Towing and Trailers
 

Ok everyone, I'm going to be purchasing a 6x10 tandem axel, v-nose, enclosed motorcycle trailer. My question is this...of those towing, what are you towing, weights, and handling characteristics? I'm really interested in the handling of the LR2 while towing. Is there anything that I should be aware of, problems, etc? I have the OEM electrics installed and will be installing a Hidden hitch once the vehicle is back in the continental US.

I don't think I want to go larger than 6x10 tandem since it will be about 1200lbs plus a 1000lb motorcycle and gear, or misc furniture and whatever else the wife decides she can't live without.

Of those using the Hidden Hitch, Curtis, or Draw-tite... what size rise/drop ball mount are most using?

Thanks for any input or additional info...

Bill

The landrover one is the only one that fits correctly, plus we have to cut away part of the bumper to fit. Also the vehicle has to be programmed to tow. otherwise no lights will work at all.

The cutting is the main reason I'm staying away from the OEM hitch, well that and the extra $800+ for the OEM hitch and install. The hidden hitch (and others) is a self install, no cutting, no bumper removal, etc. I have the OEM electrics installed and I'm getting them activated at next oil change.

Big thing I wanted to know is what others are towing and how the LR2 handles while doing it. I'm trying to stay with an enclosed trailer that is less than 1000lbs. Didn't see an entry in the specs until couple days ago about the unbraked trailer weight of about 1700lbs. So couple of the single and tandem trailers I;m looking at are 900-980lbs and keep me in the price range I want to stay in. Thanks for the input.

Answering my own question
 

Guess I'll answer this one myself. Got a 6x12 custom motorcycle trailer as a Christmas/Anniversary present http://www.colonycargo.com/listing/574. At first I was concerned about the size of the trailer with the LR2. Started in FL and drove to my parents house in Southern West Virginia. Other than gas milage, the LR2 handled the trailer with about a 500 lb load with no problems (even with 30-40 mph wind gust. Used command shift in the mountains to better control the shift points. Pulling into WV and it was snowing and there was a good bit of snow on the roads. Just before my parents house I stopped at the bottom of a sizable hill that will sometimes trip up the 4x4s, but the LR2 pulled the tailer up the other side with barely a slip of the wheels.

Went with the OEM electrics and a Hidden Hitch. Hitch installed in 1/2 hour and fits very well.

What Hidden Hitch model did you use. I am looking into this solution too, so I can attach my bike carrier.

Hidden Hitch
 

I used the fit guide at Hidden Hitch to get the model number (87575). Then researched online to get the best price ($ 140 - 150), which at the time was etrailer. I liked the Hidden Hitch because it had the mounting tab for the tow kit plug. Also there is no cutting of the bumper to install it.

I did the same for the OEM tow electrics ($311). Found the part number and searched online. It's over $1200 for the OEM receiver and Electrics through LR...not counting the labor cost. Saved over $725 doing it myself. I install the electrics just before taking it in for maintenance and had LR activate the kit. They charge me for 1/2 hour labor to activate.

So saving over $1000 is a no-brainer and the install of both was pretty easy.

Has anyone towed a larger trailer, like right at the 3500 limit (2008 LR2)?

I just bought the truck yesterday (first LR), any advice appreciated.

The LR2 cannot handle more weight than the 3500lbs, engine is to small, brakes are to small, frame is to light.

Will the OEM harness also run the trailer brakes? Sounds like not.

BPUtah says this PN VPLFT0003 has superseded the old PN for 2008, but they also say the new PN does not have a 7-pin connector.

Has anyone added a 7-pin adapter and brake controller to the OEM harness?

I tow both small watercraft (4-pin) and a small camper (7-pin w/ brakes).


Thanks