Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-07-2013, 08:24 PM   #41
Moderator Emeritus
 
Rustic Eagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheTick View Post
snip....... So is there an acceptable range?.......snip
Not all vehicle suspensions are created equal, so there isn't a general "acceptable range". A given vehicle's steering, handling, and braking integrity is based on specific suspension adjustments/weights/tolerances in an "unhitched" state.

The majority of vehicle manufactures require that the front suspension be returned to it's "unhitched" height (or weight) when utilizing a WDH (no plus/minus range specified). Recently only GM and Ford with some new model full size trucks have specified a front suspension "height range" when a WDH is utlized..............,

But......., in your case a WDH isn't being utilized. IMO if you find that the tongue weight placed on your Odyessy's receiver raises the front of the vehicle from it's "unhitched" height, plus you know that the TT's tongue weight is within the Odyessy's specified 350lb maximum tongue weight limit....., I would advise you to contact the vehicle manufacture to confirm (do to safety implications) if there is an acceptable front suspension "height range" (or front suspension weight reduction range) under these "hitched" conditions.

Bob
__________________

2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
Rustic Eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2013, 10:43 AM   #42
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 3,430
Even if it "looks right" as the dealer claims, you will know if its too much because your steering will feel "loose" for lack of a better term. In other words you will know you have less control.
__________________
Chuck
2013 Jayco Jayfeather X20 E (sold)
2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ 2 Z71 Crew Cab (sold, and dearly missed)
DocBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2013, 12:48 PM   #43
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 24
I would not tow mine if I didn't have the WDH.

You might want to also consider some Air Lift bags to raise up the back end. I've just installed those as well. Even filling the van up on its own without a trailer causes the nose to point in the air without the Air Lift bags.

Mark H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2013, 07:13 PM   #44
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle View Post
Not all vehicle suspensions are created equal, so there isn't a general "acceptable range". A given vehicle's steering, handling, and braking integrity is based on specific suspension adjustments/weights/tolerances in an "unhitched" state.

The majority of vehicle manufactures require that the front suspension be returned to it's "unhitched" height (or weight) when utilizing a WDH (no plus/minus range specified). Recently only GM and Ford with some new model full size trucks have specified a front suspension "height range" when a WDH is utlized..............,

But......., in your case a WDH isn't being utilized. IMO if you find that the tongue weight placed on your Odyessy's receiver raises the front of the vehicle from it's "unhitched" height, plus you know that the TT's tongue weight is within the Odyessy's specified 350lb maximum tongue weight limit....., I would advise you to contact the vehicle manufacture to confirm (do to safety implications) if there is an acceptable front suspension "height range" (or front suspension weight reduction range) under these "hitched" conditions.

Bob
I just got off the phone with Honda Customer Service and asked about the squat in the rear and lift in the front. He said there was no specification for this. He just reiterated the tongue, and gross rear axle weight rating and "implied" that there is no need for concern if I stay under these two ratings.

Perhaps there is no specification for the amount of squat because they know it's acceptable when staying within the toungue and gross rear axle rating?
TheTick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2014, 07:50 PM   #45
Junior Member
 
BrianGVLK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Downers Grove
Posts: 24
I know I am responding to an older thread, however, I want to add what I just read in my owners manual for the 2007 Odyssey with tow package:

Weight Distribution Hitch required over 1,850 LBS.
Sway Control recommended for over 2,000 LBS

see copy of owners manual.Click image for larger version

Name:	p.340.jpg
Views:	26
Size:	45.3 KB
ID:	11304
BrianGVLK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2014, 11:08 PM   #46
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 414
In the old day and first learning, I used to tow a smaller size TT with a mini-van. Like many, I "beefed up" its rear suspension with Timbren SES units, bought/used WDH System (with properly sized bars), installed ATF cooler for 5,000 lbs trailer and installed better / HD shocks as well. Both Tow Vehicle and Trailer were at their max weight numbers. re: 3,500 lbs trailer. Calculator said it was ok. RV Sales Guy said it was ok. Thus, I talked myself thinking this was ok as well. Approx. 1.5 years later, I'm driving my van (no trailer connected) and while pulled away from a stop light, I hear a sudden Bang. Lost 2nd gear and reverse gear. Yes, blown transmission. Limped my van to my tranny specialist and after tearing it apart, he told me I was pulling something too heavy weight. re: All internal bushing and gaskets were over stressed / squashed. After double checking my numbers, I realized that I forgot to include the most important number. re: The wind resistance factory number. Sometimes, wind can create drag that feels 500-700 lbs heavier trailer. When adding numbers, do remember the wind drag influence number as well. I learned the hard way. Today, I use an over sized Tow Vehicle. Thus, no more "over stressing" my Tow Vehicle.

