Having spent a lot of time gleaning information from this forum, I want to contribute from our experience with Ascent Premier (Canada - so top trim with tow package) and dealer installed OEM hitch; Blizzak DM-V2 245/60R18 at 35psi for this winter time drive; Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller.
I initially had WDH and I know this has the potential to draw fire, but I have my fire retardant system on full and do not intend to be baited; I just want to share information below that hopefully will be helpful.
Trailer - Airstream Caravel 16RB, upgraded to Michelin Defender LTX 235/75R15 (M+S rating) at 45 psi; curb weight 3434 lb (from plate, not brochure), GVWR 4300
I did some weights on CAT Scales, but the only way for the 3 axles to fit was by having the front axle the the trailer axle right on the edge of the plates. The trailer weight was only 2920 lbs (without WDH), 2 propane tanks and 2 lithium batteries so I am suspicious of the weights.
First trip was about 1350 km return, Ontario highway 401 (divided, multilane). WDH was used for whole trip. The outbound was without the antisway bar. Towing was fine with no sway issues despite some moderate cross winds and lots of transport truck traffic. On the return I attached the antisway bar to see if it made a difference. It did - felt much worse with a very light feeling front end. I took it off at the first chance. I think it magnified any trailer movements since all forces are met by an equal and opposite reaction. I never was convinced it was needed for the Ascent based on the electronic antisway system, but wanted to see for myself. Average speed for the trip was 85 kph (53 mph - if you are not Canadian, you will learn some metric) and fuel consumption was 20 liters / 100 km (11.8 mpg).
Second trip was just completed - We travelled 4770 km from Ontario to British Columbia over 8 days with a mix of multilane and 2 way highways, temps around freezing to -15C (5F), fresh snow, packed snow and ice at times. And some mountains. We had lots of stuff in the Ascent, the trailer had empty water tanks, not much cargo. While driving slowly through one town on our 3rd day, a railroad crossing sheared the bolt holding the chain from one of the WDH bars and that was the end of using them. I shifted weight in the Ascent forward by putting the heaviest stuff on the middle row and 4 jugs of windshield fluid went to the back of the trailer. All the winter weather came after this, and I never felt any issues with the trailer, driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions. I had to do one aggressive stop on packed snow, downhill grade due to some construction and although it took longer, the ABS worked and the trailer stayed directly behind me. I often looked to make sure I was still towing because if felt so smooth! Once, on dry pavement with cruise control on and I must have been distracted as the cruise deactivated, alarms sounded (think airplane disaster scenes!) and the trailer swayed a couple of times before everything settled down. I guess that is the trailer stability system at work
. Crosswinds were not a problem but could certainly be felt. If I missed a transport truck coming up from behind, I would feel it as it came even to the trailer, like a bow wave. It felt a bit like being sucked in, but easily corrected. Pulling up inclines was fine; if particularly steep, I would try to limit to about 3500rpm for gas economy and I just felt that was a reasonable limit to not overstress the engine and CVT. Our fuel consumption was similar to the 1st trip 20.2 l/100km for the whole trip. The mountainous sections were surprisingly about the same, probably because speed was reduced for the conditions.
If I had started this adventure in the summer, and if we had more time between getting the trailer and making this trip, I would have tried to check the weights, including tongue weight, more completely. Something for next spring when we plan on making the return trip. It was somewhat ambitious to embark on this trip as we were also getting to know the trailer. If anyone is interested - it was very cozy with the propane furnace
. Next up - reviewing this forum for best way to wire a DC-DC charger as running out of battery was our one concern. We have 2 Volthium Lithium 100Ah which have internal heaters to allow charging at sub-freezing temps. The 7-pin connector could only do 4-5A so I used the 110V outlet in the car (100W capacity) and an 8A charger to charge one battery while driving; swapping batteries in the cold was not fun however. Oh ... and also recommendations for a new hitch that doesn't weigh 100 pounds (if anyone wants to buy a Eze Lift WDH system; please message me
).
I initially had WDH and I know this has the potential to draw fire, but I have my fire retardant system on full and do not intend to be baited; I just want to share information below that hopefully will be helpful.
Trailer - Airstream Caravel 16RB, upgraded to Michelin Defender LTX 235/75R15 (M+S rating) at 45 psi; curb weight 3434 lb (from plate, not brochure), GVWR 4300
I did some weights on CAT Scales, but the only way for the 3 axles to fit was by having the front axle the the trailer axle right on the edge of the plates. The trailer weight was only 2920 lbs (without WDH), 2 propane tanks and 2 lithium batteries so I am suspicious of the weights.
First trip was about 1350 km return, Ontario highway 401 (divided, multilane). WDH was used for whole trip. The outbound was without the antisway bar. Towing was fine with no sway issues despite some moderate cross winds and lots of transport truck traffic. On the return I attached the antisway bar to see if it made a difference. It did - felt much worse with a very light feeling front end. I took it off at the first chance. I think it magnified any trailer movements since all forces are met by an equal and opposite reaction. I never was convinced it was needed for the Ascent based on the electronic antisway system, but wanted to see for myself. Average speed for the trip was 85 kph (53 mph - if you are not Canadian, you will learn some metric) and fuel consumption was 20 liters / 100 km (11.8 mpg).
Second trip was just completed - We travelled 4770 km from Ontario to British Columbia over 8 days with a mix of multilane and 2 way highways, temps around freezing to -15C (5F), fresh snow, packed snow and ice at times. And some mountains. We had lots of stuff in the Ascent, the trailer had empty water tanks, not much cargo. While driving slowly through one town on our 3rd day, a railroad crossing sheared the bolt holding the chain from one of the WDH bars and that was the end of using them. I shifted weight in the Ascent forward by putting the heaviest stuff on the middle row and 4 jugs of windshield fluid went to the back of the trailer. All the winter weather came after this, and I never felt any issues with the trailer, driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions. I had to do one aggressive stop on packed snow, downhill grade due to some construction and although it took longer, the ABS worked and the trailer stayed directly behind me. I often looked to make sure I was still towing because if felt so smooth! Once, on dry pavement with cruise control on and I must have been distracted as the cruise deactivated, alarms sounded (think airplane disaster scenes!) and the trailer swayed a couple of times before everything settled down. I guess that is the trailer stability system at work
If I had started this adventure in the summer, and if we had more time between getting the trailer and making this trip, I would have tried to check the weights, including tongue weight, more completely. Something for next spring when we plan on making the return trip. It was somewhat ambitious to embark on this trip as we were also getting to know the trailer. If anyone is interested - it was very cozy with the propane furnace