Hitch recommendation

[lnbski3]

I have a 04 silverado, 5.3, ext cab, 4x4. I have a 08 jayco jayfeather 29D that carries a gvwr of 7300 I have looked for the toung weight but cant find it in the manual. With all the hitch choices it there can I get some recommendations what are the befits of round rr square reunion bars, cam or friction sway? Thanks.

[Rustic Eagle]

Inbski3,

Welcome to the Jayco forums.

This is representative (in blue type) of the information Jayco put in their brochures/website about your 2008 29D:

Weights:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 5,810
Hitch Weight (lbs) 875
Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs) 7,350
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs) 1,535
Measurements:
Exterior Travel Length 31' 1"
Exterior Height w/AC 125"
Interior Headroom 78"


The hitch weight (tongue weight) of 875lbs is based on unloaded (dry) conditions. When looking at proper sizing of a WDH one should work with "loaded weights", not dry or unloaded. The loaded tongue weight of a 30ft. TT should be 13% to 15% of the loaded weight of the TT, but since you don't have any CAT scale weights under loaded conditions, we will assume the loaded weight.

Loaded 29D weight: (5,960lb ship weight) + (150lb battery, hitch, dealer stuff) + (700lbs cargo & stuff) + (no fluids) = 6,810lbs loaded

Loaded 29D tongue weight: (13% to 15% of 6,810lbs) = 885lbs to 1,021lbs Based on this weight range a 1,200lb rated WDH would be fine. A 1,000lb rated would WDH work as well, but Reese recently stop making them (?). The 1,200lb rating will also cover the 29D's GVWR (in case of heavy loading or carrying fluids). An 800lb rated WDH would be to lite. Also confirm that your TT A-frame doesn't' have any WD size limit stickers.

Round bar versus Trunnion bar WDH's: They both provide the same weight distribution results, but their different configurations have unique clearances advantages with different TV/TT combinations. The one advantage the Trunnion bar set-up has is that the ball mount provides more tilt adjustment.

Reese Dual Cam or Standard Reese Friction Sway Bar: A single friction control sway bar is recommended for trailers up 25ft in length, or add an additional sway bar above 25ft., and these devices have to be removed when backing up. The Reese Dual Cam is a more effective means of addressing a sway event, especially with the longer TT's, and doesn't have to be removed when backing up.

Summary: The 29D TT has a lower profile frame, ball coupler mounted to top of A-frame, so IMO a Round Bar WDH would be the better choice. The Dual Cam would be a better form of sway control for the 29D's length.

My recomendation: http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66078.html

Hope this helps.

Bob

[lnbski3]

That is great info, thanks for help it is greatly appreciated.

[29BHS ECO]

inbski--Do the towing specs for your TV exceed the gross & tongue weights of the tt. Larry

[lnbski3]

In the manual, with a 373 gear my max trailer weight is 7800 lbs overall cw 13k I plan to upgrade in the near future. This is real close

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lnbski3

snip........I plan to upgrade in the near future. This is real close

Inbski3,

It's true that your TV's tow rating of 7,800lbs will decrease by the sum total weights of the TV options, TV passengers, and TV cargo, but the end result depends on "your" TV/TT loading habits.

The GM 5.3L with the 3.73 rear end is a great towing drivetrain when used within it's specified weight limits, and comfortable to drive. IMO if you load your TV and 29D TT conservatively (including a couple of gallons in the FWT) you will have a safe TV/TT combination.

If you tend to load your TV/TT heavy for camping, then yes, you could be flirting with the TV's weight limits. In this case, a brief visit to your local CAT scale may put your mind at ease. http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3169

Remember, the 29D TT loaded weights in my prior post were "assumed", your actual loaded weight may be less .

Bob

[3'senough]

My previous setup was very similar in TT weight(5900 dry) and 33 ft over all with a Chevy Avalanche and the 5.3L. I had the Reese Pro Series 1200# round bars and friction cam. I did not like the sway control from the single unit and would tell you to get two if your pulling something that long with this type setup. Passing trucks was white knuckle some days with a cross wind. If there is a better towing setup for sway go for it. Worth every penny if you are going to do any highway driving at speeds over 50MPH.

As for pulling power, with the tow mode on you will be good to go but hill climbing and take offs your engine will be working.

[lnbski3]

I received my new hitch friday and was able to install and use it this morning. I have nit used this type of wd hitch before but I quickly was able to setup and use it, for a sort trip home I thought it worked great, thanks for the recommendation. The online seller e trailer was very quick and also shipped via ground for free.:hihi:

[Seann45]

The manual does not contain tow weights... that is printed on the door frame. Since manuals are for every vehicle and there are many combinations it is done this way

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lnbski3

snip........I have not used this type of wd hitch before but I quickly was able to setup and use it........

With your TV/TT hitched up, feel free to post a couple of photos of your new WDH (side view close-up, etc.). We can take a second look to see if there is any fine-tuning that can be offered.

Also, the top portion of the following link has some detailed set-up and adjusting information for standard WDH's: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

Reese HP Dual Cam (if you have it):The lower portion of the above link addresses the "earlier version" of the Reese HP Dual Cam, but the process is very similar to the new version. Note that there is a frame plate set-up dimension, and chain hanger bracket assembly/mounting difference between the two versions. The color and a couple of components are slightly different as well.

Bob

[lnbski3]

Ok guys/gals just bought a 06 2500hd with the dmax engine do I need to bother with this hitch anymore?

[Rustic Eagle]

lnbski3,

Which hitch are you referring to?

If you are referring to your Reese HP Dual Cam WDH.., then yes, you may have to re-adjust it because the 2500HD sits higher at the receiver and has a stiffer suspension than your prior TV.

Bob

[lnbski3]

I figured I would adjust but didn't know if the wd would still work with a heavier duty truck. I still need the cam sway so I will adjust accordingly, thanks

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lnbski3

snip.........didn't know if the wd would still work with a heavier duty truck.......snip

Yep, my brother in-law uses a WDH with his F-350 DRW towing his TT.

The Reese 1,200lb WDH you purchased is sized correctly to handle the loaded weights of your TT, even at it's GVWR. Should you upgrade to a heavier TT, the same WDH will in most cases handle the upgrade as well.

Even though the stiffer suspension on your 2500HD truck may not "visibly" react as much as your half ton did when the weight of your TT's tongue was placed on the hitch ball, there will still need to be some weight transfer adjustments. The Reese WDH you purchased can be used with many different TV & TT combinations, it's all in how it's adjusted.

There are cases where a TT's "loaded" tongue weight is low enough that it falls within the TV's limits and the TV's receiver "weight carrying" limits that a WD may not be required, but even in these cases a WDH can provide enhanced handling characteristics.

When you get the opportunity, visit a CAT scale using the link provided in an earlier post as a reference......, the process will also confirm your WDH adjustments.

Your going to love that 2500HD DMAX/ALLY as a tow vehicle (wish I had the DMAX), but since it's a used TV inspect the receiver hitch for any cracked welds or bent components just to be on the safe side.

Bob