Long mumblings short... It's best to use a Tow Vehicle rated to pull 5,000 lbs trailer to pull a 3,500 lbs trailer. I learned the hard way....
Spike99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2014, 12:06 AM   #47
Senior Member
 
oobedoob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kamloops
Posts: 270
Spike99 I have to agree with you. We managed ok with our Journey for our first season with the new trailer but I noticed soot on the bumper at the campground on our last weekend out. The DW also agreed that the Journey didn't seem to be running as well as it was before the trailer so we traded in for a Ram and it feels so much better towing.

But sometimes you have to make due with the tools you have. Just be safe and happy!
__________________
2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 184BH
2012 Ram 1500
oobedoob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2014, 05:55 PM   #48
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike99 View Post
In the old day and first learning, I used to tow a smaller size TT with a mini-van. Like many, I "beefed up" its rear suspension with Timbren SES units, bought/used WDH System (with properly sized bars), installed ATF cooler for 5,000 lbs trailer and installed better / HD shocks as well. Both Tow Vehicle and Trailer were at their max weight numbers. re: 3,500 lbs trailer. Calculator said it was ok. RV Sales Guy said it was ok. Thus, I talked myself thinking this was ok as well. Approx. 1.5 years later, I'm driving my van (no trailer connected) and while pulled away from a stop light, I hear a sudden Bang. Lost 2nd gear and reverse gear. Yes, blown transmission. Limped my van to my tranny specialist and after tearing it apart, he told me I was pulling something too heavy weight. re: All internal bushing and gaskets were over stressed / squashed. After double checking my numbers, I realized that I forgot to include the most important number. re: The wind resistance factory number. Sometimes, wind can create drag that feels 500-700 lbs heavier trailer. When adding numbers, do remember the wind drag influence number as well. I learned the hard way. Today, I use an over sized Tow Vehicle. Thus, no more "over stressing" my Tow Vehicle.

Long mumblings short... It's best to use a Tow Vehicle rated to pull 5,000 lbs trailer to pull a 3,500 lbs trailer. I learned the hard way....
Sounds just like what happened with my Ford Explorer twice! Except I never towed a thing with it lol. The guys over at the airstream forums are doing some serious miles on the latest generation vans towing way beyond capacity. There will be plenty of positive and negative stories on both sides, but I choose to play it safe and stay within manufacturer ratings. I do agree that going with a higher rating TV will make the towing experience more enjoyable, but I've been pretty darn impressed with the performance so far. Now of course, I probably just jinxed myself and my tranny will blow on our next trip, but you guys here will be the first to know.
TheTick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 10:06 AM   #49
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 44
*****update*****

Hello Everyone!

Wow.. I can't believe it's been 7 years since my last post here. I got a lot of help from this thread so I wanted to report back and share my experience towing with the same setup.

First I want to say what a great investment this has been for our family. So many great memories and time spent together traveling while our kids were still little. We regularly go up into the High Sierra's (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Kennedy Meadows), get out to our favorite beach spots every summer (Jalama, Refugio, San Diego, Pismo), and made one epic 3 week trip to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

Our Honda Odyssey has held up great with no issues. It tows up the steepest grades just fine except for the Grapevine during the summer. Need to turn off the AC during the climb at 40 mph which is no fun. It would have been nice to have a little more power during the steepest parts of the Grand Tetons, but it got the job done. Coming down the Tetons, I forgot to put the transmission in low and the brakes started to fade which scared the crap out of me. Pulled over, let the brakes cool and made it down fine in Low. It's the only time I had brake issues, but please be mindful of brake temps when going down steep hills.

