OK guys,
I am 8 days into my trip accross the country. We are currently in Jackson WY getting ready for a snow storm tonight! Can't wait to play again with the LR3 in the snow up in Teton National Park!!
Here are my observations so far:
- Weight Distribution System - Don't need it. I have not had any problems at all balancing out the LR3 and the trailer so far. We have pulled the trailer (around 5,500 lbs full) from Bowling Green, Ky. up through IL and then accross IA and SD.
Problems so far have been with the LR3 not the lack of a WDS or the installed Anti-sway System (BTW - works great - especially when those big truck pass you like they are racing the Indy 500.) The LR3 lacks the power to pull like a "big" truck. I spent most of the trip between 3rd and 4th gear. Rarely cruising in 5th.
6th? What is that?
Gas mileage is horrible - 8.5 MPG was average through KY, IN and IL (Avg speed 55-60 MPH). IA started the strong cross winds and rain storms - average MPG - 4-5. Then Hell hit. We left Rapid City SD for Mt Rushmore - 6% grades up and down. Truck was crying all the way. We left SD and headed to Buffalo WY. The head wind was so strong I had the truck floored in 3rd and 4th gear all the way to reach 55 MPH (The speed limit is 75). I am very dissapointed in the LR3 and it's towing capabilities. We decided to leave the trailer in Buffalo because the trek to Yellowstone goes through 2 very high mountain passes with a ton of swithbacks. After transversing these passes without the trailer I am now very, very happy with my decision to ditch the trailer. I found a campground, in Buffalo, to leave the trailer hooked up to the electric so the fridge keeps cold for only $5 per night. the hotel in Jackson is less than $50 per night - the money I saved on gas is paying the difference. We are planing on staying here till Friday then making our way back to Buffalo to retrieve the trailer. I am planning on going south to Denver and then accross Kansas back to KY. That trip I have made before and know the trip is will not be that ******* the truck while pulling the trailer. I LOVE MY LR3 without my trailer! If you have an LR3 and plan on pulling a trailer then don't go through any kind of mountainous area. Stay on flat ground and you will do fine. I plan on traveling the southeast, northeast and southwest - but no more mountains!! Without the trailer it is the best truck you can have in the mountains.
My computer shows 350 potential miles on a full tank of gas. While pulling the trailer I am lucky to get 130-170 total miles to a tank!!! Very scarry!!
Will send more as we get back on the road. The "grand tour" should end by mid week next week.
Wish me luck!!
Jim Roshan