 is rated by the MANUFACTURER at 7700 pounds. That 6k is an arbitrary number BMW USA throws out. But the manufacturer absolutely rates at 7700 pounds. Hitch manufacturer rates the hitch to 8k. I would not knowingly exceed the safety ratings. Have never been overloaded. And it is one of the most capable tow vehicles (up to the 7500 i have towed with it) that i have ever been in.

No need to analyze my use just because you have never experienced it. It is much more stable than the 3/4 ton truck it replaced. The handling and braking and ride tows better than the truck it replaced. Almost ten years of near daily towing with it.

Good that you won't respond because you are flat wrong. The tongue weight is right at 600 pounds which is right at 9%. Again the manufacturer recommends 7% to 10% tongue weight for towing service of this vehicle. Educate yourself. I did.

BMW x5 has nearly identical wheelbase as a Tahoe with better steering, better brakes, better suspension and a better measurement of hitch point to rear axle WITH much lower center of gravity. Tahoe not capable? Hhhmmm shouldn't make such bold comments on things you don't understand..

If you want to scrutinize tow vehicles take a hard look at the trucks with lifts and oversize tires with drop Hitches. Most dangerous setup on the road.....

As per BMW 2016 X5 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine in the BMW X5 xDrive35d has a towing capacity of 6,000 # when properly equipped with the factory-installed BMW X5 tow hitch, and it goes up to a higher towing capacity of 7,200# for the gasoline-powered xDrive40i or xDrive50i models.

[SGrem]

BMW USA derates them and uses that sorry poorly designed hitch.

The manufacturer rates them at 7700#. I am not using a factory hitch for that exact reason. I am using a Stealth Hitch rated at 8000#.

BMW USA is not the manufacturer they are just the importer dealer network on this side of the pond.

Do your research.

[Zone18]

Did you ever own a 2007 GM 2500 HD 4x4 6.0L ext cab long box with 3.73 rears with plow and tow package? I had one for several yrs with a heavy Western BOSS 8' plow, that pulled a 30' Grand Design Imagine during the summer without any issues, or my Cobra 201DC, Merc 225 EFI, let alone a little 19'.

I would have loved to drop a chain between my 2007 GMC 2500 HD and that supposed bad a$$ BMW X5 and drag it around like a Rottweiler with a chihuahua at the end of a leash.

You may want to look up the HP rating of the 4.8i x5 motor and compare it to yours.....it may raise an eye brow.

[MarkWahlbang]

My 2005 4runner with the V8 hauls my z185 really well, and it's rated for 7300lbs. I'd like to get a truck, but with the prices they are now, no freaking way. At least my 4runner only has 110k miles on it, and it's the 4.7L that everyone says lasts forever. Mine is all wheel drive, with a transfer case lock to put it into 4wd.

[digthemup]

You may want to look up the HP rating of the 4.8i x5 motor and compare it to yours.....it may raise an eye brow.

I know exactly what the HP rating of a 2016 BMW X5 inline 6 diesel is, which is about the same as a 1990 5.7L SBC 257hp 374tq.
You do know that the inline 6 is the engine being discussed, not the gasoline injected V8 4.8 making 350hp at 6800 rpm 355 tq at 4600 rpm. Remember, torque is what turns your wheels at the line and gears are your multiplier.

[SGrem]

Did you ever own a 2007 GM 2500 HD 4x4 6.0L ext cab long box with 3.73 rears with plow and tow package? I had one for several yrs with a heavy Western BOSS 8' plow, that pulled a 30' Grand Design Imagine during the summer without any issues, or my Cobra 201DC, Merc 225 EFI, let alone a little 19'.

I would have loved to drop a chain between my 2007 GMC 2500 HD and that supposed bad a$$ BMW X5 and drag it around like a Rottweiler with a chihuahua at the end of a leash.

We going redneck tug of war now? That BMW must really threaten you....wow.
Got mud tires and a lift? Rock on I'll tug of war for titles lolol....

[digthemup]

We going redneck tug of war now? That BMW must really threaten you....wow.
Got mud tires and a lift? Rock on I'll tug of war for titles lolol....

