August 29 2009, trip to Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP)
It's been some time since the first trip with our trailer... Summertime in the southeast typically has fewer track events due to the heat and we're just starting to crank back up with several events in late summer and fall. Our second trip with the trailer was a shorter drive to CMP in Kershaw, SC - about 1 hr 40 mins from Charlotte where we live. There is a lot less highway and more two lane back road 55mph, sometimes dropping to 35 - 45 for small towns.
Comments on the drive:
- I'm getting more comfortable with adjusting the brake controller for mixed highway / town, but still having problems hearing / feeling the trailer brakes lockup at 25mph when the trailer is loaded like I do when it's empty and I'm setting it up. The unloaded lockup is apparent skidding sound and I don't get that with the track car in the trailer.
- On the way down I recorded 14 mpg and my wife thought it was a result of our previous driving w/o towing. I filled up just before our return and the result was exactly the same - 14 mpg on the nose again! Traffic in was light but I did get a fair number of traffic lights, city driving etc and I'd guess my average traveling speed was 50-55 mph. This entire drive is pretty flat.
The other thing that could have positively impacted the MPG was the Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite tonneau cover that we put on between this and the last trip. Truck tires were inflated about the same 50lbs front, 55lbs rear.
- From the incident on my last trip, I checked the trailer tires before we left and they were all still spot on at 50 lbs.
Concerns / Things to research:
- Backing up while connected is still not second nature and requires a lot of trial and error (and outside coaching). We need to make time to go out and practice in an empty lot for a few hours.
- My wife has been riding with our buddy while pulling his trailer lately getting work done our joint "24 Hours of Lemons" car and we now can fully write off a lot of the noises and push/pull from above as 'normal' conditions.
- Ongoing brake controller setup issue (while loaded) above still a concern.
Lessons Learned:
- I had my first trailer 'incident' leaving the storage area with the unloaded trailer making a sharp right turn. The road is pretty narrow and I didn't swing wide enough and managed to roll onto a big landscaping rock they have near the entrance. Didn't do any visible damage but some scrapes on the bottom under the side door. That rock will be a good reminder for me every time I pull out of our storage area... need to watch those right-handers especially.
- Make sure before loading the trailer that it is fully on flat ground. I had one side of the trailer on the drainage curbing along side the road and the uneven angle made connecting the higher-side WDH bar pretty difficult both from an angle and lift perspective. Eventually got it on, but not without some difficulty.
- Don't load the back seat full of luggage for the trip when all the WDH hitch stuff you need is underneath the seat in the storage area and you haven't pulled it out first
- This one is more of an application of previous lessons learned - we kept the weight distributing bars disconnected for pulling into our cul-de-sac so we can make much tighter turns.
__________________ Tow: 2009 Tundra DC SR5 5.7 Mods and Adds: Prodigy, under seat storage, Avic-F90BT Nav w/ HD module, backup camera, TRD 18w/ CrossContact LX e-rated,
glass break sensor, Homelink Mirror, Hardwired Valentine One w/ Blendmount, TRD rear sway, Valor tip, bed step, G4 tonneau Next: 35% tint, helper springs or bags Haul 2008 Continental Cargo Enclosed Car Hauler 22ft V-nose, Reese WDH Daily: 2005 Lexus LS430 Ultra-Luxury * PCS * ML * Rear Fridge * Massaging and Reclining Rear Seats * Vaistech SL-I * Coastal Lockpick Track: 1998 BMW E36 M3/4 track car (wife's) Float: Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
November 6 2009, trip to Robeling Road near Savannah, GA
I've skipped writing up a few trips to CMP and VIR as they're pretty much in line with the above. Robeling Road trip was the first 'more than one tank of gas' drive I have done where I had to fuel up en-route. I still haven't towed enough to feel comfortable navigating crowded parking lots with obstacles, so that was a stress point for me, but turned out to be a non-event.
Comments on the drive:
- The highway speed limit on this trip is mostly 70 mph which is great for getting the drive done faster, but terrible for MPG. I averaged around 9.5 mpg
- At higher speeds I noted the trailer is more prone to being unsettled by passing / passed tractor trailers, buses, etc. with the 'suck in' and 'push out' effect. I didn't really have any white knuckle incidents, but on our return drive home the car in the trailer was positioned a little too far back and that made for some additional enhancement of this effect. When we stopped for gas we repositioned the car a bit which made a big difference.
