sarguy1941
Well-Known Member
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- #1
So thought I'd share my experience of towing a 1600# CTC across the US.
My JT is a Max Tow, with Fox Shocks, Factory Steel Bumper, Badlands 12K Winch with Synthetic Rope, Back Rack, Redarc brake controller, and soft cover. In the bed was Orca 40Q cooler, 5 Gallons of Non-E in a Wavian Jerry Can, Tractor Supply plastic tool box with Honda 2K EU2000, mini floor jack, tooks, tow straps, tarp, extension cord, Ryobi Impact and Drier with batteries and charger. Additionally spare for trailer, 2 director camp chairs plastic fold up table, portable shower and BBQ grill and charchol. Of course on back seat was suit case for wife and I along with IPAD, PC etc. Cat Scale showed 6500#'s for the Jeep.
CTC is a 5x10 x6' interior height. Trailer came in at 1600#'s at the CAT scale.
Our route was SW VA to NY via RT29 and 81. In NY RT90 to Finger Lakes Region. Then on Sunday RT86 to 90 to Elkhart IN. When we left IN we headed west on 90 to RT80 all the way to 76 into Denver CO. After some stuff in Denver we headed to MOAB down 70. Leaving MOAB to Grand Canyon was 191 to Rt160 into the GC. We left GC on Monday and headed to Waco TX via 40 to 35. Leaving Waco between variable route to MS, then Atlanta GA, then Charlotte NC and back to VA.
Total trip was 5920 door step to door step. I tried to manually shift most of the time as without it I was bouncing around on the highway. 65-70 was most of the way even though out west I felt like getting run right over. Best I got on MPG was 14.4 (in VA on way out) and worst was 7.3. Although it towed the camper it was never fun. I have towed every size camper with our last being a 35' 5th wheel with my F450 Dually prior to switching t MH's. Sold our 38' MH this spring and took the CTC. Wife didn't feel comfortable towing it as some trucks blowing by at 80 did blow us around. I tried to move around gear each stop to get weights better but never found a optimal distribution that felt great. Trailer didn't lower the truck with 20#'s of air in the bags. Ride was good just slow and steady.
Not sure about these guys towing 5000# 25' campers at 80 with a JT but after mine I doubt I'd buy anything bigger for a long trip. This is a great setup for a short weekend trip close to home but next summer will be something easier. Besides wife already listed the CTC on Market place....
It was a great trip anyway and for those who never travel the US, you need to do it once. Lots of stuff to see and some stuff just doesn't look the same when your on the edge of a ledge
My JT is a Max Tow, with Fox Shocks, Factory Steel Bumper, Badlands 12K Winch with Synthetic Rope, Back Rack, Redarc brake controller, and soft cover. In the bed was Orca 40Q cooler, 5 Gallons of Non-E in a Wavian Jerry Can, Tractor Supply plastic tool box with Honda 2K EU2000, mini floor jack, tooks, tow straps, tarp, extension cord, Ryobi Impact and Drier with batteries and charger. Additionally spare for trailer, 2 director camp chairs plastic fold up table, portable shower and BBQ grill and charchol. Of course on back seat was suit case for wife and I along with IPAD, PC etc. Cat Scale showed 6500#'s for the Jeep.
CTC is a 5x10 x6' interior height. Trailer came in at 1600#'s at the CAT scale.
Our route was SW VA to NY via RT29 and 81. In NY RT90 to Finger Lakes Region. Then on Sunday RT86 to 90 to Elkhart IN. When we left IN we headed west on 90 to RT80 all the way to 76 into Denver CO. After some stuff in Denver we headed to MOAB down 70. Leaving MOAB to Grand Canyon was 191 to Rt160 into the GC. We left GC on Monday and headed to Waco TX via 40 to 35. Leaving Waco between variable route to MS, then Atlanta GA, then Charlotte NC and back to VA.
Total trip was 5920 door step to door step. I tried to manually shift most of the time as without it I was bouncing around on the highway. 65-70 was most of the way even though out west I felt like getting run right over. Best I got on MPG was 14.4 (in VA on way out) and worst was 7.3. Although it towed the camper it was never fun. I have towed every size camper with our last being a 35' 5th wheel with my F450 Dually prior to switching t MH's. Sold our 38' MH this spring and took the CTC. Wife didn't feel comfortable towing it as some trucks blowing by at 80 did blow us around. I tried to move around gear each stop to get weights better but never found a optimal distribution that felt great. Trailer didn't lower the truck with 20#'s of air in the bags. Ride was good just slow and steady.
Not sure about these guys towing 5000# 25' campers at 80 with a JT but after mine I doubt I'd buy anything bigger for a long trip. This is a great setup for a short weekend trip close to home but next summer will be something easier. Besides wife already listed the CTC on Market place....
It was a great trip anyway and for those who never travel the US, you need to do it once. Lots of stuff to see and some stuff just doesn't look the same when your on the edge of a ledge
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