Big empty word of a bragging sucker who truly has no understanding of what he lacks. I built my first motor over 50+yrs ago a 429 cobra jet, which I am sure you have no idea of what it is since I am sure the only thing you have ever used is a left handed crescent wrench. You think yourself refined because you mentioned BMW, which I am sure you don't even or ever owned.
Perhaps you could honor us of your nobility when was the last time you ever wrenched on your X5 inline 6 diesel, since you should have lots of practice with all the issues they are known for, or you are too delicate to get grease under your finder nails.
Do you think that if you were fool enough to drop a chain between my truck and your SUV your faulty air suspension would hold up? Remember, it is about 5K to rebuild that POS.

[Zone18]

*yawn*

[SGrem]

You must be really insecure. Wife and I have put 490k miles on 4 different BMWs with zero major issues. My two are constant abusive tow duty for my guide business. Never have had a need to wrench on one at all in 10 years. Never had an x5 with air suspension so no idea there....

Built and rebuilt more vehicles, engines, rock crawlers, RVs, boats, tractors, trailers than i can ever remember. I mechanic for part of my living.

So tell me..... you ever towed with an X5 or just talking out of your orifice .... cuz it sounds like you are only full of assumptions with zero first hand knowledge. And you know what they say about A-S-S-U-M-E....

Except with no actual knowledge and experience you're only making one out of you not me.

The hostility is fascinating. No reason for it at all but you seem really really offended that there are highly capable tow vehicles that you would never consider. Everyone so sensitive these days....

[digthemup]

You must be really insecure. Wife and I have put 490k miles on 4 different BMWs with zero major issues. My two are constant abusive tow duty for my guide business. Never have had a need to wrench on one at all in 10 years. Never had an x5 with air suspension so no idea there....

Built and rebuilt more vehicles, engines, rock crawlers, RVs, boats, tractors, trailers than i can ever remember. I mechanic for part of my living.

So tell me..... you ever towed with an X5 or just talking out of your orifice .... cuz it sounds like you are only full of assumptions with zero first hand knowledge. And you know what they say about A-S-S-U-M-E....

Except with no actual knowledge and experience you're only making one out of you not me.

The hostility is fascinating. No reason for it at all but you seem really really offended that there are highly capable tow vehicles that you would never consider. Everyone so sensitive these days....

I wouldn't even consider owning an X5 unless it was an M40i, but a have help a friend with his Q7 in my shop so I am familiar with the VW owned BMW and Audi suspensions in SUV's and their recalls. Unless the self-leveling suspension was altered by the previous owns of your x5, since you bought them used, like the Q7 and Q5, came with self-leveling, which was the limiting factor on the 6000# towing and the special hitch from BMW.
You mentioned that you used your own hitch, but it does not change the limits of how your car was built with the corporate shared VW Atlas parts.
BTW, I considered an M5 540i and 440i in 2017 for my wife, but though more expensive, I went for a better vehicle MB AMG E400 Biturbo as her Sunday driver, since she has no need to ride a horse.
Remember that Big and Rich song 'Save a horse'.

[SGrem]

I have never had the self leveling suspension for the reasons you mentioned. They were not equipped with it from the factory. It is an option not on all of them. The three I have owned did not have that suspension.

Since BMW doesnt offer the diesel anymore I will likely be going to the Tahoe diesel offering next.

[Coastal Mountaineer]

You guys are ridiculous. Lots of bass boats are towed successfully with mid sized suv's. Heck, I've towed with a 68 Buick LeSabre and a Isuzu trooper and never had a problem. Pilots, Explorers, Grand Cherokee's, Q7's, X5's, etc. are perfectly capable towing machines.

[SGrem]

Again....even tho most believe otherwise and the info is not widely advertised the three BMW x5s that I have owned (2015, 2015, 2018) are rated from the manufacturer with their goofy European gooseneck looking hitch is 7700 pounds. That hitch is not available in North America. The BMW USA factory hitch is rated to 6000 so BMW USA derates the vehicle to that.

However their are aftermarket hitches that ARE available here that are rated for more bringing that tow capacity back.

