Towing and camping questions (1 Viewer)

[LandHoosier]

Hi all, I am planning on traveling from Indiana to Telluride in July with a group of Jeepers. We have gone on several trips to Utah in the past, but this is my first year where my wife and toddler are tagging along. I've always installed my middle row platform and camped out of the back by myself, so taking two extra people has totally thrown off my usual plan. I'm tossing around the idea of borrowing a Taxa Cricket camper from a friend. I believe it weighs about 1500lbs and is 15ft in overall length. Neither he nor I have ever towed anything in the Rockies, so I do not have his experience to help make a decision. The Jeep group will all be tent camping and none have kids going. They are voicing concerns about the hassle of towing, fuel economy, and a trailer limiting campsite options as opposed to tent camping, and generally slowing the group down. I believe the benefits would be a better sleeping arrangement for the wife and toddler compared to a tent especially during inclement weather, added cargo capacity, solar power, water, less set up/tear down time, etc. The hope is happy toddler = happy wife = happy me.

My 99 LC is built; heavy springs, front and rear bumpers, sliders, drawers, dual battery, etc. on 295/75/16 KO2s with stock gearing. My questions for those of you who have towed in mountains (esp with the 4speed trans) : is towing going to slow myself and the group down substantially enough to where it negatively impacts the overall trip? From your experiences what are the positives and negatives compared to basic tent camping for a family? I want to make the best informed decision possible in order to make this trip as smooth and fun as it can be for the family. Thanks everyone in advance for the advice!

 

[dace voit]

You should plan on going slower with a trailer behind your truck. It's not because your truck can't handle the load, but because of trailer behavior while towing. We have a Cricket also. It was pretty easy to tow with my 80 that had the 4 speed but hills were very slow in the mountains. A big part of that was the 80 was quite under powered, not the transmission gearing. I put the trans in 2nd gear on all mountain passes and just crept up. Decending with the Cricket is pretty easy but I recommend a trailer brake if you don't have one. It's not necessary as the 100 brakes are way better than the 80 brakes, but it helps a lot.

The number one thing you need to be cautious of is trailer sway. Our Cricket almost ripped us off the road twice on a trip last fall. The two main reasons were that we had it loaded incorrectly and it was extremely windy that day. We were absolutely terrified. We are taking a trip this spring with the Cricket so I'm going to assess how it goes with the 100(it'll be the first time towing with it). We might get an anti-sway hitch set up. The key thing to avoid the sway aside from loading it correctly is your speed. Sometimes 50-55mph was tops for us when it was super windy. Your travel route is pretty much a wind tunnel so you will need to be prepared for that. Hook the thing up and take it for a test drive to see what you're dealing with. Having the camper and truck loaded is even better. If your group is concerned about you slowing them down, then maybe you leave earlier? If this kind of stuff is a deal breaker then you might consider tent camping.

As far as camping out here, the Cricket will be great for your family. Depending on what type of places your group likes to camp, the Cricket shouldn't hold you back. They don't need RV specific sites. They can be put in a lot of places other trailers won't go. They are super easy to set up too. The solar set up will keep you charged indefinitely. If it has the propane/heater option, even better as nights in the mountains get chilly. We love our Cricket.

 

[scwill]

Those jeeps are not going to be going that fast through the Rockies (on the highway). When I had my 05 TJ rubicon (with a 6speed manual), It struggled in the rockies. That was loaded down with gear, bumpers, winch, Yetti Cooler, etc. My point is you wont get left in the dust by jeeps, when youre in your LC pulling a little camper.
I dont have a wife or children but in my mind it would be more of hassle pulling a camper from Indiana to Telle. as opposed to just setting up a nice 6 man tent with a blow up mattress. Just take layers of clothes and warm sleeping bags.
You just cant beat summer tent camping in the Rockies!

 

[MGarland]

Can't speak directly about the Cricket, but we tow a Fleetwood E1 up and down the Rockies around a dozen times a year with no problem. That said, we're starting in Denver, not Indiana. If you're set on a camper, what about renting one from somewhere when you get to the Denver area? Whatever you choose, Telluride in July is gonna be sweet!

 

[Riviera]

A little background, I'm driving a 1998 LX470 with 275/70R18 (33.17") and regularly pull a 6X12 landscape type trailer on 15" wheels. I owned a 2012 Wrangler 3.6 automatic with 3.73 gears and currently own a 2018 JL Wrangler 3.6 with a 3.45 gear ratio. If the Jeeps are 2012 and newer, they have the 3.6 which gives them lots of power, unless they're not geared right. While I can run 75 on flat ground in overdrive when pulling empty, I cannot stay in overdrive pulling any kind of load or up steep hills. I use my OD off button and lift throttle a lot when towing in order to not abuse my brakes or transmission. Up steep hills pulling that cricket, you're gonna know its there. Not saying you'll be running 40mph, but you will drop down to 60. You are gonna use a ton of gas pulling that trailer, but it's going to be comfortable. Make sure you load the front of the trailer heavy because if your trailer is tail-heavy it will pull you all over the road.

