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Old 08-21-2018, 06:23 PM   #1
FlowerPower
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Default Is towing w/SUV in mountains unrealistic?

Hi all. New to the forum as I'm looking at a couple of different used TMs (2619, 2720) and wondering if I'm in dreamland when it comes to driving from IN to MT/WY/ID in the fall. Other trips would be less arduous and at much lower elevations.

I have a Honda Pilot (4500lb TC) and a GMC Sierra 1500. The Pilot is more comfortable to drive long distances and my first choice. After reading some posts on the forum, I'm more confused than ever. If I use the Pilot, I'd absolutely get a WDH. Not sure if I'd need WDH for the truck?

This would be my first travel trailer and want to make it an enjoyable experience, not a regrettable and expensive nightmare.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips!

Kathy
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Old 08-21-2018, 07:11 PM   #2
E & S Lindner
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Default Towing not a problem .

Hi Kathy,
We just bought a TM 2720. We towed it with a Chevy Silverado 1500. We took it home via Mohawk Trail @ 2,200 feet elevation with no problem. I think you will find it enjoyable to own a TM and towing it not a problem.
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Old 08-21-2018, 07:38 PM   #3
Padgett
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My Jeep is considered a medium sized SUV and has a 3.6 V6. It has the factory towing package rated at 500/5000 lbs. It has no problem with the 2720SL and runs cool on the Interstate.

I do drop down a gear or two on mountain grades (Tennessee and Carolinas) mostly to keep the trans in lockup but temps stay under 200F.

ps my 2720SL is currently for sale in Orlando
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Old 08-21-2018, 07:39 PM   #4
BrucePerens
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Hook that Honda up, and then see how long it takes to stop from highway speed. That will be your main limitation on towing with it, not whether it can pull a Trailmanor over a mountain. Trailmanors are light and have low wind profile.

I two a 3023 with a Jeep Grand Cherokee rated for 6500 lbs towing. It works excellently. You should get a WDH whatever you are towing with, unless the tow vehicle manufacturer recommends against using one. Its function is to move the center of pressure from the tongue weight forward of the rear axle, so that your tow vehicle maintains traction. It does this by torqueing the vehicle down by the tow receiver. You do not, however, need sway reduction with a Trailmanor.

I don't recommend the Andersen, because it's really difficult to see how much torque it could develop with its very short lever arm pulled by two chains tensioned by two bolts. I have a Blue Ox, which is fine except that the buttons used to hold the bars can fall out. Once the bars are tensioned, they won't come off whether or not those buttons are in place. There are really expensive ones called Henley and ProPride which are overkill for a Trailmanor.
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Old 08-21-2018, 09:07 PM   #5
Casey Freswick
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Default MT vacations

I suspect the pilot will manage in the mountains. However, I opted for a Yukon with 8000 lbs tow capacity. I have made frequent trips to Montana. The Yukon does better than manage the mountains, it easily handles them.
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Old 08-21-2018, 10:13 PM   #6
StoneyBurke
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Default Tow a 3023 with Honda Pilot

A close friend has a Honda Pilot and they have been towing their 3023 Tm for several years. We live in BC Canada with lots of hills and mountains. We are new TM owners and while we picked it up - a used 3124- with our Nissan truck - we are planning to tow it with my Nissan Pathfinder and don't expect any issues.
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Old 08-21-2018, 11:28 PM   #7
Larryjb
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With the more modern 6 and 8 speed transmissions, engine power isn't what seems to limit towing capacity. Our 4.6 L Explorer handles pulling our 2720 better than the 5.3L Tahoe. I believe body structure and suspension plays a bigger role now. Full frame construction seems to have higher towing ratings than unibody, but not always.
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Old 08-21-2018, 11:29 PM   #8
inghamm
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Default You should be fine with the Pilot

We've done 2 trips into Idaho Montana, and Wyoming with our 2720 loaded with 3520 lbs on one trip and 3560 lbs on the other and no problems at all, either going up the passes or braking. Heading off for our 3rd trip this fall. Our towing capacity is 3500 lbs. For sure get the WDH. We do pack with weight in mind.
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Old 08-22-2018, 01:22 AM   #9
Larryjb
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I would say it's a challenge to pack like Ingham does. At least, for my family. But there you go, he shows is it can be done.
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Old 08-22-2018, 07:15 AM   #10
FlowerPower
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Default Wow

An RVing friend of mine suggested I ask people who have TMs, but I never would've expected so many responses -- thank you!

I do regularly tow a 10' trailer loaded w/an ATV and 60 gallons of water for work so not un-used to hauling, just wary of something new -- and twice as long.

I really appreciate all the insight, makes jumping into RVing a bit less scary. :-D
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