The Jayco has also held up great. It's stored outside, so the graphics are beginning to fade and there is a little rust on the frame which I'll need to deal with, but it's not bad. I had to fix a cabinet door, replace a shelf, touch up the sealant on the roof, and it will need a brake job soon.

Now that our kids are teenagers, they are less interested in camping. My wife and I were disappointed until we realized that we really enjoy going without the kids. In fact we prefer it lol. The two of us regularly go up to Big Bear for the weekend and and love it. We are using the Jayco more than ever now. It's a pretty steep climb so I keep it under 45mph and never had engine heat issues with the AC on.

We have been looking at higher end travel trailers and tow vehicles for a while but it's hard to justify the investment when our current setup works so well. We may be getting a Tesla Model Y this summer so I plan on seeing how it does as a tow vehicle. I'll report back with my results.
TheTick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 04:42 PM   #50
Senior Member
 
Finally Able's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 469
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheTick View Post
Hello Everyone!

Wow.. I can't believe it's been 7 years since my last post here. I got a lot of help from this thread so I wanted to report back and share my experience towing with the same setup.

First I want to say what a great investment this has been for our family. So many great memories and time spent together traveling while our kids were still little. We regularly go up into the High Sierra's (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Kennedy Meadows), get out to our favorite beach spots every summer (Jalama, Refugio, San Diego, Pismo), and made one epic 3 week trip to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

Our Honda Odyssey has held up great with no issues. It tows up the steepest grades just fine except for the Grapevine during the summer. Need to turn off the AC during the climb at 40 mph which is no fun. It would have been nice to have a little more power during the steepest parts of the Grand Tetons, but it got the job done. Coming down the Tetons, I forgot to put the transmission in low and the brakes started to fade which scared the crap out of me. Pulled over, let the brakes cool and made it down fine in Low. It's the only time I had brake issues, but please be mindful of brake temps when going down steep hills.

The Jayco has also held up great. It's stored outside, so the graphics are beginning to fade and there is a little rust on the frame which I'll need to deal with, but it's not bad. I had to fix a cabinet door, replace a shelf, touch up the sealant on the roof, and it will need a brake job soon.

Now that our kids are teenagers, they are less interested in camping. My wife and I were disappointed until we realized that we really enjoy going without the kids. In fact we prefer it lol. The two of us regularly go up to Big Bear for the weekend and and love it. We are using the Jayco more than ever now. It's a pretty steep climb so I keep it under 45mph and never had engine heat issues with the AC on.

We have been looking at higher end travel trailers and tow vehicles for a while but it's hard to justify the investment when our current setup works so well. We may be getting a Tesla Model Y this summer so I plan on seeing how it does as a tow vehicle. I'll report back with my results.
Good for you! Gawd...when I was a mere lad of in the 60s my dad bought a used popup which I remember helping him spray paint Cub Scout blue and yellow (we didn't have much money.) He towed it behind a mid-60s Ford Falcon station wagon ("stripped", as they used to say) with my mom in the front seat (she didn't start driving until about age 50) and 4 young kids, of whom I was the eldest, bouncing around between front and rear -- no seat belts, of course! And asking the wternal question: "WHERE ARE WE?" To which my dad would always reply "In tbe car."

We stowed all our stuff in the camper, including a canvas dining tarp and a rather ornate *cast iron* 2-burner stove which we'd set on the CG picnic table. I doubt he ever wondered about "hitch weight" -- but was extremely mechanically-inclined, so I bet he just knew what was OK. We went camping all over the northeast, up to PEI (on the ferry.) Just a simple hitch and electrical connection for the trailer lights. We all survived, and lived to tell the tales with fond memories. I wouldn't trade that experience for anyone else's. Good times!

Happy camping!
Finally Able is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2021, 11:26 AM   #51
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Buffalo
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheTick View Post
Hello Everyone!

Wow.. I can't believe it's been 7 years since my last post here. I got a lot of help from this thread so I wanted to report back and share my experience towing with the same setup.