just my $.02

 

[gatormark91]

You are going to go slow up the mountains. Maybe really slow. Those Jeeps aren't going to be racing up the mountains either, but you are probably going to fall behind a bit. And you are going to suck gas. Armored-Humvee amounts of gas. Don't use OD going uphill. I don't use it on flat ground either, because I watch my trans temps, and it doesn't like OD when towing. If you don't have it, get a Bluetooth OBD dongle, and Torque app, and watch your transmission temps. That will let you know if the trans is happy or not. If you haven't done a trans drain/fill, do it before then. You probably won't have trailer brakes since it is borrowed. 1500 pounds doesn't sound like much, but it is enough to push you around with no brakes, especially loaded with gear. Tongue weight is VERY VERY important.. Drive it like you have an egg between your foot and the brake pedal, and watch for ANY fade. If you feel any fading, pull over and let the brakes cool down. If you really want to be anal about it, pump the pedal with the key off to push your brake fluid up into the MC, and suck the old out and refill it with fresh before you go.

On flat ground, though, you won't even notice the trailer is there. I've towed our 5200 pound trailer with mine, and it was no problem on flat ground (with trailer brakes and anti-sway hitch)

 

[fooldall1]

Agree with the "just get a tent" idea with a couple air mattresses. If you're trooping around the mountains. A rooftop tent would most likely be too small for the whole family.

 

[brices123]

We have a MOAB FortXL expedition trailer with a RTT, stove, sink, water, AGM battery, propane and storage. It weighs 1,960 lbs without any water or anything in storage area and is 12' long by 6' wide. I tow it with my 2006 100 and have not had any issues. We have taken it all over Arizona and to Death Valley. We have four children and the trailer is great. You do not have to pack the truck full of everything so it is more comfortable for driving. We have not run into any situations where the trailer "got in the way" of where we wanted to go, you just have to plan. We even took it down Lippincott Mine Road in Death Valley. Having the extra water and the comforts might just make it enjoyable for your wife and child so they will want to go with you again (or maybe you don't want that )

I do recommend a trailer brake controller. I have run the trailer without the brake before and slowing down is a little scary. If you cannot get a wired unit they make wireless ones that you can use for one trip. From what I can see, Colorado does not require a trailer brake for you trailer, so you would be okay with out one.

Good luck.

 

[gatormark91]

We have a MOAB FortXL expedition trailer with a RTT, stove, sink, water, AGM battery, propane and storage. It weighs 1,960 lbs without any water or anything in storage area and is 12' long by 6' wide. I tow it with my 2006 100 and have not had any issues. We have taken it all over Arizona and to Death Valley. We have four children and the trailer is great. You do not have to pack the truck full of everything so it is more comfortable for driving. We have not run into any situations where the trailer "got in the way" of where we wanted to go, you just have to plan. We even took it down Lippincott Mine Road in Death Valley. Having the extra water and the comforts might just make it enjoyable for your wife and child so they will want to go with you again (or maybe you don't want that )

I do recommend a trailer brake controller. I have run the trailer without the brake before and slowing down is a little scary. If you cannot get a wired unit they make wireless ones that you can use for one trip. From what I can see, Colorado does not require a trailer brake for you trailer, so you would be okay with out one.

Good luck.

OP is in a 99, so he's down on horsepower and 1 gear short from your '06. As the owner of a 2000, I can attest that the extra gear would be really helpful.

 

[LandHoosier]

Thanks everyone for your replies and input. I think for now, I'm going to borrow it for a weekend and put in some highway miles around "hilly" southern Indiana and make a decision from there. The group I'm traveling with are a pair of Cherokee XJs, both stock engines, about 6" lifts and regeared and armored. They both always throw CEL codes, have oil blow-by, and overheating issues in the mountains and require cool down stops. The other is a rock crawler build 2010 JKU on one-ton axles, 40" beadlocks and full exo cage and belly armor; probably heavier than the LC. This is a new build so he's a wild card. In year's past he had a stock JKU Rubicon and was the "fast" vehicle. I've always preferred to be the tailgunner in the convoy and regularly am running my hazards as the XJ's smoke along at 40mph. So I honestly have no baseline for how the LC would do on its own. We plan on setting up a base camp for the week once out there. I already have a P3 brake controller and scanguage for trans temps. Thanks again and I'll update on my decision.

 

[dace voit]

The roads through the knobs in southern Indiana have some really steep pitches. They will be a decent climbing test as there is nothing out here that matches that grade that's a normal road.

 

[SmoothLC]

Just take it to Brown County and see how it does.

But nothing in the Midwest compares to the sustained grades out here . . .

