Another long towing trip under the belt

[Bdc101]

Spent 9 days on the road towing our camper trailer last week. This was the longest trip we have taken at about 600 miles of towing, over 2 passes and in 90+ degree heat with AC blasting. I am just so impressed with this car as a tow vehicle. Ours is a 2003 3.0 with the 5-speed manual, an OEM hitch with WDH, and Tekonsha proportional brake controller. I have to downshift to third to climb some of the higher-elevation grades, but generally it doesnt lack power. My trailer is an Apex Nano 19-footer, which is just shy of 3,000lbs dry. It isnt a huge trailer, but it is full width and height, not like an R pod.



I have no modifications except for 4.6is fartcans. But I did nab an aFe intake on amazon for $112 shipped yesterday, so the next trip with the trailer will be a great way to see if there is any performance increase.



I havent filled up since I got back, but my first two fillups were 14.3 and 13.7 mpg. Last year I had one tank as low as 12.5mpg, so this wasnt so bad. Could be worse. My last towing vehicle was a 2001 Tahoe with a V8, and this is both more powerful and more stable despite being a smaller car.



This is my first german vehicle and in year 3 of ownership, I am still surprised at how much I like this car. It hasnt been unreliable, it is fun to drive (for an SUV), it's really stinking nice, and most of all I only paid $6k for it. Sorry for the rambling, but I really do like this car.



10/10 would purchase again