28bhs advice

SkyBound · 10-30-2014, 02:39 PM

Hey folks, just wanted to throw some questions out to the crowd about a prospective new set up. Looking at a 28bhs with an empty weight of 5500#. Loaded up it would probably sit around 6500#. Tow vehicle is an EcoBoost Max Tow, so I don't think GCWR and GVWR will be an issue at all. Only one I'm not sure about is RAWR but there are plenty of guys towing bigger within spec, and this is just about the biggest F-150 you can get aside from the HD payload package.

Question regarding hitch specs. Dealers always seem to go too light on hitches. This one is a 750# tongue weight/7500# total weight that comes with it, but I think it's too light. I'm leaning more towards a 1000#/10000#. Very interested in the Equalizer E4. Thoughts?

Also any 28bhs owners out there? Chime in with how you like/dislike it.

**Crabman** · 10-30-2014, 02:47 PM

I can tell you right now the 750lb spring bars are not enough, unless they have made drastic changes to the 28BHS since my model. I started out with 750 spring bars from my old trailer and and they were not cutting it so I went to 1200`s (Reese did not make 1000`s for my hitch). My TW is in excess of 900 lbs. I have an older style Reese trunnion hitch with dual cam. BTW what is the payload of your truck?

SkyBound · 10-30-2014, 03:02 PM

I've got 1700lbs of payload. Bonus with the Max Tow package - increases GVWR by 500lbs. I also put LT tires on my factory 20in wheels and will probably get some airbags or RAS if I go this route.

I figured it'd be a lot heavier than advertised, especially since I'm going to be putting my 2 6V batteries on the tongue too.

**Crabman** · 10-30-2014, 03:15 PM

Here is a thread I started 3 years ago about our 28BHS and have updated since you may find helpful in your decision, It has been a solid unit thus far.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...co+year+report

Harleyman · 11-01-2014, 06:42 PM

I love my 287bhsw it is almost the same trailer just a bit wider.
I like pulling it with my 3/4 ton a lot better than my half ton but both do the job

certified106 · 11-01-2014, 06:53 PM

I have 1200 or 1500 pound bars but for the life of me I can't recall for certain which ones. Either way 750 isn't enough in my opinion.

nevercominhome · 11-01-2014, 08:05 PM

Absolutely love our 28BHS! And as others have said, go bigger on the hitch.

SkyBound · 11-02-2014, 06:35 AM

How has the slide treated all you 28bhs owners? I know it's not a very big one but I have reservations about alignment, seals, etc. Never owned a slide before and somewhat nervous about it.

**Crabman** · 11-02-2014, 06:39 AM

Its just a small sofa slide and one of the least complex. Use the slide lock provided and you will be just fine. As with any model, a few may need the slide adjusted but its not a big deal on this model. The seals on mine look great after 5 years and the slide operates smoothly. I did have to adjust my slide once, but I think that was my fault for not initially using the slide lock.

Curious by Nature · 11-03-2014, 07:53 AM

Could you post a picture of the slide lock? I have a 2012 28 BHS, there is a sticker for the slide lock, but I don't see any mechanism of any type up there. Is it a block of wood?

SkyBound · 11-03-2014, 07:56 AM

The slide lock is a metal tube with flat ends on both sides, almost looks like a jack.

How difficult is it to adjust a slide from side to side? I had a look at one and with the slide extended, the rubber wiper seal wasn't touching the slide at the very top - had about a 1/4in gap... I remember another 28bhs owner on here describing the same issue. Is this a difficult/expensive fix?

**Crabman** · 11-03-2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curious by Nature

Could you post a picture of the slide lock? I have a 2012 28 BHS, there is a sticker for the slide lock, but I don't see any mechanism of any type up there. Is it a block of wood?

The slide lock on the 28BHS looks like the small one in the image. Without the lock in place the top of the slide can move out and back during travel. You can push it out with your hands an inch or so at the top without the lock in place which shows how easy it can move out as the entire slide motor and mechanism is at the bottom, under the couch. There is nothing at the top to hold it in place. The slide lock should have come with your trailer.

**Crabman** · 11-03-2014, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBound

The slide lock is a metal tube with flat ends on both sides, almost looks like a jack.

How difficult is it to adjust a slide from side to side? I had a look at one and with the slide extended, the rubber wiper seal wasn't touching the slide at the very top - had about a 1/4in gap... I remember another 28bhs owner on here describing the same issue. Is this a difficult/expensive fix?

Its been a few years since I adjusted mine but IIRC I just slacked up the bracket bolts, placed a floor jack under the low side of the brace, raised the jack until the slide was level then re-tightened the bolts.
(all this was done inside the trailer, under the sofa.) The process would likely be more involved with a large slide...

You may also like: