6000lb Travel Trailer Towing?

[Gruffid]

I upgraded from my 2018 JLU to my Gladiator Rubicon to tow a similar weight travel trailer. Installed the mopar brake controller and have a WDH. Haven't towed it yet but I talked to a couple people with the same TT (Jayco SLX8 264BH, wondering if you got the same based on weights) and a gladiator (even lifted) and they said it towed fine.

I have the same trailer, towing with my JTRD. I have a weight distribution hitch and the Mopar brake controller. It tows fantastically, with better fuel economy than my previous F-150 3.0L powerstroke.

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[jeepin48]

6800 loaded

Daniel you are the poster child of Max Tow.

 

[Ferg]

Just to add my 2¢ on the Curt Echo: I've used it to tow my Retro 135 for right at five thousand miles and never, ever had a single problem. I don't have the new switch that y'all have pointed out, but that does look pretty cool. I use a dash mount so that my phone is just to the left of my radio and the Curt app is always on. It's been my experience that the app works well with my particular setup.

 

[gsbfree]

Here's another TT perspective. TT weighs 3,802lbs with fresh water and propane tanks filled. I installed Red Arc brake controller and love it. The weight distribution/sway control hitch is a Fastway e2 hitch and I've been very happy how the JT handles the TT while towing over 2,900 miles. Our mpg has ranged from low of 12.2mpg to high 14.3mpg while pulling serious grades in Idaho.

 

[Ferg]

Thats a great looking setup you have! I love the trailer!

 

[SwampNut]

Our mpg has ranged from low of 12.2mpg to high 14.3mpg while pulling serious grades in Idaho.

What speed? Wind? I've noticed a HUGE variation in MPG with speed and how the wind is going. At 65 or so and no wind it will be doing 12 MPG. At 80, under 10. Add in some wind, low as 8. Also we have some huge climbs all over AZ.

 

[Ferg]

At 80, under 10. Add in some wind, low as 8.

You pull a TT @ 80 mph? Holy guacamole! I pretty much stick to 65 as my max.

 

[SwampNut]

You pull a TT @ 80 mph? Holy guacamole! I pretty much stick to 65 as my max.

Yes, why not? AZ has some huge wide open spaces. And it does very well and comfortably at 75-80 (mostly closer to 75). I'm basically just sticking with the large trucks, using the adaptive cruise. It's comfortable and they know what they're doing.

 

[Jobofly]

I have the same trailer, towing with my JTRD. I have a weight distribution hitch and the Mopar brake controller. It tows fantastically, with better fuel economy than my previous F-150 3.0L powerstroke.

Can you take a close up picture of your WDH setup?

 

[gsbfree]

What speed? Wind? I've noticed a HUGE variation in MPG with speed and how the wind is going. At 65 or so and no wind it will be doing 12 MPG. At 80, under 10. Add in some wind, low as 8. Also we have some huge climbs all over AZ.

Average speed on highways in mountain canyons is around 50mph (40-60mph), straight highway 65mph, interstate 70-75mph. We have not towed against head wind. Driving JT against significant head wind without TT drops 3+mpg.

 

[Gruffid]

Can you take a close up picture of your WDH setup?

Sure, but it might be a few days. The trailer is in the shop and the power is out in the entire region.

 

[GregW68]

went on a three week 4000 mile trip this fall out west and it towed great. 7000 pounds. removed my front heavy duty bumper with winch, and my rooftop tent mounts to get rid of some weight off of the jeep.

So you towed 7000 with the 35's ? I still have the stock 245's on mine (2020 Sport with Max Tow, 3800 lb dry trailer) but I would REALLY like to move up to at least some Rubicon takeoffs Seeing what you did makes me think I might be ok.

 

[danielspivey]

Yes, why not? AZ has some huge wide open spaces. And it does very well and comfortably at 75-80 (mostly closer to 75). I'm basically just sticking with the large trucks, using the adaptive cruise. It's comfortable and they know what they're doing.

What is the speed rating of your trailer tires? Most from what I’ve seen cap out at 65 miles an hour.

Interesting read on trailer laws by state: https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-speed-limits/

Don’t go into California going 80, because you’d be doing 25 over the maximum speed.

I would feel more comfortable pulling a travel trailer that is 7650 lbs at 55 than your 4K TT at 80. At 80 if you wrecked and got any form of sway the way that Arizona law is written, you would likely be screwed.

 

[Gladiator Brad 704]

They know what they are doing????

 

[SwampNut]

Don’t go into California going 80, because you’d be doing 25 over the maximum speed.

Correct, I get my best MPG in CA. The trucks do about 62 and again, I just set ACC to get in line with them.

I would feel more comfortable pulling a travel trailer that is 7650 lbs at 55 than your 4K TT at 80.

I wouldn't. Also it's well under 4k. I'd be VERY uncomfortable driving so much slower than all other traffic, including trucks and other RVs.

At 80 if you wrecked and got any form of sway the way that Arizona law is written, you would likely be screwed.

How so, besides the wreck? So I'd get a ticket? Insurance would still cover it, and it's just like all other laws about being reasonable and prudent. When towing with the Wrangler in CA at 60 I got some sway from wind, have never had sway at 80 in AZ. I guess either going too slow or being in CA is the cause...

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