I am pulling a 3k hard shell camper with my 2003 3.0, and I have been pretty happy with it. Loaded it is probably 3600-3800. I think the weight is less of a deal than the aero drag. I cant hardly tell the difference between full tanks/fully packed and completely empty.



I do have to downshift to third to maintain speed up grades, at least at elevation. We tow ours over a 5,000ft pass several times a year. But at sea level it has much less of an issue. And it never needs a downshift to stay at 65mph on flat ground, though I like to stay at 60 for fuel economy. My last tank coming up the hill was 11.9mpg... Ouch


I would never take my pre-xdrive X on the beach though! Three open diffs is just asking for trouble on sand.

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2003 3.0 5MT Topasblau
Purchased in 2016 and sold in 2024
2012 35d Platingrau