WHD and Sway control

[geostorm]

Okay, all of you have convinced me to purchase a WHD and sway control set up for my TT. How do I know what to get ? size weight etc. I really do not know at all about this
My specs on what I have are on my profile.
2004 Jayco 23b EXP with most options 2015 F150 2.7tr Ecoboost supercrew( 4 door) with Tow package just had the brake controller installed. Should I have the dealer install it or myself where to buy.....

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by geostorm

snip.....2004 Jayco 23b EXP with most options .......snip

Welcome to JOF

For reference...........; Jayco published weight/capacity specifications for your 2004 Model 23B EXP:

WEIGHTS:

Unloaded Vehicle Weight 3,725lbs
Dry Hitch Weight 340lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1,225lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight 4,950lbs

MEASUREMENTS:

Exterior Travel Length 23'-7"
Exterior Campsite Length 27'-1"
Exterior Width 8'
Exterior Height w/opt AC 115"
Interior Headroom 78"

TANK CAPACITIES:

Fresh Water Capacity 30 gals
Gray Wastewater Capacity 29 gals
Toilet / Black Wastewater Capacity 22 gals

Moderately loaded 2004 23B "example": (UVW 3,725lbs) + (approx. Actual Ship Weight delta 200lbs) + (dealer installed battery 50lbs) + (cargo 500lbs, no fluids) = 4,475lbs Loaded 23B ........ (13% to 15% of 4,475lbs) = 582lbs to 671lbs Loaded Tongue weight range......, so a WDH rated at 800lbs would be ideal and won't be overkill. You could go with a 600b rated WDH, but then you would have to watch you 23B's loaded tongue weight didn't exceed 600lbs.

Recommended loaded tongue weight range is 10% to 15% of the 23B's loaded weight, but most find that a 13% to 15% range is more realistic.

My BIL had a 2006 23B, and his Reese Strait-Line WDH was rated at 800lbs, which accommodated his 650lb loaded tongue weight nicely. An 800lb rated WDH will also accommodate your 2004 23B should it be loaded at it's GVWR of 4,950lbs (same GVWR as BIL 2006 model).

Reese Strait Line brand WDH and Equal-i-zer brand WDH both have integrated sway control and are very popular brands.

As far as installation, your RV dealer would be my recommendation since this is new territory for you (keep copies of WDH installation/adjustment documentation from dealer). You may want to require that your RV dealership also preform a follow-up WDH "re-adjustment" (under loaded conditions) after you load your TV/HTT for camping.

If you get an opportunity........: The best way to confirm that all your weights and adjustments are correct is a visit to your local CAT scale. This weigh-in process is done under "loaded" TV/HTT conditions and is only required to be completed once unless your loading habits change dramatically.

CAT scale how-to: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...v-tt-3871.html

I apologize for the information "overload", but I hope this helps with your do diligence

Bob

[Ed Brodt]

Can't add anything more to the last post. He covered it all. Safe Travels.

[geostorm]

Good morning, wow that does seem to cover it all, Thanks so much !
I will keep you posted,

[geostorm]

Just thought of a couple more.. I have a 15ft awning,and I see you mentioned battery approx 50lbs, so by having 2 20lb propane tanks,spare tire,and do I should not carry ANY water until I get to my camping place ? do i fill just the water heater tank or gray and black water tanks I know you do not fill the fresh water tank or none at all. Sure is lot more than my PUP was...

[geostorm]

I read in some places do not get a friction style hitch,but a trunnion style 2 point 4 point why so many opinions or choices is it based on what your towing and vehicle ?

[Northern Jay]

By all means carry fresh water. A full tank is not a lot of weight on your trailer. Black water is toilet holding tank. Gray water is sinks/shower. Those you want empty as much as possible while travelling. When you go to scale your unit. I would go with full FW tank so you can get an accurate read on what that does to your tongue weight. You can't always trust that a camp ground has good water.
Happy Camping

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by geostorm

I read in some places do not get a friction style hitch,but a trunnion style 2 point 4 point why so many opinions or choices is it based on what your towing and vehicle ?

The standard friction sway control arm (mounted along side the WDH) is an effective sway control device, but a WDH that has "integrated" sway control is an up-grade in sway control effectiveness. Also, with the standard friction sway control arm it should be manually removed prior to backing a trailer...., a WDH with "integrated" sway control nothing has to be removed while backing a trailer.

As a trailer grows in weight and length, so do the requirements of the WDH and sway control devices to control them (trailer).

If your camping destination has it own water source it's not necessary to tow with a full tank of fresh water (30 gal = 250lbs), fill up at the campground or connect to the campsite water supply. It's not uncommon to tow with a couple of gallons of fresh water for travel needs.

When I travel my HWH tank is filled and add about 5 gallons to the fresh water tank. I avoid traveling with a full fresh water tank unless it's absolutely necessary.

A single visit to the CAT scale under your typical TV/HTT "loaded" conditions will tell you how all your cargo weights play out....., we all have different loading habits/requirements. Just one visit to a CAT scale will provide a tremendous level of comfort to your travels because you know the real world conditions (weight, WDH adjustment, etc.) of your particular TV/HTT combination.

Bob