First I want to say what a great investment this has been for our family. So many great memories and time spent together traveling while our kids were still little. We regularly go up into the High Sierra's (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Kennedy Meadows), get out to our favorite beach spots every summer (Jalama, Refugio, San Diego, Pismo), and made one epic 3 week trip to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

Our Honda Odyssey has held up great with no issues. It tows up the steepest grades just fine except for the Grapevine during the summer. Need to turn off the AC during the climb at 40 mph which is no fun. It would have been nice to have a little more power during the steepest parts of the Grand Tetons, but it got the job done. Coming down the Tetons, I forgot to put the transmission in low and the brakes started to fade which scared the crap out of me. Pulled over, let the brakes cool and made it down fine in Low. It's the only time I had brake issues, but please be mindful of brake temps when going down steep hills.
We are ready to pull the trigger on a lighter weight x17z and I was getting sicker and sicker and sicker to my stomach thinking that our Toyota Sienna wouldn't be up to snuff (and we are SO DONE with popup camping, ugh)

I am SO HAPPY that you updated this in 2021!!!! Gave me a big sigh of relief. THANK YOU. We camp in the Allegany Mountains in NY and the inclines were worrying me. Your post was JUST what I needed to read.
WNYcamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2021, 11:28 AM   #52
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Buffalo
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finally Able View Post
Good for you! Gawd...when I was a mere lad of in the 60s my dad bought a used popup which I remember helping him spray paint Cub Scout blue and yellow (we didn't have much money.) He towed it behind a mid-60s Ford Falcon station wagon ("stripped", as they used to say) with my mom in the front seat (she didn't start driving until about age 50) and 4 young kids, of whom I was the eldest, bouncing around between front and rear -- no seat belts, of course! And asking the wternal question: "WHERE ARE WE?" To which my dad would always reply "In tbe car."

We stowed all our stuff in the camper, including a canvas dining tarp and a rather ornate *cast iron* 2-burner stove which we'd set on the CG picnic table. I doubt he ever wondered about "hitch weight" -- but was extremely mechanically-inclined, so I bet he just knew what was OK. We went camping all over the northeast, up to PEI (on the ferry.) Just a simple hitch and electrical connection for the trailer lights. We all survived, and lived to tell the tales with fond memories. I wouldn't trade that experience for anyone else's. Good times!

Happy camping!
this reminds me so much of my childhood, too! my family towed an ancient 1970's Skamper pop up with higher sides, super heavy weight, COMPLETELY loaded down with gear for a family of 6 and towed it with a minivan.

I do know that the transmission went one year. But we also owned that minivan for 15+ years so ehhhhhhh :shrug:
WNYcamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2021, 05:53 PM   #53
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: GTA
Posts: 145
Check out Can-Am RV in London Ontario for towing with a Tesla. They have one and have written articles about towing their TT's with one.
__________________
2013 VW Tiguan
2013 145RB
Prodigy RF Brake Controller
Tiguan Tow r is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2021, 12:46 PM   #54
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by WNYcamper View Post
We are ready to pull the trigger on a lighter weight x17z and I was getting sicker and sicker and sicker to my stomach thinking that our Toyota Sienna wouldn't be up to snuff (and we are SO DONE with popup camping, ugh)

I am SO HAPPY that you updated this in 2021!!!! Gave me a big sigh of relief. THANK YOU. We camp in the Allegany Mountains in NY and the inclines were worrying me. Your post was JUST what I needed to read.
So glad to hear that! I was so concerned about the setup when I first got into this. We have been to so many places with seriously steep grades the Odyssey has handled great! I did install a light weight WDH which eliminated the squat in the rear and improved overall handling. I also installed a transmission cooler which took me half a day, but I think it was worth it. The transmission feels like it did when it was new. Not a single issue with anything.
TheTick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2021, 12:51 PM   #55
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiguan Tow r View Post
Check out Can-Am RV in London Ontario for towing with a Tesla. They have one and have written articles about towing their TT's with one.
I've seen that! We just got our Model Y with tow hitch and I'll be hooking it up to the Jayco soon. Range will be an issue so it will be an interesting experiment. Those guys at Can-Am have been doing the most insane setups for years. Amazing how they got that little model 3 to tow an Airstream. They had another article that talks about Mini Van's making great tow vehicles.
TheTick is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:22 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.