First Trip Out

[CincyCamper]

First trip out was not bad, could have been better without the wind storm.

[astrowolf67]

Very nice looking site, and, congrats on the first trip! One question, how did the Xterra do pulling?

[Tunce the traveler]

Your heading should have been " It was a dark and stormy night", you can lie a little too just to lieven it up otherwise it could be a dull day around here.

[CincyCamper]

That heading would only cover a fourth of the first time bugs out.

[CincyCamper]

The X does great around town and back roads but lacks highway grunt. It is only a temporary tow vehicle.

[Donedroolin]

Nice looking setup. We had an 05 Xterra. Never towed anything with it. Had allot of power. Always thought it would have the power to pull a small trailer. Just wondered about in the wind and highway traffic. I have a Diesel so I use that to tow everything. Just replace the X with a Toyota 4runner. What do you wanna get for your next tow vehicle.

[CincyCamper]

So far so good. I have only had it on the highway a couple of times, and never when there has been wind >20mph. I have an equalizer hitch which does help, but above 65 mph the trailer does start swaying. I am looking for either a V-8 SUV with three-row seating, preferably an Armada or Suburban, or full-size truck. Possibly a Ram with the Eco-Diesel. My X is a rare one, 4x2, I always get weird looks when getting parts or service. What kind of mileage do you get with your F250?

[jestoy7]

Same boat here. I think my Odyssey isn't going to be adequate when our trailer arrives. Been researching 3 row SUVs that tow well. I'm torn between GM and Ford. Nissan and Toyota don't get good mpg with/without towing relative to Ford/GM. From my research the Expedition has more usable 3rd row and does a little better towing, but I don't have real world experience.

[ttavasc]

Originally Posted by CincyCamper

So far so good. I have only had it on the highway a couple of times, and never when there has been wind >20mph. I have an equalizer hitch which does help, but above 65 mph the trailer does start swaying. I am looking for either a V-8 SUV with three-row seating, preferably an Armada or Suburban, or full-size truck. Possibly a Ram with the Eco-Diesel. My X is a rare one, 4x2, I always get weird looks when getting parts or service. What kind of mileage do you get with your F250?

Make sure and check for adequate payload on the Eco-Diesel if you are seriously considering that. They can be on the low side, especially if you want a higher trim level. I have seen them on the showroom floor with less than 1000lbs payload.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by CincyCamper

So far so good. I have only had it on the highway a couple of times, and never when there has been wind >20mph. I have an equalizer hitch which does help, but above 65 mph the trailer does start swaying. I am looking for either a V-8 SUV with three-row seating, preferably an Armada or Suburban, or full-size truck. Possibly a Ram with the Eco-Diesel. My X is a rare one, 4x2, I always get weird looks when getting parts or service. What kind of mileage do you get with your F250?

Which brand WDH/anti-sway setup do you have and is everything setup properly? With my Equal-i-zer brand hitch, I have never had a sway problem towing many different trailers. You may need to consider a new hitch etc. when you change tow vehicles.

BTW, unless you've replaced your trailer tires, they are only rated for 62mph, if I recall correctly.

[klpoppe]

What campground were you at??

[CincyCamper]

I have the Equalizer 90-00-1000, or 1k lbs tongue and 10k trailer capacity. I don't think it is set up correctly. I feel like the car sits nose higher than it should be. I had the dealership install it. I have not had a chance to sit both in a level lot and read through owner's manual.

[CincyCamper]

Miami Whitewater

[astrowolf67]

We towed our new 16XRB hybrid with my 2012 Xterra last week on a local 4 day outing. On the way out, had the hitch set with some rear end sag in the Xterra, and, fighting 20-30 mph wind gusts, we were all over the road. I did stop a couple of times, and added more friction to the sway bar, which helped some. On the return trip, I raised my WDH hitch one more chain link than before, which helped level everything out. It was much better! Most of my issues have not been the fault of the Xterra, but, the fact it is lifted, taller tires, with factory gearing. It does struggle once it gets above 62 mph.

[CincyCamper]

Originally Posted by astrowolf67

We towed our new 16XRB hybrid with my 2012 Xterra last week on a local 4 day outing. On the way out, had the hitch set with some rear end sag in the Xterra, and, fighting 20-30 mph wind gusts, we were all over the road. I did stop a couple of times, and added more friction to the sway bar, which helped some. On the return trip, I raised my WDH hitch one more chain link than before, which helped level everything out. It was much better! Most of my issues have not been the fault of the Xterra, but, the fact it is lifted, taller tires, with factory gearing. It does struggle once it gets above 62 mph.

Do you have any upgrades to the rear suspension? Helper springs or bags? I have heard that Xterrras don't have the stiffest springs and they don't need much to have the rear sagging.

[astrowolf67]

Originally Posted by CincyCamper

Do you have any upgrades to the rear suspension? Helper springs or bags? I have heard that Xterrras don't have the stiffest springs and they don't need much to have the rear sagging.

No upgrades, just the lift shackles. I am considering installing airbags to help out though. I love how it currently rides when not towing, and, don't want to change it any more than needed.