Bambi people ... what's your tow?

[RedSHED]

I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20
So hurry up, and bring your juke box money

14 Bambi 16'
14 Ram 1500 (ZF, hemi). Overkill, but with the mirrors and brake controller built in, it's a no brainer to set up and tow with.

Would like to try a Charger sometime, or a Grand Cherokee, but this is working out pretty well. I like the combo way better than the 31' 1500hd combo we used to have. Waaaay better.

Last trip back from Alabama (where kiddo goes to school) we got something like 15.5 or 16 towing. Usually around 14-14.5. Tailwind.

[Rpatrick16]

When I bought my 2016 22FB I used our 2016 Ford Explorer with the 3.5 liter motor and the Ford tow package (5000lb). It did a good job for our first year, pulling nearly 8,000 miles coast to coast and back home here in the Rockies. The car was maxed out so I traded it for a 2017 Ford F150 with the large Eco-Boost motor and a 10 speed tranny. The difference is unbelievable with 3 mpg better economy. Always use the WD hitch and anti sway control.

[WhereStream]

Anyone towing with a new-style Ford Explorer?

I like the size of the Explorer — handy SUV but easier to park than my Suburban.

I'd like to know how the late-model unibody Explorer does as a tow.

Power should not be a problem ... I see you can get it with the 3.5 liter Ecoboost everyone raves about.

[David F]

Although not a Bambi, I tow my '67 Caravel (approximately 2600 lbs) with a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i sans any hitch add-ons or towing aids. The X5 hardly knows the trailer is behind it, but the fuel economy says otherwise...loose about 7 mpg at 70 mph cruising speed.

[USAtraveler]

Originally Posted by David F

Although not a Bambi, I tow my '67 Caravel (approximately 2600 lbs) with a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i sans any hitch add-ons or towing aids. The X5 hardly knows the trailer is behind it, but the fuel economy says otherwise...loose about 7 mpg at 70 mph cruising speed.

You da man, David!!! 70 mph cruisin', maybe 80-85 downhill and passin'! Wow...not many of us have the cajones to do this. All without ESC too...very impressive...or does BMW call that Dynamic Drive...kinda like WARP drive, except for What-Me-Worry BMW drivers?

[Garfish]

Picking up Sport Thursday and will tow with AWD 2015 Highlander with sway being installed by dealer. Hope it works out fine

[RedSHED]

We're pulling a 16' with a Ram 1500. No wd, no sway. took 4 of us to Maine from near Indy a couple years ago. Nearing Louisville as I type this (no, I'm not driving) on our way back from NM & CO, again w/4 (shortest is 5'7, others are all around 5'10).
We didn't do anything more aggressive than Tijeras canyon and La Veta pass, although we did drag it up to Los Alamos... Took some back ways across the Berkshires earlier that also were non events.
Best tank towing was 15.5, worst was 13.2.

It's a stupid good combination. Really close to 10000 miles towing. No complaints.

[USAtraveler]

Originally Posted by Garfish

Picking up Sport Thursday and will tow with AWD 2015 Highlander with sway being installed by dealer. Hope it works out fine

I hate to see a new member being sucked into buying a useless product by an unscrupulous or...giving benefit of the doubt...uninformed RV dealer. As your dealer knows, or should know, your Toyota Highlander comes from the factory already equipped with a far superior electronic sway control (ESC) system to that which is provided by any mechanical add-on system. Just check your Owners Manual.
If OTOH you might have misunderstood your dealer's purpose, and he really wants to supply you with a modern, state-of-the-art weight distribution system such as Anderson that would actually benefit your lightly sprung Highlander and be complimentary to your ESC, then go for it.

[Garfish]

Originally Posted by USAtraveler

I hate to see a new member being sucked into buying a useless product by an unscrupulous or...giving benefit of the doubt...uninformed RV dealer. As your dealer knows, or should know, your Toyota Highlander comes from the factory already equipped with a far superior electronic sway control (ESC) system to that which is provided by any mechanical add-on system. Just check your Owners Manual.
If OTOH you might have misunderstood your dealer's purpose, and he really wants to supply you with a modern, state-of-the-art weight distribution system such as Anderson that would actually benefit your lightly sprung Highlander and be complimentary to your ESC, then go for it.

Dealer paid for the sway so if Highlander didn't need it they just did not know it. Hope it does work fine. Thanks

[David F]

Originally Posted by USAtraveler

You da man, David!!! 70 mph cruisin', maybe 80-85 downhill and passin'! Wow...not many of us have the cajones to do this. All without ESC too...very impressive...or does BMW call that Dynamic Drive...kinda like WARP drive, except for What-Me-Worry BMW drivers?

Struck a nerve did I? Trailer has new axle, tires (GYE), and brakes. Pulling a trailer at 70 mph in a 75 mph speed zone in the slow lane is not a big deal. Never said anything about going faster and don't pass anyone ever (if on a two lane road). And, I did not say that I turn off DSC/ESC or any other electronic aids on the TV. I meant no ADDED towing aids (i.e. weight distribution or sway control). Lighten up a bit, would you.

[dlkershaw]

Tow our 22FB Bambi with a 2014 Jeep GC 6cyl / 8 speed trans and paddle shifter....electric trailer brake.. works great !