Towbar - What to Choose? (for BMW X5)

[Deactivated] on 16/08/2019 - 14:12
Last edited 19/08/2019 - 15:17 by 2 other users

Hi long time reader, but my first post so please be gentle!

I want a towbar installed on my car, but I am unsure of what to make of the specs of the different towbars out there.
At this point it will only be used for towing a small box trailer (given to us from a family member who is downsizing) and to attach a bike carrier.

We have owned a car in the past that came with a towbar, but it was fixed. The number of times I whacked my shin into it while walking around the rear of the car was painfully stupid.

So I am wondering if these "invisible" towbars are the way to go? I am seeing prices between $700-$1000. Pros? Cons?
My car is a 2015 BMW X5.

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  GangGang on 16/08/2019 - 14:57

  We recently installed one. You will just have too call up your local place and tell them your car make and what type. We have the one were you can remove but I never remove it because it's frequently used.

  Obviously the type you can remove is cheaper.

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    [Deactivated] on 16/08/2019 - 15:11

    Thanks that's interesting. My initial searches suggested that the invisible /detachable ones are more expensive than the fixed ones.
    And what do you choose with wiring kits? Lights, indicators, brakes etc?
    I did read that it is compulsory for vehicles towing over 750kg gross trailer mass to have an electronic brake control unit installed.
    Although at this point, we are not going to be towing anything heavyduty.. Is it short-sighted to install a lowspec towbar? And having to upgrade it later on? Or is that option not too expensive?

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      GangGang on 16/08/2019 - 15:15

      Sorry. I rushed on my comment and said it wrong. The removable ones are more expensive as you said.

      My trailer came with all the lights and indicators. The workshop will install the wiring when installing the towball, it should all be included.

      To answer your last 2 questions I need to know what car you have.

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        [Deactivated] on 16/08/2019 - 17:01

        It's in my first post. A 2015 BMWX5

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  TheBilly on 16/08/2019 - 15:26

  Just go with your standard tow bar 2.5 or 3 tonne towing capacity. Hayman Reece is a good brand and anything that a dealer supplies is decent. No dont get an electronic brake controller until you start towing things like caravans and boats. Most heavy duty box trailers (tandem) have an in built hydraulic brake system anyway. 2.5 tonnes is ALOT. I regularly tow and rarely hit those weights.

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    [Deactivated] on 16/08/2019 - 17:03

    That's great advice thank you. Yes, don't plan on towing anything heavy duty like a caravan in the foreseeable future, and I just was wary of getting talked into a super heavy duty tow bar that I don't really need yet.

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    spackbace on 16/08/2019 - 21:56

    This

    The tow bar is otherwise called a "Reece hitch" which is the detachable one you're referring to. Very common.

    Plug depends on what's used locally. WA prefers a small round, some states prefer the flat plug. Just ask the tow bar place.

    Just don't go cheap 😉

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  chillybags on 16/08/2019 - 23:23

  I just bought a towbar for my nissan qashqai last week. I got a trailboss towbar that is apparently manufactured by Hayman Reese. It’s a heavy duty hitch style that I got for $550, but I’m installing it myself. I successfully mounted it this afternoon and will do the wiring tomorrow. The $550 kit came with a plug and plug wiring kit. For my car I just had to take off the back bumper and then it’s 8 bolts to attach the towbar - very simply.

  If you consider yourself moderately handy you could probably do it and save some cash.

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    brendanm on 17/08/2019 - 11:19

    What are you planning to tow with a qashqai?

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      chillybags on 17/08/2019 - 12:30

      Just small trailers when moving etc

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        brendanm on 17/08/2019 - 14:30

        Fair enough, your "heavy duty" comment had me a bit worried.

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          chillybags on 17/08/2019 - 15:18

          @brendanm: I didnt need the heavy duty - in fact it was only an extra 200kg rating on it (1200kg for a standard tounge and 1400kg - the vehicle capacity, for the heavy duty one). I mainly wanted it for the ability to remove the tow ball to keep it out of the way and also if i want to get any hitch attachments such as bike rack i could.