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Old 12-04-2014, 08:04 AM   #1
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what do you pull X17Z with?

Hi, we are new owners of a 2014 X17Z TT weighing in at 3043 lbs and ~400 pd tongue weight (full propane tanks and battery). We pull with a 2014 Toyota 4runner. We definately can feel the trailer and it's profile catches any wind and gives us somewhat of a "white knuckle" traveling experience. I estimate we are at 75-80% of the total tow weight when loaded. Made two trips thus far, longest 4 hours with a top speed of 60 mph, in a 14 mile per hour wind. Felt somewhat comfortable towing in those conditions. More comfortable the second trip than the first. Wondering if I just need to get used to the feel of towing?

Curious what others tow with and what experience they have when towing (ie. easy tow, white knuckle, swaying, speeds, etc.)

Thanks, Brian
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Old 12-04-2014, 08:27 AM   #2
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That vehicle should be up for the challenge. What kind of hitch are you using? That will make a huge difference in your towing experience. You should be using a weight distributing hitch and some type of sway control device.

Also make sure your trailer tires are at max cold inflation pressure, and your tow vehicle tires are at the recommended pressure or even a tad higher if the tire itself permits it.

Loading habits will dictate how stable the trailer is when towing. You want about 12-15% of the total weight on the tongue. Make sure your trailer and truck are properly loaded and balanced.
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Old 12-04-2014, 08:43 AM   #3
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We have a 600/6000 lb equalizer hitch (rides very low but level, trailer level is 17 inches). I think I have it set up properly now, the first trip my front end felt very light. The tongue height (hitched) is at the same "level height" as the trailer (unhitched), 17 inches, and my front tire measurement is within 1/4 inch of the unhitched measurement. I will check the tires next time, thanks for the tip.

How does one measure the 12-15% total weight you mention? Currently I estimate the tongue weight to be ~400 pds, and the total trailer weight 3200, so if that is correct I am right at the 12.5%.
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Old 12-04-2014, 08:50 AM   #4
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Sounds like you're on the right track. You can measure the tongue weight by going to a CAT scale, or the dump, or something like that. It doesn't cost much and gives you the best indication of your hitch setup.

Is that 3043lbs the empty weight? I think the 17Z is a 3500lb GVWR trailer, in which case you will have to be very careful of your loading habits with such low Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC).

Is your hitch made by the company Equal-I-Zer or is it an Equalizer style hitch made by a different manufacturer? Sounds like you have it dialed in properly now, and if it wasn't the first time that would explain your poor towing experience.
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Old 12-04-2014, 09:01 AM   #5
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3043 lbs is the trailer sticker (on side of TT) weight. I was told that was the actual unloaded weight of the TT as it sat when I purchased it. I estimate I have another 150 pds of stuff loaded (most in the rear of TT).

Yes, hitch is made by Equal-I-Zer. I think I am not used to having the whole SUV and TT act like one unit (with the Equal-I-Zer), and how that feels when towing. Thanks again for all the information. Brian
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Old 12-04-2014, 09:06 AM   #6
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No problem. Welcome to the site. Come back regularly, share your experiences and ask questions. There are lots of great people on here with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will save you time, money and hassles. Keep us posted with how it tows next time.
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Old 12-05-2014, 10:55 PM   #7
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I pull my x17a with a Toyota Tundra. V8. Wd hitch. Goes like a dream.
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Old 12-06-2014, 07:21 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by ashmanbrian View Post
Hi, we are new owners of a 2014 X17Z TT weighing in at 3043 lbs and ~400 pd tongue weight (full propane tanks and battery). We pull with a 2014 Toyota 4runner. We definately can feel the trailer and it's profile catches any wind and gives us somewhat of a "white knuckle" traveling experience. I estimate we are at 75-80% of the total tow weight when loaded. Made two trips thus far, longest 4 hours with a top speed of 60 mph, in a 14 mile per hour wind. Felt somewhat comfortable towing in those conditions. More comfortable the second trip than the first. Wondering if I just need to get used to the feel of towing?

Curious what others tow with and what experience they have when towing (ie. easy tow, white knuckle, swaying, speeds, etc.)

Thanks, Brian
I pulled my old one with a 2008 Toyota Hylander. Did fine for what we needed and where we were going.
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Old 12-07-2014, 06:43 AM   #9
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We had 2012 X17Z that we towed with a 2009 Honda Pilot from NJ to Utah and back. No issues and the combo worked fine, just be careful of the amount of weight you put in it as there isn't much cargo capacity with that camper.

We traded up this past year because the X17Z was a little tight for 3 adults, and my mom joins us quiten often on our adventures.
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Old 12-07-2014, 07:13 AM   #10
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We started off pulling our 2014 x17z with a 2002 v6 Ford Escape this past May. It struggled heroically but we knew this was not going to work long term. In June we purchased a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and what a difference. The driving experience went from anxiety to relaxation. It has load leveling rear shocks and we used a wd. Mileage ran about 13 mpg. Cruised at 65 mph on highway, stayed in OD for most part, on inclines went into 4th. Can't wait for next summer.
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Old 12-07-2014, 02:15 PM   #11
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I pull my X17z with a Ford Econoline E-350 Chateau Super Duty with the 6.8 V-10. Obviously no problems here and plenty of reserve capacity.
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Old 12-07-2014, 08:21 PM   #12
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If you pull into a weigh station when the cops aren't there you can use that scale. I found out my trailer that Jayco said is 4700 pounds is actually 5500.
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Old 01-24-2015, 04:54 AM   #13
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We were using a Honda Ridgeline when we first got our trailer. It worked but it was definitely at the upper end of its capability. About two weeks ago we bought a Ford F-150 with a 5.4 liter. Now I have to hook the brake controller up again. I cut the wires and took the one out of the Ridgeline. It looks like this truck is prewired for it unlike the Ridgeline. That'll be a big time saver.
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Old 01-24-2015, 05:43 AM   #14
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I pull with a VW Touraeg TDI and it can pull 7,700 lbs. and my Jayco EXP21M loaded comes in at 5,600 lbs. I don't even know it's behind me and I get 23 mpg running on I-5 and in the mountains I get 19 mpg. With out the trailer on I-5 from Bellingham to Portland I get 34 mpg all day long. Love this car!
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Old 01-29-2015, 08:36 AM   #15
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I pull mine w/a 2014 Ford Explorer with WD hitch. Tows very well.
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Old 01-29-2015, 11:58 AM   #16
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I pull my X17z with a Ford Econoline E-350 Chateau Super Duty with the 6.8 V-10. Obviously no problems here and plenty of reserve capacity.
I bet you don't need a $3000 hitch either
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Old 02-16-2015, 10:54 AM   #17
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We just took our first trip with the new TV down to Seaside, Oregon. I liked the Ridgeline but the F150 works SO much better pulling the trailer.
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Old 02-16-2015, 12:34 PM   #18
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This past year was the first with the 17Z, behind a Tundra. I still noticed it back there, but I was used to towing a small pop-up. I'm gonna play around with the WDH height settings this Spring.




I used to tow my pop-up with the 4Runner like the OP.

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Old 02-16-2015, 01:02 PM   #19
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A visit to the CAT Scale will tell you what your weights are and will cost around $14 (3 passes). IMHO you will reach the Rear GAWR before you reach the max tow weight.
Unless you have changed to LT tires you should limit your speed to 65mph or less since trailer tires are rated for 65.
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