2022 imagine xls 1/2 ton experience

[moonshoxx]

New to forum. Have new gmc 1500 woth 6.2 v8. Looking at the new imagine xls mle22. Wondering if anyone can give a real world experience to a newbie. Thx

[Heidik]

We have a Tahoe premier with max tow package. It pulls out Imagine 2400BH


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[dbarks]

Welcome.

I have pulled trailers for years including an occasional rental Bobcat etc.

I am sure you have read lots of info on payload etc. so I'll just comment on my personal opinion.

Assuming a proper WDH and not over payload - towing the 22MLE is definitely doable. I have been to the Rockies and Gulf Shores and the trips went just fine.

If you are new to RV towing - know that towing the 22MLE is significantly more trailer back there than a boat or racecar trailer of similar weight. It is not the weight, stopping distances or clearance that makes it a bit sporty it is the huge sail back there that will blow you around.

Some folks don't mind it and some are bothered quite a bit by it.

I would like to have a F250/350 for a more stable towing experience but I drive without a trailer 95% of the time and don't want to drive an empty 250/350 95% of the time. I guess I am stuck in the middle a bit.

BTW - we love the 22MLE. I can't say enough good things about it.

[Tigger1]

New to forum. Have new gmc 1500 woth 6.2 v8. Looking at the new imagine xls mle22. Wondering if anyone can give a real world experience to a newbie. Thx

Towing with a Tundra, see signature. Last time we went to the CAT scale this past season tongue weight was about 740# (~12.5%) and total trailer weight was about 5900-6000# which was more than our original CAT scale weights; we’ve added some things.

We don’t carry any fresh water, have one dealer installed battery and two 20# propane tanks. No problems towing in MD, PA, VA, DE. We get 9.5-10.5 mpg.

Here is an earlier survey thread you can look through. There were other 22mle owners that made an entry.

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...-Weight-Survey

[rcjokibbe]

I think my Jeep would be classified as a half ton and my trailer is about the same weight as an mle22. The Jeep only has passengers and two cats to keep the weight down as much as possible. No squat with the WDH and I use an anti-sway bar. The brake controller and trailer brakes make stopping feel under control. I did about 8 weekend trips last season that were around 2.5 hours each way. I stayed between 60-70 MPH and 2500 RPMs and occasionally saw 4000 RPMs to pass on an incline. Bigger trucks towing heavier trailers pass me at 75-80 MPH like I'm standing still, good for them. My concerns with passing semis and traveling during a windy day have diminished after several experiences without an issue. I get an occasional, "what was that" sway, but nothing that takes me out of my lane. I think driving behind certain shaped semis cause this. I did install the blue SumoSprings and new suspension out of concern for windy days, unbanked turns, and to reduce porpoising. Gas milage is brutal and I try not to look at the average mpg.

The next weekend trip is later this month and I'll probably start out slow'ish and get comfortable before cruising at 65 MPH. Need to get another weight check on the way out since I've done some changes over winter. I don't expect there to be much change on the tongue, but I need to watch the weight closely, including my own.

[FjClay]

My Tundra pulls my 22MLE perfectly.

[Ynot4me2]

We pull our 22mle with a 2019 F150 2.7EB SCrew. We are typically around the 6100 lbs mark for a trip with roughly 1/3 fresh, 2 light bikes on the back of the TT and 760 tw. Our payload on the TV is 1426. Went to a trip on the East coast last year with crazy grades. It tows great but I don't think that I would go any bigger or heavier with this truck though.

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[moonshoxx]

Folks thanks for the awesome information. Hopefully I can be a contributing member

[FjClay]

My only holdback to a larger trailer is the limited payload. The 5.7 has plenty of power and Blue Ox Track Pro seems to take care of any sway.

[Capt Bob]

See sig.
Great couples trailer.

Good luck.