New mini lite finally came in!

[Locchamp]

Yah I think it drove fine yes it was up to 3k rpm but that's the point of the toe package it saves the work on the tranny shifting puts the power on the engine and when I said I got six people I got myself wife 16 yr old, 13 ur old, 4yr old 19 month old I am good I don't plan on putting a lot of weight


2016 mini lite 2306
2012 Chevy traverse

[KnP]

There is some validity to some of the comments on this thread. Stick to local campgrounds to test the waters as far what you need for setup and such and teach yourself how the TT/TV handles. Just to see how to tackle inclines and such. At 1st it feels like you are not in control and every little thing will keep you alert. Just do not over react. It will sway and do some weird stuff that you are not used to. Speed is your friend, slowdown, get the hang of it. Like the movie Days of Thunder... think the car is heavier with smaller tires. Plan your stops and exits. Let other drivers your intentions. Missed an exit? There is always a next one; do not sweat it.

Also, different roads have different characteristics. Is a different driving experience. For example, Hwy 45 in Texas is awesome, minimum sway; Hwy 75 in OK... yikes! it will keep you on your toes. Looks like the same road, different build, different feel.

[itat]

Locchamp, congrats on the new 2306.

Respectfully, I'm with the others who think you're probably way over your GVWR. Clearly you aren't ready to accept that so I suggest that you take your setup fully loaded and ready to camp, full tank of gas in the Traverse and all 6 of you onboard, and go to the nearest CAT scale and weigh it. Use this website to figure out your numbers.
Actual Weights - Travel Trailer/Bumper Pull Weights from CAT Scales - Towing Planner

FR's brochure says the 2306 is 516# on the hitch. That means in reality it will be approaching 600#. FR's brochure says it's UVW is 3890#. That means in reality it will be well over 4500# loaded up for camping maybe even closer to 5000#.

My opinion is based on my own experience. I had a Tacoma 4x4 (4.0L V6 with similar HP and torque numbers) pulling my '09 Roo 23SS hybrid that weighed 4600# empty, 5200# loaded and over 600# on the tongue. The Tacoma was rated to pull 6500# (more than your Traverse) and it was only "adequate" at the task - with just 2 people in the cab. Any more than 2 people in the cab and I was over the GVWR and I have a family of 5.

Good luck.

[aufinger]

Originally Posted by KnP

No offense to the Toyo guys but I passed a Tundra with similar trailer with a measly V6 on a mid sized truck.

I don't get your point. You may have been racing the Tundra, but I bet the Tundra wasn't racing you. Your Colorado may be serving you well and that's great, but don't be acting like it's in the same league with 1/2 ton trucks - it's not. Larry G.

[BruceM]

RockfordRoo and itat both offer good, common sense advice.
The number that really matters is your vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating - that is the total weight of the of the loaded vehicle plus the loaded trailer.
Years ago I towed a 3124 TrailManor with a 96 Chevy Astro Cargo Van. The Astro had the economy rear axle gears which were 3:23. The towing capacity was 5,000 lbs I believe. Since the TrailManor had a claimed factory weight of 2850 lbs I figured I had room to spare so to speak.
We attended a rally in the Black Hills and signed up for a class on towing which included weighing our loaded tow vehicles separately and with the trailer so at the end we were given a printout with our combined gross weight. I was surprised to find out that we exceeded the CGWR for the vehicle. The CGWR was not listed in the Chevy manual; I had to call the factory to get it.
We completed our 3 month camping trip but when we got home I had the axle gearing changed to 3:76 adding another 1000 lbs towing capacity.
Being that the Astro was a 2WD it only cost around $900 to change the gearing and the change had positive benefits for how it towed in the mountains.
This would not be possible with a 4WD.

[avenger532]

You should be fine with the Traverse. The only thing you may find is it is slightly underpowered. I have the Explorer Sport, V6 twin turbo. It has no issues with pulling it, but it has a few extra horsepower. Happy Camping!

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by avenger532

You should be fine with the Traverse. The only thing you may find is it is slightly underpowered. I have the Explorer Sport, V6 twin turbo. It has no issues with pulling it, but it has a few extra horsepower. Happy Camping!

Disagree - apples and oranges. You're comparing a turbo with 25% more hp and 30% more torque to normally aspirated V6. Hardly "a few extra" horsepower.

Ecoboost = 365 hp, 350 lb-ft
Traverse = 288 hp, 270 lb-ft (IF he has the LTZ; a little less of both if he doesn't).

[avenger532]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Disagree - apples and oranges. You're comparing a turbo with 25% more hp and 30% more torque to normally aspirated V6. Hardly "a few extra" horsepower.

Ecoboost = 365 hp, 350 lb-ft
Traverse = 288 hp, 270 lb-ft (IF he has the LTZ; a little less of both if he doesn't).

I agree, mine does have more power. however I used to pull it with a 2010 Explorer 4.0L.

210 hp, 254 lb-ft. It pulled it ok, but it was under powered. It is night and day to the Ecoboost. But the 4.0 did OK.

[howie70]

Originally Posted by KnP

Forgot few more things....

I bet your TT came with the rear view cam mount. I have the camera and is not cheap. To me is worth it and is one single payment cheap insurance. If you decide to buy one, is very easy to install, pretty much plug and play. The trick to turn on... you need to turn the TV position lights on; is wired that way to power the camera.

Curious about the rear-view camera mount. I have a 2016 23LB which is the sister to the 2306. I have seen nothing on the camper or paperwork that suggest mine would have this. Seems like a great idea. Where would this mount be located? (besides the obvious answer of "the rear of the camper")

[KnP]

Is a black rectangular mount on the back, by the center, about 3/4 way from the bottom to top. If is there you cannot miss it. Is one of those factory install thing.

I thought is standard to these TTs on their newer builds.

[flymhi]

Congrats on the new TT!