[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by southernexposure

Thanks Ray, I appreciate the great technical input.

Welcome.

If I read this correctly, it is all about a function of weight management. I was originally considering the 2720SL but considered that too small. Normally, it would be two adults and on occassions a teenager(adult). There is only approx 100lbs difference between the 2720 and the 3023.

Actually two differences...

First, the 2720SL being 3 feet shorter will be easier to control with your Volvo's 112 inch Wheelbase. That's not to say that a 3023 is too long but you'll have a greater margin of steering control in high winds and steeply descending hairpin turns (where the trailer tends to oversteer the tow vehicle).

2nd, although the 3023 has only a 100 lb greater empty weight, it has a lot more storage volume and thus will tend to be more heavily loaded. "Stuff" has a way of expanding to fill the volume of storage available. That's going to be the big challenge for weight management.

As I see it, I have to ensure I have proper connection relative to load equalization and secondly do not overload. For example, do not load all the water if you know you have go up/down a mountain when you can get water when you get there. Carry minimum.

Exactly. Use of a Weight Distributing Hitch (with at least 750 lb spring bars) will be mandatory.

Water is very heavy stuff...carry only the minimum you need and go with an empty (or almost empty) fresh water tank if water will be available at the camping location. And drain the grey water tank at the campground dump or at the closest dump after leaving the campground. The grey water tank not only holds 28 gallons (a whopping 224 lbs!) but the weight is behind the TM's axle where it can contribute to sway and evil handling.

I even drain my water heater before heading home from camping...6 gallons doesn't sound like much but that's 48 lbs...and 48 lbs does make a difference when steep mountain grades are along the route. Plus, with an empty hot water tank, the heater's anode rod is not being sacrificed during storage.

I do have overdrive, but can switch to manual and shifting.

Glad to hear this. Definitely turn OD off on climbs and descents and any other situation where the torque converter clutch is frequently unlocking.

I heartily endorse Frank's caution about the need to use engine braking (transmission with OD off or in a lower gear) as the primary means of controlling descent speed on mountain grades. The wheel brakes should be used only intermittantly so they have time to cool between uses...the saying here in Colorado is "hot brakes kill".