Results are in from my first long drive trailering a pop up. Estimated trailer weight 2000lbs, tounge weight around 250lbs, 900-1000lbs in the car itself. Went from Lancaster PA to Williamsburg VA (down 83 to 95 via the baltimore and d.c. beltways in mid-late afternoon rush traffic). Nary an issue keeping up, spent much of the time in the passing lane, averaged 24.5mpg but didn't get any high speed tests as traffic didn't let me get above 90mph for more than a couple short stretches. Car handled well but of course does have a little extra bounce to it over some of those PA potholes. Rear was riding kind of low so could use some upgraded spring rates back there. Maybe the H&Rs will solve this.

And yes I did say 24.5mpg. Isn't that what the glorious 3.0 tends to average for mpg empty? Must be a hell of an extra 35 horses!!!

Best part about the trip, I think I have my wife convinced she needs one, which means her wonderfully American "quality" assembled Legacy GT will likely be dumped in favor of a 02-05 XJR for me and she'll take mine as she works in the city and I know I can't afford to be painting XJR bumpers every year or two.

 

Wow, did a search, and this is almost exactly what I wanted to know. It's been eleven months, though, with no acknowledgments or "atta boys."

I say, "almost" because I'd like to use my 2.5 manual to transport a boat about 140 miles. Fortunately, it's pretty flat around here, but the boat itself (not including the trailer) weighs close to 2,600 lbs, so it will definitely tax the car/motor/drivetrain more than I'd like. By maintaining 60-65 MPH at most, I should minimize things a bit. Brakes may be another thing.

The big question is, how taxing to the drivetrain will it be to use the car to pull the boat out of the water? Smelling clutch is probably a given. What about any other weak links? Besides the clutch, what would I have to be concerned about?

 

Transfer case? springs maybe the motor, I always say if your towing something... better to rent a vehicle for a bit say 150 bucks then put the risk of 3000+ repair bill

 

Yeah, I hear you. My wife's Buick Rainier is more than capable and is my alternative ... its availability is an issue.

But, re-reading benebob's post, he went through some very hilly terrain, had 250 lbs of tongue weight, and with nearly a half ton inside the car itself had more mass than I plan to have.

I don't even care about fuel economy, and he reports getting 24.5. It's the fuel economy that would seem to be an excellent indicator as to how much strain was placed on his drivetrain. At 24.5, certainly the throttle had to maintain a larger-than-normal open position so the motor would develop the necessary power to propel the car/trailer along, but not more than just some good ol' spirited driving would do.

Okay, I'll settle for 60 MPH max. Anybody else think I'm on my way to the repair shop?

 

Well fuel economy is just a indication of how much fuelt he vehicle is using, its does have a relation to the strain but fuel economey doesnt account heat ( only to a small degree) that the parts are undergoing. Also is a unibody vehicle... most towing rigs and off roads rigs must be frame ( ladder frame) based since the body wont under go strain from the weight. Theres a reason the honda ridgeline doesnt, can't tow well. Or these new crossoves are crap off road.

But if you are towing, and its auto, make sure to turn over drive off. If our cars have that feature lol.

 

At least at this point, it looks like my brother is going to rescue me with his big Chevy pickup. I still may try to take a short distance at some point in the future, but I WILL be careful.

 

Towing? X-type? I'm sorry, but that's just crazy. Wasn't meant to happen. Buy a truck.