Newbie looking around

[raider99]

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and currently do no town a TT. I had a pop up about 15 years ago until a wind storm decided to take it away. I currently have a 2008 GMC Acadia with the factory tow package (tow rating is 4,500lbs). I am looking at getting either a 17z or 18XD. I'm a little worried that the 18Xd may be a little big. I will have my wife, 2 kids (ages 2 and 6) and small German Shepherd (70#) traveling when we go camping. The cargo carrying capacity of the 17z is listed at 675 lbs, but most people on this forum recommend expecting to add about 1,000lbs of equipment. I was curious if anyone has had trouble carrying all of their supplies in the 17z? Also, if I need to step up to the 18XD, will my Acadia handle this load?

I think I have an allergy to white knuckle driving. I've never seen a doctor for this, but during past experiences, I was sweaty, felt flushed, and had elevated heart rate. Not an expert, but definitely had a bad reaction to it and would like to avoid it as much as possible. I,m planning on getting a WD hitch, but would appreciate anyone's advice or comments. Also, I'm in southern CT, so no large mountains to climb.

[Terry]

Welcome to the forum Raider! Glad you found us....

We have several knowledgeable members here on towing, so I am sure they will chime in as well.

I think you may be cutting it close on the 18XD and may not be too happy with the towing performance. The 18 is listed as 3,250 dry and 4,400 gross so you are going to push right up to the limit on your vehicle.

The 17z looks more in line with what you would want to pull with your vehicle. I think you can do fine in the 675lb range if you keep mindful of what you are loading up. Heavy thinks like dutch ovens, cases of water/drinks, and food are what can throw your weight up.

Feel free to ask lots of questions here and let us know what you decide.

[Rustic Eagle]

Raider99,

Welcome to the Jayco forums, and smart move doing your do-diligence before you pull the check book out!

I agree, a white knuckle towing experience just isn't fun, and sure can put a damper on one's mood upon arriving at the camp ground as well.

You mentioned that your Acadia has a published tow rating of 4,500lbs, which can be a little misleading because the fine print below the tow rating in almost every case lowers the value. The following forum sticky will explain: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

I agree with Terry, the X17Z with a GVWR of 3,500lbs would be a better match for your Acadia than the X18D with a GVWR 4,400lbs. Both models have a limited CCC (less weight of battery, hitch, etc.), so in most cases one would be towing near, or at their respective GVWR's with these two particular models.

Considering that your Acadia's "actual" tow rating will be less than 4,500lbs, the probability of exceeding your Acadia's actual towing capability is considerably higher with the X18D.

Bob

[2edgesword]

From one newbie to another...welcome!

I've got a similar TV with a tow limit of 4,700 lbs. My wife and I plan to rent a TT in the size/weight range of what we intend to purchase to see how the TV/TT combo works out.

As for buying a TT with a dry weight of 3,250 and adding another 1,000 pounds, there is no way we will be bringing anywhere near 1,000 lbs of anything with us. Basically it will be what we stuff into two suitcases when we fly plus bedding, cooking utensils...that might add another 100 lbs. Even if the dry weight doesn't include full prophane, battery, etc. I don't see any additional odds and ends that will get us anywhere near the maximum towing capacity.

[Crabman]

Welcome to the forum, looks like you got some good answers already! Best of luck with your purchase.

[Terry]

I knew RE would chime in! Thanks for adding those comments....

Basically it will be what we stuff into two suitcases when we fly plus bedding, cooking utensils...that might add another 100 lbs. Even if the dry weight doesn't include full prophane, battery, etc. I don't see any additional odds and ends that will get us anywhere near the maximum towing capacity.

Don't forget about food/drink -- that is a really easy thing to forget when you are talking about how much weight you are loading up with. You could easily have a couple of hundred lbs worth of food when you consider things like milk, cokes, water bottles, can goods, etc.

Just for fun (these are approximate)--

2 12 pack of coke - 20 lbs
1 Gallon of Milk - 8 lbs
Case of Water Bottles - 14 lbs
Beer / Wine - 10 lbs (varies greatly ;0)
Can goods - ?? 15 lbs (guessing)

Other things to consider that add weight --

Firewood
chocks/blocks
portable chairs
outside rugs
Dutch Ovens
Toiletries
Pots / Pans / Cooking and eating stuff

I am sure there is more - but you get the point. You can easily do all that within 600 lbs, but you do have to think about it.

Great questions!

[clutch]

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum

[raider99]

Thanks for all the great information.

[SDV1975]

Hi Raider99 - Welcome, I'm new to the forum as well as to trailer camping. Just finished my 2nd season in a 2010 19H. My family (kids now age 4 & 8, and wife) love our camper. In terms of avoiding the white knuckle experience, anything you can do to add stabilizer bars or sway control bars will really help. Not sure what you're equipped with at this point, but if those items aren't part of your hookup, I'd advise talking to a dealer and inquire about them. Good luck.