Towing at Max
Brand new to camping and travel trailers, but not towing. Wife decided we are going to start camping... so you know what happened next. '07 Dodge Charger, and based on a unique configuration, wh...
Forum Discussion
Safe travels. For what it's worth, besides what has already been mentioned, I'm going to say I think your biggest challenge will come do to sway and side winds, especially when semi's run past you, but even gusty winds.
My first attempt at towing was with a truck, albeit on the smaller size, but with more capacity than your car (though likely without the engine power). Trip home and to/from storage was fine. First camping trip 20 miles away on smaller roads...perfectly fine.
First large trip, 200+ miles north on I-75 and US-23 revealed just how bad the setup was. 23 was better because of traffic flow, but even the "backway" home was challenging. It wasn't so much the sway that got me, but the constant uneasiness when we were being passed. When operating at a slower speed in the right lane it was like a vortex of air around us as faster traffic approached...all the way to the trailer rear end before changing lanes to pass and than back over in front of me. Then the semi's flying by at 70+ mph.
It was not fun.
On the way home we opted for less traveled roads. That was great until we got into some farm country..nice small highway with slower speeds but wide open all around...perfect for gusting winds.
We came home, two weeks later I had traded in my car (our 1st tv was wifes truck) for a bigger truck. It has made for a much easier/less stressful experience. Been to ohio a few times, and to nashville and back, and all over the lower peninsula of michigan.
YMMV of course. If your having trouble like I had, you will know it. My suggestion is travel with no water (except for dogs maybe lol) and use rest stops along the way or other places if you need to use the bathroom. Most CG have a place where you can fill up with water on the way in, but check ahead to be sure.
My first attempt at towing was with a truck, albeit on the smaller size, but with more capacity than your car (though likely without the engine power). Trip home and to/from storage was fine. First camping trip 20 miles away on smaller roads...perfectly fine.
First large trip, 200+ miles north on I-75 and US-23 revealed just how bad the setup was. 23 was better because of traffic flow, but even the "backway" home was challenging. It wasn't so much the sway that got me, but the constant uneasiness when we were being passed. When operating at a slower speed in the right lane it was like a vortex of air around us as faster traffic approached...all the way to the trailer rear end before changing lanes to pass and than back over in front of me. Then the semi's flying by at 70+ mph.
It was not fun.
On the way home we opted for less traveled roads. That was great until we got into some farm country..nice small highway with slower speeds but wide open all around...perfect for gusting winds.
We came home, two weeks later I had traded in my car (our 1st tv was wifes truck) for a bigger truck. It has made for a much easier/less stressful experience. Been to ohio a few times, and to nashville and back, and all over the lower peninsula of michigan.
YMMV of course. If your having trouble like I had, you will know it. My suggestion is travel with no water (except for dogs maybe lol) and use rest stops along the way or other places if you need to use the bathroom. Most CG have a place where you can fill up with water on the way in, but check ahead to be sure.
