Quote:
Originally Posted by carol99559
snip........I need opinions before I take off with the kids in the car. I've done alot of trailer and boat hauling in my life.. but never worried about weight like this before. The trailer's got a good load shifting hitch and sway bar and I had it inspected/serviced today.
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Carol,
Welcome to the Jayco forums.
Yes, a 31ft long TT will handle dramatically differently than a boat or utility trailer. Your '05' Jayflight 28RLS has a very similar floorplan as my '05' Eagle 278FBS, which I still like after six years of use. The specs on your '05' 28RLS are GVWR 8,500lbs, UVW 6,530lbs, Dry hitch 760lbs, and the TT has an overall length of 31ft.. Of course the "loaded weights" are what's most important.
The UVW is just a brochure publication weight (web site, etc.), the actual ship weight would have been a little higher, and even loading the TT up conservatively for two adults IMO a
loaded TT weight of 7,400lbs is realistic minimum.
I don't know what brand/model/rating WDH came with the TT, but please refer to my prior post within this thread referencing the 25ft maximum TT length when using a standard friction control sway arm. Based on the potential loaded TT weights of the 28RLS, IMO the WDH spring bar rating on your WDH should not be less than 1,200lbs (1,000lb rating may work, but only under very lite loaded TT conditions). The spring bars are sized in relation to the potential, and/or actual "loaded" TT tongue weight. Also, confirm your TV and TV's receiver WDH weight limits as well.
Although your TV has the power to move the weight, the shorter wheel base can be a disadvantage on a 31ft. long TT. Also, your TV's 8,900 tow rating is based on the "curb" weight of a stripped version of the Durango with a 150lb driver, it doesn't include fuel, passengers, cargo, etc., so these weights are subtracted from the 8,900lbs. IMO you may not find your TV/TT an ideal towing combination, and possibly a little challenging to handle at times.
Just food for thought.
Bob