- Gas station drama was lessened by having buddies traveling with us who knew of an easy on/off station with lots of headroom and wide aisles, and a place to eat off the same exit that had a big empty lot out back.
Concerns / Things to research:
- We've got a number of accessories to mount in the trailer (tire rack for 8 wheels / tires, gas container holders, fire extinguisher holder, jack holder) Once we get those mounted (especially the tire holders will change the weight setup in the traler) I really want to get the trailer weighed when fully loaded and get the tongue weight dialed in.
- My buddy that drove down with us said that at night our headlights are pretty blinding (pointing up too high). May need to point them down a bit - since I mainly use our Tundra for hauling this won't impact our daily driving that much.
Lessons Learned:
- Drafting makes a big difference. I traveled with a buddy towing a 24 ft Pace enclosed car hauler on this trip. Drafting behind him I could get 11mpg going 70, but out in front I was at 8.5 - 9.2mpg pretty consistently at best. I plan to try some slightly faster driving drafting a bit behind tractor trailers to see what the mpg impact is.
- When I was bored at the track I inspected the trailer and checked the lug nut torque... got a little bit of movement in some of them so worthwhile do to. I also found that brake wiring on the drive side of the trailer had dropped out of the wiring guide and was hanging down pretty low. Replaced it and added some zip-ties to hold it in. Lesson learned its worthwhile to look over what you're hauling top-to-bottom every now and then. Something I don't do enough.
- Make sure your connector to the trailer plug is TIGHT before pulling off. My wife hooked mine up and I visibly inspected it but once we pulled out and I tried to set the brake controller it felt 'wrong' and had a hard time stopping at the first stop sign leaving the track. Turned out it was loose and trailer brakes were not working, even though the trailer lights had initially worked (what I ususally use to test the connection)
- When I return our trailer to it's parking spot in storage (a long backing process) I've learned the most important factor is patience. Don't try to go too fast and make small corrections. Every time I try to rush I end up having to re-align.
__________________ Tow: 2009 Tundra DC SR5 5.7 Mods and Adds: Prodigy, under seat storage, Avic-F90BT Nav w/ HD module, backup camera, TRD 18w/ CrossContact LX e-rated,
glass break sensor, Homelink Mirror, Hardwired Valentine One w/ Blendmount, TRD rear sway, Valor tip, bed step, G4 tonneau Next: 35% tint, helper springs or bags Haul 2008 Continental Cargo Enclosed Car Hauler 22ft V-nose, Reese WDH Daily: 2005 Lexus LS430 Ultra-Luxury * PCS * ML * Rear Fridge * Massaging and Reclining Rear Seats * Vaistech SL-I * Coastal Lockpick Track: 1998 BMW E36 M3/4 track car (wife's) Float: Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
- The highway speed limit on this trip is mostly 70 mph which is great for getting the drive done faster, but terrible for MPG. I averaged around 9.5 mpg
Yep, I try to stay at 60-65mph, it helps a lot. Towing a trailer always makes a trip longer as it takes longer to pass, get up to speed, slow down, etc. Just a 5-10mph difference doesn't affect your arrival time too much. Slow down, save the gas.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
Sixth Trip Out
- At higher speeds I noted the trailer is more prone to being unsettled by passing / passed tractor trailers, buses, etc. with the 'suck in' and 'push out' effect. I didn't really have any white knuckle incidents, but on our return drive home the car in the trailer was positioned a little too far back and that made for some additional enhancement of this effect. When we stopped for gas we repositioned the car a bit which made a big difference.
You did the right thing putting more weight on the tongue but you may want to check the tension on your sway bars. I never get that feeling unless the nuts on the equalizer need some torque added to them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
Sixth Trip Out
- My buddy that drove down with us said that at night our headlights are pretty blinding (pointing up too high). May need to point them down a bit - since I mainly use our Tundra for hauling this won't impact our daily driving that much.
