NV and TT

Hi, nice ride!

How does it handle on the highway? Any idea what your mpg is with and without the trailer? We're looking at the same setup and some hefty road trips. Thanks for the pic!

It handles great on the highway. It's very smooth and quiet and the engine doesn't strain unless you're on steep grades. The "tow" function is nice as it automatically downshifts if you put on the brakes. On the freeway w/o the trailer I can get 16-17 mpg if I keep it around 70. If I go up to 80 or so it goes down to 14-15 mpg. With the trailer it goes down to about 11-12 mpg if I keep it around 70 and there's no hills. If there's any hills or if I go faster it drops to 9-10 mpg.

We really do love this setup. Just bought a canoe last night to strap on top of the NV when we go camping. Excited to try it out next weekend! Hopefully my wife can reach that high to get it up on the roof!

Thanks for the great details!

I get about the same freeway mileage as you without a trailer so that is reassuring.

We got the SL specifically with tow capability in mind although we have not yet made the leap to buy a trailer. I was looking at a 32 foot keystone tt but wasn't sure how the NV would perform. Sounds like we won't have an issue.

Any recommendations on a weight distributing hitch setup? I have zero trailering experience but understand a unit with sway control is a wise investment. I figure we would weigh about the same: 6500 empty, 750 tongue weight.

Thanks again for all your help. Our 6 little ones would certainly love it if I can actually make a decision on this already!

Have a great time canoeing :)

The Equalizer hitch is IMO by far the best combined sway control and weight distribution hitch (http://www.equalizerhitch.com/). They're a bit pricey but they're worth it for the safety. You're going to be pretty heavy if you're already 6500 empty and have 6 kids (I have 6 as well). With food, clothes, camping gear you're going to be 7500+ lbs. The towing capacity of the 3500HD SL is about 9600 so you should be just fine but be prepared to be patient as you go up hills. I'm at about 6500-7000 fully loaded. If you can avoid it, do not travel with your TT tanks full.

Also, don't forget that you have to get a electronic brake controller. The tow package on the HD has that prewired but you need to buy one and install it. I recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90195-Electronic-Brake-Control/dp/B000P17NXQ