First towing report: I-70/Berthoud Pass Colorado

[nopantz]

While traffic was abysmal this weekend (3h30m for 100mi), the GX did great pulling a Coachmen Apex 208BHS (5000#+). Solid 'A' grading. I mainly used the manual transmission to keep the power ideal, but it never felt sluggish nor runaway on the downhills. I used mostly up to 6th gear and up to 7 or 8 on the speedy flats. No sway with my Eaz Lift R3 Recurve 1000# WDH. I averaged about 12MPG, which I thought was decent. I did hear quite a bit of 'whoosh' presumably from he turbos as the engine spun up.

I did have to turn off the emergency braking driving assist to hitch up and the power lift gate to prevent it from hitting the trailer jack. I guess the next time when the dog comes, we'll have to fold the rear seats up to let him in the trunk.

The vehicle mirrors with my 7.5' wide trailer weren't as good as I originally thought. I didn't get my rear trailer camera working yet, but did ok. I'd give them a 'C+' or 'B-'. Will get the camera working before I decide on add on tow mirrors.

As you know, the receiver hitch is a 'D' grade. However, except for the annoying setup, it was quiet and controlled. Chain and cable could now use another 4-6"

Overall, much improved towing over my 2005 Nissan Titan V8 307HP/379FT LB 5A naturally aspirated.

 

[nopantz]

I added these to make it easier to chain up. Highly recommended.

 

[Cablebandit]

How was it in the wind and with semi's passing you. I'm still a little hung up on the short wheelbase for pulling a travel trailer.

 

[nopantz]

How was it in the wind and with semi's passing you. I'm still a little hung up on the short wheelbase for pulling a travel trailer.

Zero sway from traffic. When we got back to town it was windy out, which I felt as usual.

 

[VTranger]

I plan on picking up a uhaul trailer next week and just buying a uhaul ball/setup, do you guys think that would marry up to the receiver?

 

[nopantz]

Should be fine. You just want the trailer reasonably level - they probably have a few “drop” choices to help you pick the best. Not sure of the cost - otherwise, Home Depot and Harbor Freight tend to be around $25-30 assembled.

 

[Polo08816]

How much did that 5000lbs enclosed trailer reduce your range?

 

[nopantz]

How much did that 5000lbs enclosed trailer reduce your range?

12mpg vs 18mpg normally, 21 gallon tank

 

[VTranger]

The clip is definitely a pain to workout with the stock uhaul trailer I had to buy the longer model separate… otherwise totally smooth drive with midsize uhaul trailer.

 

[Redfish88]

When you plug in, does your vehicle recognize there is a trailer attached?

All the lights work except running lights.

I've tried turning all the sensors off but mine still automatically brakes because it thinks I'm going to hit my trailer.

What all did you do?

Any information is appreciated!

 

[foovius]

Thanks for posting your experience. I have been trying to work out mirror extenders unsuccessfully. The GX 550 mirror is designed with little wedges all over the place, almost as if it is intentionally designed to prevent a secure attachment of a mirror extender.

I see you didn’t use them, but isn’t that a legal requirement so that you can see a certain distance behind the tow vehicle? Something like 200 feet. I don’t recall tow-mounted cameras being a legal replacement for mirror extenders, but if that is legally allowed, that’s what I would do