 

[SmoothLC]

You are going to go slow up the mountains. Maybe really slow. Those Jeeps aren't going to be racing up the mountains either, but you are probably going to fall behind a bit. And you are going to suck gas. Armored-Humvee amounts of gas. Don't use OD going uphill. I don't use it on flat ground either, because I watch my trans temps, and it doesn't like OD when towing. If you don't have it, get a Bluetooth OBD dongle, and Torque app, and watch your transmission temps. That will let you know if the trans is happy or not. If you haven't done a trans drain/fill, do it before then. You probably won't have trailer brakes since it is borrowed. 1500 pounds doesn't sound like much, but it is enough to push you around with no brakes, especially loaded with gear. Tongue weight is VERY VERY important.. Drive it like you have an egg between your foot and the brake pedal, and watch for ANY fade. If you feel any fading, pull over and let the brakes cool down. If you really want to be anal about it, pump the pedal with the key off to push your brake fluid up into the MC, and suck the old out and refill it with fresh before you go.

On flat ground, though, you won't even notice the trailer is there. I've towed our 5200 pound trailer with mine, and it was no problem on flat ground (with trailer brakes and anti-sway hitch)

Can you point me to the menu(s) for trans temp in Torque app? Thanks @gatormark91.

 

[TXLX100]

I currently have a lowes 3.5x5 trailer modified with bigger tires & wheels, and a roof top tent. I zip around with it loaded (1k lbs at most) in my v8 4runner (3.73 rear and 5 speed). I used to tow a 10' jayco pop up with the 98 LX, and it would go Uphill fine in 2nd and 3rd gear.

 

[bucfl]

I have 0 experience towing in mountains. We went on our first camping trip with the kids in a pop last week for four days. As someone that used to tent camp, this was awesome. The wife was happy, the kids were happy, and dog was happy. Happy wife....

I stuck to the slow lane, on 70 Mph i kept it at 55-60. It was what i felt comfortable doing since it was my first time and i had ZERO sway issues at that speed. If you have time and some cash opt for AirLift 1000 bags. They were fantastic handling the extra weight.

Jeeps are not fast and i doubt you will slow them down enough if they are that loaded themselves. I prefer to have the wife and kid comfy and happy. Because you sure wont be if they are not. Take for a ride a few times to get used to it like i did. Practice parking and reversing. It will help!

Have fun, drive safe, enjoy the memories.

 

[BudgetLC]

Going from Indianapolis to Telluride, Google Maps suggest going through Colorado Springs to Salida then over Monarch Pass. I believe this would be the easiest route since Monarch would be the only long, high altitude pull you would have to contend with. It's been a few years since I've been down US-50 but if I remember correctly, the rest is relatively easy as far as mountain driving goes. A few years ago, I pulled a 1500 lb. Coleman over Monarch with a 3.4L Tacoma. No, I wasn't the fastest thing on the road but it was well within its abilities and at least there's great scenery to look at!

I would definitely avoid I-70 west of Denver if possible. The Eisenhower tunnel and Vail pass are some of the most strenuous climbs I have driven (especially eastbound). Just remember, you lose 30% of your horsepower at 10,000 ft.

 

[janz3n]

My 2 cents. I've always tented with two kids since my youngest was around 1 (now 3) and always enjoyed it. If everyone else is setting up a tent, you wont be in a hurry. I'd skip the anxiety of a trailer. Just don't take a stupid big tent or you will be cold and annoyed setting up/taking down. Take lots of wool blankets, some for under and on top. I've even taken reflextex for under our sleeping pads in colder weather. Take some hot water bottles and stuff them inbed before you jump in.

 

[joseywales]

The other is a rock crawler build 2010 JKU on one-ton axles, 40" beadlocks and full exo cage and belly armor; probably heavier than the LC. This is a new build so he's a wild card.

I've always preferred to be the tailgunner in the convoy and regularly am running my hazards as the XJ's smoke along at 40mph.

We plan on setting up a base camp for the week once out there.

Based on these three statements, and looking at the Cricket on Taxa’s website, I’d say take the trailer. You won’t be the one holding people up on the interstate. Your plan to go for a test run is great. The steeper and twistier the better. Not so much to test the ability of your 100, but to train yourself to tow with it. Do you have much trailer experience? If you do, I think you’ll be surprised. I’ve pulled close to 5,000 with my 100 for shorter periods (in the mountains of B.C.) without too much trouble. The cricket should be cake.

I once towed a 30’ Airstream loaded with an extra 1000 lbs or so of tools on a 300 mile trip through the mountains with my lifted 80 on 33s with stock gears ad about 800 lbs in the back too. I wouldn’t rush out to do it again, but it did surprisingly well.

 

[kelly saad]

I have a 98 with the 4 speed, with bumpers, lift 33” tires and heavy rear springs. I own a Coleman e3 that weighs about 3k lbs. last year I pulled it from Flagstaff to Silverton. I was impressed how well it pulled and how smooth it drove. I wasn’t slowed down by the camper but on passes or long steep hills at elevation. It is not the best over mountain passes, but it does pull it over, just slow. It didn’t pull the LC all over the road or wander ar sway, it was totally fine. I’m taking it again this year to HIH too. Take the camper and deal with it, you will be happy you did especially when it rains and your toddler is crying and cold. Tent camping is great, but you own the camper, use it.

 

[joseywales]

Tent camping is great, but you own the camper, use it.

Well, actually he doesn’t own it. But I agree, take it. Use it. Enjoy it!