Help - Towing a 29rls Wth A Chevy 2500HD

308rets · 08-06-2017, 08:09 AM

We are eyeing up a 2017 JAYCO 29RLS HT and want to tow it behind 2015 Chevy 2500HD. Trailering is not new to us, but a 5th Wheel is. I understand that the "HT" stands for Half Ton. The 2500 HD is a little taller than a half ton so is this something that I need to be concerned about.

We are down grading from a motorhome to a fifth wheel (cost savings do to a job change). The 29rls fits our budget and we like the idea of a 5th wheel over a travel trailer.

I welcome any information that you can share about this model and using a 3/4 ton as a two vehicle.

Thanks everyone.
John & Janine Sabella

garyp4951 · 08-06-2017, 08:33 AM

That truck will be a great match, but you need to make the dealer solve the height difference if there is too much when hooked up to your truck.
This happens often with the HT line, and owners are left to solve this problem by adding after market items such as larger wheels and tires, leaf spring blocks, correct track, or a sub frame.

308rets · 08-06-2017, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyp4951

That truck will be a great match, but you need to make the dealer solve the height difference if there is too much when hooked up to your truck.
This happens often with the HT line, and owners are left to solve this problem by adding after market items such as larger wheels and tires, leaf spring blocks, correct track, or a sub frame.

Thanks for writing back! We are trying to keep our cost down, yet have some extra room which a 5th wheel offers. These mods that you mention, are they expensive - obviously I want to hit the dealer up for as much as I can. When we leave the dealers lot, the goal is to be complete.

Thanks again for sharing.

John & Janine

REWahoo · 08-06-2017, 08:53 AM

This thread may help with your question: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f6...vel-49424.html

308rets · 08-06-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

I am not familiar with the 29rls, but we tow. 27.5 RKDS with an 07 Silverado 2500 HD with no problems. Our truck has the towing package, Z71 package, plowing pkg, extended cab, Vortec 6.0, 6 speed trans, and 4.10 gears. We tow level, but I believe due to the age of our truck, it is lower than the newer models of all the manufacturers.

Thanks for sharing your experience. You are correct that the newer 2500hd do sit higher. If I have a height issue, it sounds like I can do some mods to make it work. hopefully the mods won't be too expensive.

Thanks again.
Johnn& Janiine

Drake · 08-06-2017, 04:27 PM

We have a 2017 29.5 BHDS HT, pulling it with a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD. We do not have a height issue, and it pulls great.

vcbice · 08-06-2017, 05:23 PM

Is it a 2WD or 4WD? Does it have larger wheels/tires?

Mine is about 4" nose high. It can be fixed by lowering the springs and going to 16" tires/wheels.

Are you buying from a dealer? If so tell them you want it fixed before you buy it.

Drake · 08-06-2017, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcbice

Is it a 2WD or 4WD? Does it have larger wheels/tires?

Mine is about 4" nose high. It can be fixed by lowering the springs and going to 16" tires/wheels.

Are you buying from a dealer? If so tell them you want it fixed before you buy it.

It is a 4WD. It clears the truck bed by about 5". If it is a little nose high, it is not causing a problem.

I did replace the factory tires, after 1 year use, with Goodyear Endurance (stayed with 15" rims).

vcbice · 08-07-2017, 04:39 AM

Sorry I should have posted that I meant the OP. Does he have a truck or just shopping for one?

garyp4951 · 08-07-2017, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 308rets

Thanks for writing back! We are trying to keep our cost down, yet have some extra room which a 5th wheel offers. These mods that you mention, are they expensive - obviously I want to hit the dealer up for as much as I can. When we leave the dealers lot, the goal is to be complete.

Thanks again for sharing.

John & Janine

The 16" tire upgrade ($1000) will raise it a few inches, Correct Track adds two more inches.
Some 5er owners move the spring mount down to the lowest hole on the frame, but I believe this puts a lot more stress on the hanger, and it would need to be reinforced.
I would definitely ask for the 16" tire and wheel upgrade, for a lot more choices in tires.

spepi · 08-07-2017, 01:55 PM

We have a 2016 29.5 BHDS HT, pulling it with a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD. I upgraded from a Toyota Tundra, which I was worried about height, and there isnt a height issue, and it pulls great.

jal0710 · 08-09-2017, 08:47 AM

We have a 2012 26.5 HT RLS towing with a GMC 2500HD D/A combo and it tows just a but nose high but with no problems. We have between 5" and 6" between the bottom of the FW and the bed rails, but no serious problems yet. You shouldn't have any problems towing that rig with a 2500 like you are considering.

cgalutera1 · 08-09-2017, 12:14 PM

My 2017 26.5BHS came with the axles over the spring from Jayco. Even with that, my ram 2500 was still too high. The springs had to moved down to the last hole and and additional 2 inch blocks were added. The cost was $700.

Bobx2 · 08-09-2017, 03:10 PM

I hate that they keep making the new trucks higher and higher. It's just a stupid, macho stance that they think makes them look tough and more desirable. For those of us who actually use our trucks the way they were meant to be used, it's a PITA! That's the main factor in me not buying a new truck. Having a light pin weight (1150 lbs.) I would likely have to make some suspension mods on my 5th wheel to maintain my bed rail clearance. That's just stupid. I'm off road quite a bit, and need all the clearance I can get.
I guess, on the bright side, it's saving me from spending $60K.

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