I just recently finished pulling a 6x10 enclosed trailer with furniture and household goods from Myrtle Beach, SC to Phoenix, AZ...a distance of approximately 2300 miles. The trailer, with contents, weighed about 3000 lbs. The CX9 was about 3 weeks old and had 1000 miles on it when I started my journey and was equipped with the tow prep package. I had the engine oil drained and replaced with Amsoil synthetic before I started. Most of the trip was on I-40.
Once we got to Oklahoma, we began to experience 30-35 mph headwinds. That equates, given a speed of 65 mph, to pulling a trailer at 95-100 mph in terms of wind resistance. In addition, it was a gradual climb through several states from sea level to an elevation of 7200 feet in Flagstaff, AZ. Most of my shifting was done manually, particularly after reaching 4th gear.
Results: It was impossible, given the headwinds. to run in 6th gear unless we were on a downgrade. Used 5th gear alot....and when the headwinds were strongest, used 4th to maintain speed, often for hours at a time. In short, the CX9 performed flawlessly without skipping a beat. I am incredibly happy with the way it performed on a trip where it was severely tested. The only downside was mileage, which approximated 10-11 mpg most days. But I fully expected this, and am truly impressed with the CX9 and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Once we got to Oklahoma, we began to experience 30-35 mph headwinds. That equates, given a speed of 65 mph, to pulling a trailer at 95-100 mph in terms of wind resistance. In addition, it was a gradual climb through several states from sea level to an elevation of 7200 feet in Flagstaff, AZ. Most of my shifting was done manually, particularly after reaching 4th gear.
Results: It was impossible, given the headwinds. to run in 6th gear unless we were on a downgrade. Used 5th gear alot....and when the headwinds were strongest, used 4th to maintain speed, often for hours at a time. In short, the CX9 performed flawlessly without skipping a beat. I am incredibly happy with the way it performed on a trip where it was severely tested. The only downside was mileage, which approximated 10-11 mpg most days. But I fully expected this, and am truly impressed with the CX9 and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