To be clear the vehicle from the manufacturer is rated to 7700.... and the factory hitch available all over the world EXCEPT North America is rated to 7700.
The factory hitch in North America dictates the 6000 pound here.
The Stealth hitch I am using is rated to 8000. I have towed 7500.

These BMW SUVs have better brakes, better suspension, better handling than any truck. Match that with low center of gravity and a very short distance from the ball to the axle and I wish everyone could experience the relaxed comfortable towing of these vehicles compared to supposedly "more capable" tow vehicles. These luxury suvs from several manufacturers are very very capable. And so much more comfy.....and in the case of the used BMW market.... .way way way cheaper than the dang trucks available these days.

[PatriotAW4]

Again....even tho most believe otherwise and the info is not widely advertised the three BMW x5s that I have owned (2015, 2015, 2018) are rated from the manufacturer with their goofy European gooseneck looking hitch is 7700 pounds. That hitch is not available in North America. The BMW USA factory hitch is rated to 6000 so BMW USA derates the vehicle to that.

However their are aftermarket hitches that ARE available here that are rated for more bringing that tow capacity back.

To be clear the vehicle from the manufacturer is rated to 7700.... and the factory hitch available all over the world EXCEPT North America is rated to 7700.
The factory hitch in North America dictates the 6000 pound here.
The Stealth hitch I am using is rated to 8000. I have towed 7500.

These BMW SUVs have better brakes, better suspension, better handling than any truck. Match that with low center of gravity and a very short distance from the ball to the axle and I wish everyone could experience the relaxed comfortable towing of these vehicles compared to supposedly "more capable" tow vehicles. These luxury suvs from several manufacturers are very very capable. And so much more comfy.....and in the case of the used BMW market.... .way way way cheaper than the dang trucks available these days.

LOL, not even close. The break and suspension components of a 3/4 ton Ford or Ram are a whole lot bigger.

[SGrem]

Do your research....

It takes A LOT more brake performance to bring a car down from 155mph racing speeds than it does to slow a heavy load. Truck brakes designed for load. Luxury SUV brakes designed for racing.

Unless you have done it and experienced it then you are just speculating. Im sharing actual experience..... literally have done it side by side.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Apples, grapes and watermelons…

BMX X5 Curb weights start at 4,919 pounds, and there’s little variation and the payload is quite different.
Ford F250 curb weights are more complicated, though start at 6,504 pounds for curb weights, and can range into nearly 8,000 pounds. With payloads well beyond that.

This goes way beyond a rotor and brake system. Pushing a 7,900 pound vehicle will be much more resistance than pushing a 4,900 pound weight vehicle. We can all go to tire selection, vehicle designs, suspensions and more that also are designed specifically for totally different uses. That doesn’t mean you can’t tow with an X5, just that an X5 won’t carry a 15,000 pound rated trailer (insert RV) with a gooseneck. Thats no matter what hitch you put on it, and the F250 gas burner will.

That doesn’t mean the X5 won’t pull your boat. We’ve seen Corvettes, Lexus, Porches, and Mercedes all pulling bass boats safely it appears. Maybe even better than an F150 base cab 2wd.

[ChampioNman]

BMW USA derates them and uses that sorry poorly designed hitch.

The manufacturer rates them at 7700#. I am not using a factory hitch for that exact reason. I am using a Stealth Hitch rated at 8000#.

BMW USA is not the manufacturer they are just the importer dealer network on this side of the pond.

Do your research.

Better tell the associates at the Spartanburg SC plant that they don't build them.

[PatriotAW4]

Do your research....

It takes A LOT more brake performance to bring a car down from 155mph racing speeds than it does to slow a heavy load. Truck brakes designed for load. Luxury SUV brakes designed for racing.

Unless you have done it and experienced it then you are just speculating. Im sharing actual experience..... literally have done it side by side.

A BMW X5 is not a racing vehicle and even if it was the brakes on those still don't compare to what is on an HD truck. Rotors, pads, and calipers are all much larger and heavier.

[Highcentered]

That's it! I'm trading my truck in for a Chevy Spark to pull my boat with. HOW BOUT NOW?