When I first got my truck when not towing I go high beamed all the time, so much that I learned to drive with my left hand on the stock, ready to flash people back. Adjusting your headlights down is easy, takes 5m, and will make your truck not blind other drivers. Park your truck in a flat parking lot at night, get in a sedan of some sort, drive away from the truck then drive straight back at it...once you see how bright and misaligned they are from the factory you will want to adjust it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
Sixth Trip Out
- Drafting makes a big difference. I traveled with a buddy towing a 24 ft Pace enclosed car hauler on this trip. Drafting behind him I could get 11mpg going 70, but out in front I was at 8.5 - 9.2mpg pretty consistently at best. I plan to try some slightly faster driving drafting a bit behind tractor trailers to see what the mpg impact is.
I try to find a pack of Semis and let them lead the way. Saves a ton on gas and speeding tickets.
jdubh: I just now fully realized the size of your camper. I guess I didn't pay much attention before. I'm not sure where you're located, but your signature shows a WV dealer. I'm curious how your setup performs pulling through the hills of WV? Also, if you've ever pulled it south down I-75 over Jellico mountain between KY and TN?
November 6 2009, trip to Robeling Road near Savannah, GA
Hehe, I'm right down the road from Roebling visiting family. My first ever track day was at Roebling with the Dark Side (I assume you ran with them this weekend.)
I woulda ran that same event, but I injured my back a week before Roebling is a great track.
__________________
~Michael
2008 Toyota Tundra 5.7 2WD - Toy Hauler / 2006 Toyota Sienna Limited - Kid Hauler / 1993 Toyota MR2 - Autocross Car
Mods: Tekonsha P3; Tow Mirrors; TRD Wheels; TPMS Pipe Bomb
Hehe, I'm right down the road from Roebling visiting family. My first ever track day was at Roebling with the Dark Side (I assume you ran with them this weekend.)
I woulda ran that same event, but I injured my back a week before Roebling is a great track.
Yep - we've been doing both their Spring / Fall events for several years.
VIR next weekend with PCA Carolinas.
__________________ Tow: 2009 Tundra DC SR5 5.7 Mods and Adds: Prodigy, under seat storage, Avic-F90BT Nav w/ HD module, backup camera, TRD 18w/ CrossContact LX e-rated,
glass break sensor, Homelink Mirror, Hardwired Valentine One w/ Blendmount, TRD rear sway, Valor tip, bed step, G4 tonneau Next: 35% tint, helper springs or bags Haul 2008 Continental Cargo Enclosed Car Hauler 22ft V-nose, Reese WDH Daily: 2005 Lexus LS430 Ultra-Luxury * PCS * ML * Rear Fridge * Massaging and Reclining Rear Seats * Vaistech SL-I * Coastal Lockpick Track: 1998 BMW E36 M3/4 track car (wife's) Float: Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
jdubh: I just now fully realized the size of your camper. I guess I didn't pay much attention before. I'm not sure where you're located, but your signature shows a WV dealer. I'm curious how your setup performs pulling through the hills of WV? Also, if you've ever pulled it south down I-75 over Jellico mountain between KY and TN?
I've pulled it through WV...on the Turnpike which is a horrible road for porpoising, the up and down motion caused my bike rack to snap and drop the bikes to the ground. I had no troubles on those mountains maintaining speed. I've towed from SC to OH via I40 through TN and up I75 from there...didn't realize Jellico mountain was there...that may have been the place I got stuck behind a Chevy 1500 pulling a trailer at 45mph...I was able to pass him and go to 65mph no problem. I almost made a video of it because the road was unbelievably steep but the Tundra kept going...right past the Chevy and even an f250 later. I averaged 9mpg the whole way through those mountains.
I've pulled it through WV...on the Turnpike which is a horrible road for porpoising, the up and down motion caused my bike rack to snap and drop the bikes to the ground. I had no troubles on those mountains maintaining speed. I've towed from SC to OH via I40 through TN and up I75 from there...didn't realize Jellico mountain was there...that may have been the place I got stuck behind a Chevy 1500 pulling a trailer at 45mph...I was able to pass him and go to 65mph no problem. I almost made a video of it because the road was unbelievably steep but the Tundra kept going...right past the Chevy and even an f250 later. I averaged 9mpg the whole way through those mountains.
