I am on a cross country trip, California to Maine and back - right now a 3 hour drive from Yellowstone/Grand Teton where I will be spending a week. I am towing an LEI - single axle - with a 2014 Tacoma, 4x4, heavy suspension/chassis, V6. I would not have enjoyed towing the larger LEII, if I could have done it. I feel comfortable with the Tacoma and LEI, but I am at the limit, I think. Did you know that Nebraska is not flat across I80?
I am solo, a new widower. The LEI is doing fine for me on its first real trip. Have had a few problems, and honestly, am not overly impressed with the Oliver detail "finish" work. But having the rear dinette permanently made up as a bed, with about one-third used as clothes storage - I have too much stuff with me - has been fine. The counter top is small. I use the smaller dinette as a catchall for work (I am sort of working while traveling), makes food prep a bit of an experience, and with lots of rain in the northeast, doing so outside was not great. The motorized awning closes at the slightest wisp of a breeze automatically, so while under it in the rain, it likes to close. I would prefer a manual awning.
I am able to cruise at about 70 mph, or so, if not too uphill. Getting about 12 mpg. Without towing, I am at 17mpg. I have 160,000 miles on the truck, also paid for, which is nice. But I will be looking at a new tow vehicle when I return. The weight of even the LEI is too much for the Tacoma, I feel. Of course I probably need to replace the shocks anyway, buy they have weakened while on the trip. The new Olivers are expensive, and with a new tow vehicle at $60,000+, I am wondering about the total cost. Maybe a used trailer would be more reasonable, but still the weight would suggest a new tow vehicle. I am looking at the Ford F150 hybrid, or possibly a used landcruiser.
I plan on regular trips, so the Tacoma probably needs to be replaced. I have used zero oil on the trip, changed oil in Maine and will again next week. Always serviced with full synthetic changed at 5-6,000 miles, Mobil 1 or Castrol. Usually change it myself. Regular anticipated maintenance/wear on Tacoma.
I find that I need to stop at 150-200 miles anyway, so getting gas at that range is no problem. I try to not let the tank go below 1/4. I would not have tried the LEII with the Tacoma, and find that the LEI is the limit. Oliver is a heavy trailer. I also find solo with the LEI is fine, but I would not want to have a guest over for the evening.
John