First time towing my thoughts & lessons learned

[Ashley_Graham]

I just finished my first big trip towing with my 2023 Wagoneer S3 and what an experience! I covered 2,600 miles with my travel trailer and I was a little nervous at first. But after dealing with strong winds, semi-trucks passing, and even some serious thunderstorms, I actually felt pretty confident by the end of it.

A few things stood out to me:
Handling & Stability – The Wagoneer felt solid even with crosswinds and passing trucks. Did anyone else feel the same when they first started towing?
MPG Struggles – I averaged 7mpg, but at times, I saw 4-5mpg in South Dakota. Would turning off Tow Mode on flat highways help with fuel economy?
Essential Upgrades – My Haloview side-view cameras were a game changer! Do you guys recommend any other must-have accessories for towing?

One hiccup I had was my weight distribution hitch coming loose because it wasn’t torqued properly. Rookie mistake? Maybe! But I’d love to hear from experienced folks, what’s one thing you wish you knew before your first big tow?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

 

[Carl_Johnson]

Yep, those MPG numbers are brutal when towing! I’ve seen some owners suggest dropping your speed to 60-65 mph for better efficiency. Turning off Tow Mode on flat highways could help, but I’d be careful, keeping it on can prevent unnecessary gear hunting. Have you tried adjusting tire pressure for towing conditions? That might help a bit too.

 

[Theduke]

For fuel economy, switching off Tow Mode on flat roads might help. As for accessories, sway control is key for stability..