If you pulled Jellico w/ 10k lbs @ 65 mph "with no problem", then that's impressive! The Chevy and the F250 probably had 4-spds (like me). I drop to 2nd on long pulls like that and slow down so that I'm not running high rpms. All of the semis are running 45 to 55 up that grade, so I don't see a need to go any faster. With my GMC 5.3/4-spd/3.73 and 7k lb camper, I pull Jellico in 2nd @ 55 mph / 3600 rpm, which is a "comfortable" spot for the system. The 6-spd version of my same truck would pull 65 mph @ ~3600 rpm over the same. I can accelerate slowly on that grade and run 65 w/ the 4-spd, but it would be over 4k rpm. Based on your experience, I'm guessing that the 5.7/6-spd/4.30 would pull my same load in the 3k rpm range @ 65 (4th gear) over that mountain. It's about a 5% grade over much of it, and it's a very long climb. Again, I'm impressed!
I'm glad to see some posting about Jellico Mtn. I live just south of Knoxville and have a new to me 28' 6200lbs dry 5er. I also have a 02 Tundra with 4.7 engine. We plan on traveling up north in the future and was concerned with Jellico Mtn. We are planning trips into Va I-81 and NC I-40 as well. I'm looking forward to upgrading the truck to one with the 5.7. Sounds like a sweet engine. Do any of you have a Tundra with long bed. I'm considering that option on the next purchase.
I'm glad to see some posting about Jellico Mtn. I live just south of Knoxville and have a new to me 28' 6200lbs dry 5er. I also have a 02 Tundra with 4.7 engine. We plan on traveling up north in the future and was concerned with Jellico Mtn. We are planning trips into Va I-81 and NC I-40 as well. I'm looking forward to upgrading the truck to one with the 5.7. Sounds like a sweet engine. Do any of you have a Tundra with long bed. I'm considering that option on the next purchase.
I've never pulled with a 4.7, but my understanding is that it has a bit less torque/hp than the 5.3 I'm currently driving. Gear selection is just as important though, so that's another variable. Since you're close, go ahead and hook up your unloaded dry camper and head over Jellico mtn with it as a "test". You'll get a good idea of how it handles, without the stress of a full load. Find the gear that keeps you in a good "power band", and see what you think. Of course... report what you learn!
I pulled it up Rockwood Mtn when we bought it. found second gear at about 3k rpm pulled best. It's not as steep or as long as Jellico or the I 81 or I 40 pull's. The 4.7 is a good ways down on torque and power. It's rated at 245Hp and probably about 250-280ft/lbs torque. The newer engines from what I understand are rated closer to 380Hp and 400lbs torque.
I have went to a 10ply e rated Michelin tire, which helped stability a lot. I had thought about air bags, but the truck its level when hooked up, even loaded. Gave some thought to tweaking the engine, but hate to put cash into it, when I know it's going away sometime soon.
If you pulled Jellico w/ 10k lbs @ 65 mph "with no problem", then that's impressive! The Chevy and the F250 probably had 4-spds (like me). I drop to 2nd on long pulls like that and slow down so that I'm not running high rpms. All of the semis are running 45 to 55 up that grade, so I don't see a need to go any faster. With my GMC 5.3/4-spd/3.73 and 7k lb camper, I pull Jellico in 2nd @ 55 mph / 3600 rpm, which is a "comfortable" spot for the system. The 6-spd version of my same truck would pull 65 mph @ ~3600 rpm over the same. I can accelerate slowly on that grade and run 65 w/ the 4-spd, but it would be over 4k rpm. Based on your experience, I'm guessing that the 5.7/6-spd/4.30 would pull my same load in the 3k rpm range @ 65 (4th gear) over that mountain. It's about a 5% grade over much of it, and it's a very long climb. Again, I'm impressed!
That sounds exactly like the mountain I went over...I remember getting really annoyed because I kept getting stuck behind semi's with hazard lights and I couldn't just go to the fast lane and pass them without holding traffic up. And you are correct, it was in the 3K range RPM wise, the truck was working but I don't recall not being able to hold 65 on any mountain on the way home. On the curvey part of I40 I stayed in the right lane with the semis and did 55mph the whole way because of the curves. Fun road!
Re: Towing Newb - Dave's learning to tow blog
Roebling is a great track.
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