Travel Trailer towing + ?

Tom-ADC · 08-12-2004, 08:39 PM

Finally after a month I picked up our new 24 foot travel trailer, its pretty hilly here but trailer only goes 4,200 lbs. empty could hardly tell it was back there, tried the 'tow mode' switch in both positions and really couldn't tell any difference, but to be safe when climbing made sure it was on. Going to load it up over the next few days & take a short trip but if today was any indication as to how well these things tow I'm looking forward to many easy miles.
Question for those that tow when you are straight & level do you use the cruise control?

O'silent1 · 08-12-2004, 11:01 PM

I tow a 23' expandable R-vision Trailcruiser. Evidently the manual suggests that you not tow with cruise control. There has been quite a bit of speculation on this site as to why not. I personally use it anyways on flat or mostly flat terrain.
Also, if you have not come across this, the manual also states to not tow in overdrive. This one I do adhere to.

sasilverbullet · 08-13-2004, 07:53 AM

Correct, I just put it in 4th when I tow, and I always use tow mode.

As far as the cruise goes, I used it on some extremely flat roads with no problems. But, I won't use it in any hills.

Tom-ADC · 08-13-2004, 12:46 PM

Thanks guys, I even went back and read some more of the manual. And the other thread that is running about towing.
BTW how much MPG difference are you seeing?

O'silent1 · 08-13-2004, 01:34 PM

While towing, I'm averaging between 11 and 12 mpg.
(Big tow, 4WD)

Titan Ken · 08-13-2004, 09:55 PM

It would be very helpful if anyone posting MPG figures also includes details of their Titan, such as Big Tow package, Off Road package, 2WD, 4WD. Without those details MPG figures are meaningless.

Just a suggestion.

Thanks, Ken

LordMuut · 08-13-2004, 11:30 PM

Towing a StarCraft Antigua 215SB Hybrid. Titan CC 4x4 w/BT and OR packages, through the mountains of PA I got just over 9mpg, with approx 2000 miles on the truck.

grey1977 · 08-14-2004, 04:43 AM

I haven't bought a camper yet, nor the truck for that matter, but I was really leanding towards the Titan, until I discovered its GVWR - kinda low at 6,400lbs.

Do you guys have any trouble staying within the GVWR for your respective campers? Or is the gvwr more of a guide?

This could severely influence my decision - thanks.

Tom-ADC · 08-14-2004, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grey1977

I haven't bought a camper yet, nor the truck for that matter, but I was really leanding towards the Titan, until I discovered its GVWR - kinda low at 6,400lbs.

Do you guys have any trouble staying within the GVWR for your respective campers? Or is the gvwr more of a guide?

This could severely influence my decision - thanks.

Grey, not an expert on the subject but if you haven't yet read this thread.
Towing, continued...

sasilverbullet · 08-14-2004, 10:23 AM

I get 9mpg with the trailer, 15 mpg without.

Kong · 08-15-2004, 11:38 PM

Well I really worked mine over last weekend. From Durango Co to Silverton, CO with two dirt bikes and a big Honda generator in the bed (at least 800#) then my Coachman 25 ft trailer with 100 gallons of water around 7000#. Behind that a small trailer with a Yamaha Grizzly ATV around 1200#. Wait there's more... Over two greater than 10,000' passes up a 60 mile steep mountain road and then up the dirt to the camping area. NO PROBLEM. Handled great (Load distributing hitch without sway control) great power and speed. People stopped at my camp twice to ask if I towed all that stuff up here with the Titan. Asked again in Silverton, Asked at Walmart in Durango, and my new neighbor came over and asked about it.

Temp guages no problems, trans guage hardly moved. Offroad model, Big tow, the works. Racheted the weight hitch up very tight.

Easy to steer and handle. Have to be just a bit cautious on the biggest downhills since I didn't want to be in 1st all the way down, but this stuff is about as steep as it gets.

I am impressed with this beast.

cajunjimbo · 08-16-2004, 08:38 AM

i tow a 6000lb boat on flat roads. get right at 9mpg when i tow. big tow package, in 4th with tow mode on. non towing mpg is around 14-16

*COTitan* · 08-16-2004, 11:35 AM

Kong:

I think you just did the ultimate test for the titan! The only guy that has even come close to that kind of testing was the guy who pulled a 11,000 hay bayler around with his titan!

So did it feel safe coming down or where you being pushed down faster then you wanted to be? first is pretty slow, but for some of those 10mph turn on Red mtn pass you need it

rarjar · 08-16-2004, 11:49 AM

Pulled roughly 2500 lbs on 6'x12' single axle trailer plus 400-500 lbs on truck bed close to 300 miles through some hilly terrain (Livingston, TX to San Saba County in Texas Hill Country)-- got 10.5 mpg. Pulled empty trailer back at slightly over 12mpg. Get 15-16 mpg highway no trailer (depends on my cruise speed).

LE 4x4 with Big Tow package, roughly 3500 miles on odometer at time of pull.

gotoakandfreeze · 08-16-2004, 12:58 PM

Hello,

I tow a 6500# travel trailer. I don't notice any difference in tow mode. I also don't think I can turn off OD. I put it in manual shift mode, but it still locks the torque converter. I don't know if my truck is broken or what. Has anyone else noticed this? I can shift in to 3rd, but when I got to 4th it soon locks again which causes a bad gear seeking problem at times.

Any input?