ColoradoQX
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- Apr 4, 2012
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Hi All,
I just wanted to post my recent experience on a very long drive with two different travel trailers in hopes that it might help others thinking of using this excellent vehicle for towing. It is very capable indeed.
I negotiated a deal to good to pass up in Ohio and I happen to live near Denver in Colorado, this meant a 2800 mile round trip journey in 4 days.
I had a 21ft Crossroads Slingshot with a dry weight of 3500 lbs and a hitch weight of around 520 lbs (this was my trade in).
The new trailer is a Crossroads Sunset Trail 26BH reserve. This is a 30.5 ft trailer with a dry weight of 5900 lbs and a real hitch weight right around 840lbs. THis puts it right at the limit of the QX56 (only for hitch not gross weight) so loading will need to be just right. This trailer has a large rear storage area which allows me to balance out the hitch as needed using a purpose built hitch scale.
I also purchased an Equalizer hitch for the new trailer which for the un initiated functions as both a weight distribution hitch and sway control at the same time. DO NOT let any RV or boat dealer talk you into something that exceeds your hitch weight or your gross vehicle weight on the basis that a weight distribution hitch will magically increase your capability. I did a ton of research and all of the reputable trailer companies and the hitch manufacturers stressed adhering to the manufacturer limits regardless of what a sales guy might say. Not to mention if you did have a frame problem Infiniti would not have to honor the warranty!
THE drive:
On the way there I was towing my trade in. While I had a simple clamping type sway control the vehicle did feel a bit tippy and odd at times. Not at all dangerous or out of control but independent rear suspension and this setup induced some quirky feelings. As for engine power I must say it was a complete non issue with this trailer, I could barely feel it back there and I could accelerate very quickly if needed. Gas mileage was fairly good at anywhere from 9.2MPG to 11.5 MPG averages going around 65 MPH. Hills and headwinds seemed to dominate my outcome for mileage.
On the return trip with the Equalizer hitch the vehicle actually behaved much better in spite of the significantly higher weight of the new trailer. Power was still a non issue with the QX56. While crossing Kansas I encountered some very high wind gusts in the neighborhood of around 35-40 MPH that hit me dead to the side. With a longer trailer and an SUV with a short wheelbase I was seriously considering pulling over but to my surprise it handled the winds very well. I would not call it a relaxed drive during this section but the sway control did its job and the rig never got into an oscillation. With lower winds it was a dream to drive. Gas mileage was slightly better on the return which I can chalk up to a 4 PSI increase in tire pressure or possibly the more aerodynamic front profile of the new trailer or just dumb luck.
If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.
Best,
Darrin
I just wanted to post my recent experience on a very long drive with two different travel trailers in hopes that it might help others thinking of using this excellent vehicle for towing. It is very capable indeed.
I negotiated a deal to good to pass up in Ohio and I happen to live near Denver in Colorado, this meant a 2800 mile round trip journey in 4 days.
I had a 21ft Crossroads Slingshot with a dry weight of 3500 lbs and a hitch weight of around 520 lbs (this was my trade in).
The new trailer is a Crossroads Sunset Trail 26BH reserve. This is a 30.5 ft trailer with a dry weight of 5900 lbs and a real hitch weight right around 840lbs. THis puts it right at the limit of the QX56 (only for hitch not gross weight) so loading will need to be just right. This trailer has a large rear storage area which allows me to balance out the hitch as needed using a purpose built hitch scale.
I also purchased an Equalizer hitch for the new trailer which for the un initiated functions as both a weight distribution hitch and sway control at the same time. DO NOT let any RV or boat dealer talk you into something that exceeds your hitch weight or your gross vehicle weight on the basis that a weight distribution hitch will magically increase your capability. I did a ton of research and all of the reputable trailer companies and the hitch manufacturers stressed adhering to the manufacturer limits regardless of what a sales guy might say. Not to mention if you did have a frame problem Infiniti would not have to honor the warranty!
THE drive:
On the way there I was towing my trade in. While I had a simple clamping type sway control the vehicle did feel a bit tippy and odd at times. Not at all dangerous or out of control but independent rear suspension and this setup induced some quirky feelings. As for engine power I must say it was a complete non issue with this trailer, I could barely feel it back there and I could accelerate very quickly if needed. Gas mileage was fairly good at anywhere from 9.2MPG to 11.5 MPG averages going around 65 MPH. Hills and headwinds seemed to dominate my outcome for mileage.
On the return trip with the Equalizer hitch the vehicle actually behaved much better in spite of the significantly higher weight of the new trailer. Power was still a non issue with the QX56. While crossing Kansas I encountered some very high wind gusts in the neighborhood of around 35-40 MPH that hit me dead to the side. With a longer trailer and an SUV with a short wheelbase I was seriously considering pulling over but to my surprise it handled the winds very well. I would not call it a relaxed drive during this section but the sway control did its job and the rig never got into an oscillation. With lower winds it was a dream to drive. Gas mileage was slightly better on the return which I can chalk up to a 4 PSI increase in tire pressure or possibly the more aerodynamic front profile of the new trailer or just dumb luck.
If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.
Best,
Darrin
