Hi all - I wanted to get some input/opinions on my updated towing setup. I have a 2008 LR3 (4.4l v8) and have towed with it for years and it's been a great tow vehicle (everything from utility trailers to open car haulers.) I recently added a tall 20' enclosed trailer (25' total length with tongue) and am concerned about that big wind-sail in the back coupled with the 114" wheel base of the LR3. The trailer neck and LR3 are both dead-level. I am adding two CURT sway control devices this weekend as a safety measure. Weight (both tongue and trailer) are fairly under max (yes, I am visiting CAT scales next week to get all the data.) Mitch Hitch receiver + Bullet Proof medium duty 6" drop hitch.

My question: Just eye-balling the setup in the picture below, as fellow LR3 owners, how does this look to you? GAP IIDTOOL verified level LR3. Thoughts? Thanks for reading and any input you have.

 

I have a slightly longer travel trailer I pulled behind mine. It worked but it was not a lot of fun. I am however on Coils. So in the interest of science I towed it with the EAS LR3 and it was better but still not ideal. The power was ok but the sail effect was definitely present.

I bought a used Excursion as a solution lol

Unrelated but I have a very similar trailer as the one in your picture on order, 20x8.5 with 8 ft interior height 7k axles that I ordered and should be done in a couple weeks

 

Thanks for your input ArmyRover. That wind sail is the same thing I'm not looking forward to on longer trips. I just got this particular trailer and have not towed it fully loaded yet and will do this next weekend. Started with the LR3 several years ago...then added kids a couple years later...then added side-by-sides...then a long trailer...hoping next move is not a dually..

 

No worries it gets the job done just not as effortlessly as a bigger truck.

Turned out for me the Excursion has been the perfect truck for family trips towing and home renovations so it worked out in the long run.

Forgot to Add your set up looks level and well executed

 

Thanks ArmyRover - appreciate that! What are your thoughts about moving to a ProPride on the LR3? It would add 200ish pounds to the trailer tongue and is a weight distribution system. Those have been the primary two hesitations I've had with moving to that system given the LR manual advising against a WDS and the added weight to the trailer tongue. I'm using the Mitch Hitch as the receiver and it's rated for 772 lbs "download" - https://www.mitchhitch.com.au/products/mitch-hitch

 

I ran both with and without weight distribution on the coil sprung truck I did not try it on the EAS truck.

On the coil sprung truck it didn't seem to make much difference in my opinion. The sway control was the biggest improvement item I saw. Never considered doing a double, and that may be the real difference maker.

Load the trailer as you will for a trip hit the highway for a few miles get passed by a semi or three and see how it feels.

 

Interesting experience on the WDS with coils, would've guessed you would notice the front loaded up. I'm adding double sways this weekend and will give it a whirl loaded up and head to the CAT scales.

Btw, just noticed your signature and call out for Lucky8 - they supplied a ton of kit over the years for my LR3! Winch, skids, brakes, etc. - Really appreciate this company and cool to see they're also a forum sponsor.

 

They have been supporting the forum for a long long while. I will also be upfront and say I'm good friends with them.




The OME HD Coils sagged a bit under the load but not terribly want to say it was about 1.25-1.5. My biggest issue really was semi/box trucks passing me on the highway, the wind shear was brutal. Nearly would shove me off the road and then try to suck me into them lol. Best part is 24 hours earlier I was on the trails at RAW (Rovers at Wintergreen) in Virginia

 

Nice LR and travel trailer! I wondered if that was coil sprung when I noticed the WDS. Question - are you towing that same trailer with the Excursion and if so does the wind shear have the same effect or has the longer wheel base of the tow vehicle settled it down?

 

Same trailer I can run 70 down the highway no weight distribution and a single sway control vaguely aware that thing is behind me. I can also seat 8, and carry 3 dogs in the back.

Getting 9-10 mpg of course. V10 torque for days but chugs gas like a frat boy doing a keg stand

Thanks for the compliment on both. That LR3 is moving towards retirement and I am going through a new rust free HSE now.

The trailer is a nice way to vacation. Taking it to Hilton Head soon for a few days, Orlando at the end if the year and I'm sure a couple other places in between.