Thought I'd start a new thread for some actual experiences after our original "Stop Me..." thread. In review, we did take delivery of the AXXess 8526 toy hauler. TV is a 2014 Ram Laramie Longhorn 4X2, 3.0 L. Ecodiesel, standard suspension, standard 20" wheels & tires for the model. The hitch, recommended by the dealer, is a Blue Ox sway-Pro, with the 1000 lb. bars. Also had installed a Husky 4500 lb power jack, again recommended by the dealer. The listed hitch weight is 650 lbs. Listed dry weight for the trailer is 5400 lbs.
The trip home from the dealer was about 107 miles. The original hitch set up was by the dealer. The road was mostly I-4 in central FL. On that day the traffic was light, and I kept the speed around 60-63 mph on the interstate, using the tow-haul mode. The truck was definitely working, but the drive was comfortable, no sway or cause for white-knuckles. When we got home, the truck computer showed 14.0 mpg. We stopped on the way to take some photos, and studying them later, we determined that the truck was very level, but the trailer has a nose-up attitude. So I re-configured the hitch receiver to lower the ball one hole, or 1-1/2 inches. We then tried several variations on the hitch bars, finally settling on 9 free chain links, which produced a very noticeable curve in the hitch bars, but this seemed to yield the best overall ride. I also brought the truck tires back to full cold pressure of 45lbs. ( was about 36).
The next trip was to a local RV park, about 64 miles one way, again mostly on I-4. This time the traffic was heavy, and the highway speed was limited to less than 50 mph. The ride was comfortable, low stress ( other than being a rookie piloting a 50 ft total rig) and upon parking at the campground, the computer read 17.1 mpg. The trip home was the same route, the traffic again heavy, highway speed mostly under 50. After parking at home, the computer showed 18.0 mpg. This lends credence to what I'd read about the speed being more of a factor than weight when pulling an enclosed trailer. So in summary, very satisfied with both the truck and the Axxess - got a lot of comments and questions in the RV park. BTW, the power jack is worth every penny! In order to get the pre-load on the hitch bars, I have to raise the jack to almost have the rear truck wheels lift off the ground! Our approach to the tongue weight issue is to haul only passengers in the TV, and all else goes into the back of "Alex', as we now call the Axxess. So the more we pack, the less the TW.
That's great fuel economy!!!!! No experience with weight distribution hitches, our TT is only 11' and 2000lbs. Like the aluminum finish on the Axxess, too. We have a few motorcycles and need a toy hauler, but waiting before we move up in rig size. That's very impressive performance with a 3.0L engine.
Hope to take photos of your rig @ Table Rock SC gathering!
[quote source="/post/7072/thread" timestamp="1424552740" author="@exploringcarolina"]That's great fuel economy!!!!! No experience with weight distribution hitches, our TT is only 11' and 2000lbs. Like the aluminum finish on the Axxess, too. We have a few motorcycles and need a toy hauler, but waiting before we move up in rig size. That's very impressive performance with a 3.0L engine.
Hope to take photos of your rig @ Table Rock SC gathering![/quote]Thank you for the post, exploringcarolina! At times we feel that perhaps we bit off more than we can chew, so to speak, but know that we are blessed and trying not to be stressed as we learn the ropes. It is said that big things coming in small packages! Such is the 11' CL like yours. Truth is, one of us was very tempted to go with a cute little red 11' CL. Question was, go simple and less-stress? Or haul everyone around like the dogs and kids and maybe someday, grandchildren if the good Lord wills? The Axx won out, but the 'little' lites are absolutely delightful in their near stress-free simplicity, their cute cozy factor and spicy promise of sport and spontaneity! We do look forward to meeting you at Table Rock as well! Stay warm and safe.
We really liked the 11 footer for the trip to Wyoming. If we purchase a larger TT or TH, may keep the 11 footer, too. Both have their applications.
Looking forward to Table Rock trip!
So glad you it's working out for you, and thanks for much for the follow up thread. I really don't like when people start threads, ask questions, get feedback, and you never hear the result. The 8526 is one I am considering and will pull it with my 1/2 ton F150, so I've very interested in your situation. Thanks again.
VRVINMO - You're very welcome. I believe the 8526 can be towed quite well with a half-ton, if we keep our expectations reasonable. It would be nice to get 18mpg all the time but at highway speeds, that frontal area just takes it's toll on economy. I am getting around 26 mpg average on my ecodiesel, almost 30 at 70mph. It's a great engine, with more torque than the hemi. pulling my axxess around town, it's got enough grunt at low end that I barely feel it pulling. But, with only 240 HP, expecting to charge up a mountain grade at 75 mph is not going to happen. As Clint Eastwood said ..."A man's got to know his limitations"
[quote source="/post/7207/thread" timestamp="1424916357" author="@gwbushhog"]VRVINMO - You're very welcome. I believe the 8526 can be towed quite well with a half-ton, if we keep our expectations reasonable. It would be nice to get 18mpg all the time but at highway speeds, that frontal area just takes it's toll on economy. I am getting around 26 mpg average on my ecodiesel, almost 30 at 70mph. It's a great engine, with more torque than the hemi. pulling my axxess around town, it's got enough grunt at low end that I barely feel it pulling. But, with only 240 HP, expecting to charge up a mountain grade at 75 mph is not going to happen. As Clint Eastwood said ..."A man's got to know his limitations"[/quote][p]Seems like a great truck. I love my Ecoboost too. My engine is definitely not a weak link. My concern is the payload rating on only 1199#. If you ever actually weigh your tongue weight accurately, I'd love to know the results.[/p][p]
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My payload is 1196 lbs. Apparently half-tons are competing with cars & SUVs to the point where the designers are compromising cargo capacity to get better ride quality.
nice mileage.......I need to slow down!!! maybe next trip!!
[quote source="/post/7661/thread" author="@epiphysis18" timestamp="1426049595"]nice mileage.......I need to slow down!!! maybe next trip!![/quote]So, were you in a hurry to get to bike week, or in a hurry to get home?
I'm heading to Bikeweek tomorrow. :)
VRVINMO - how long will you be in the Daytona area?