veblenesque
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- Thread starter
- #1
Wanted to share my notes from towing a big trailer with the base manual.
First, the combination of gearing and engine performance isn't ideal for towing. I found myself only using 3rd and 4th gear, and the pentastar seems tuned for horsepower and not torque. It's fun without a trailer, but not ideal for towing. I was able to keep a steady freeway speed, but had to alternate between 3rd and 4th. Never made it into 5th.
I took off Friday with a steady 20 mph headwind and spent all of the trip in 3rd gear at 60-65 mph (3,500 rpm) and got 7.4 mpg. My return trip with no wind was 90% in 4th at 65-70 (2500ish rpm). Truck was very solid and even in the wind I didn't feel unsteady.
Also, used the Curt wireless brake controller, which performed great. Highly recommend.
My main takeaway is that I should consider modifying the gearing at some point. I love the manual and wouldn't trade for the automatic even after towing. Although the trailer pushes the 4k limit on the Sport, other than engine power and gearing it felt fine.
Also, that's a Little Guy Max trailer.
First, the combination of gearing and engine performance isn't ideal for towing. I found myself only using 3rd and 4th gear, and the pentastar seems tuned for horsepower and not torque. It's fun without a trailer, but not ideal for towing. I was able to keep a steady freeway speed, but had to alternate between 3rd and 4th. Never made it into 5th.
I took off Friday with a steady 20 mph headwind and spent all of the trip in 3rd gear at 60-65 mph (3,500 rpm) and got 7.4 mpg. My return trip with no wind was 90% in 4th at 65-70 (2500ish rpm). Truck was very solid and even in the wind I didn't feel unsteady.
Also, used the Curt wireless brake controller, which performed great. Highly recommend.
My main takeaway is that I should consider modifying the gearing at some point. I love the manual and wouldn't trade for the automatic even after towing. Although the trailer pushes the 4k limit on the Sport, other than engine power and gearing it felt fine.
Also, that's a Little Guy Max trailer.
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