Top 5 things to consider for a newbie

[Hari1010]

Hello all,
I'm new to this forum. I just purchased a Jayco flight swift 154bh travel trailer that I'm going to tow with my RAV4 V6, with tow prep package. If you were to give me top 5 advices when camping or towing what would it be?

Thanks

[Upuaut]

1. Use a proper Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control & Brake Controller adjusted properly and watch for any sway. Distribute weight evenly in truck and trailer and don't overload.
2. Leave your Black Tank valve CLOSED when camping - only open to empty.
3. Make your first trip close to home to get used to it.
4. Make a checklist for when you leave, arrive at campsite and when you leave campsite and include obvious things like raising jacks, unplugging electrical and water, locking your kitchen vent, etc.
5. Have fun.

[us71na]

You may have too much trailer for your tow vehicle. The Rav 4 is rated only for 1500 pounds towing, your trailer appears to weigh 2400 empty.

1.You will not remember everything for your first few trips. Take a tablet and pencil to write down the things you wish you had brought with you so you remember them when you get home.
2. A flashlight is essential
3. Dump the black tank first and use the grey tank to flush out your hose.
4. Plan activities for a rainy day. They can be pretty long if you have nothing to do and it rains all day.
5. Keep it light, don't let the "disasters" get you down.

[Hari1010]

Thank you so much. As a newbie advice like this is greatly appreciated!

[Hari1010]

RAV4, V6 with Tow prep package is rated for #3500 lbs. The yellow sticker at the diler says 2512. So we have about 1000 lbs in between. Between my 3 member family and WDH I'm pretty close to 3300lbs. Not much room left there..

[Upuaut]

Yes - apparently 3500# for the V6 with Tow package: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ression-page-2

You will be towing close to the limit, and having done that in the past advise you to make sure the WD & Anti-Sway hitch is specced, installed and adjusted properly.

Keep your speed reasonable and get used to it.

[Upuaut]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

RAV4, V6 with Tow prep package is rated for #3500 lbs. The yellow sticker at the diler says 2512. So we have about 1000 lbs in between. Between my 3 member family and WDH I'm pretty close to 3300lbs. Not much room left there..

So you probably want to travel fairly light and not load up on water etc.

[Hari1010]

Originally Posted by Upuaut

Yes - apparently 3500# for the V6 with Tow package: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ression-page-2

You will be towing close to the limit, and having done that in the past advise you to make sure the WD & Anti-Sway hitch is specced, installed and adjusted properly.

Keep your speed reasonable and get used to it.

The dealer I bought the trailer from is installing WD, anti-sway hitch as well as electric breaks. I'm hoping they are doing it properly?

[kvangil]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

RAV4, V6 with Tow prep package is rated for #3500 lbs. The yellow sticker at the diler says 2512. So we have about 1000 lbs in between. Between my 3 member family and WDH I'm pretty close to 3300lbs. Not much room left there..

I doubt the 3 of you plus the hitch make up 800 pounds. By comparison, our family of 6 plus our hitch makes up only about 600 pounds (4 young kids). The hitch is usually less than 100lbs altogether. My only advice is to go out and enjoy yourself and learn along the way. You'll know what works for you and what doesn't. Ask specific questions when you need to. Enjoy!!

[Hari1010]

I'm impressed with the support in this forum. Thanks you all!

[kvangil]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

The dealer I bought the trailer from is installing WD, anti-sway hitch as well as electric breaks. I'm hoping they are doing it properly?

With dealers, it's hit or miss. I will say my latest dealer installed my WD hitch just fine. I did the brake controller myself since it was basically plug-n-play. At this point, if you've already paid them and have the appointment setup to get it done, I'd say just go with it and make sure everything is to your liking when they're done. Don't be afraid to question them if you're uncomfortable with anything they've setup.

[Upuaut]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

The dealer I bought the trailer from is installing WD, anti-sway hitch as well as electric breaks. I'm hoping they are doing it properly?

If they are a reputable dealer, they should do a good job. Be sure you understand how they work / adjust. Have them show you if you can.

[Jeff61]

Buy a flush king to clean out the tanks when you dump. A plug in voltmeter so you always know available voltage and your electrical loads. Make a check list of stuff to bring always. Keep a good stock of anti mosquito devices. filter the water you have going into your FW tank. We use a PUR faucet mount filter as well, I like good tasting coffee

[eldermike]

Never move without checking tire pressures, even a few pounds low is to much. Check them cold, cold means ambient. Check your lug nuts, temp changes while towing can cause trailer lugs to be less than proper torque. For this purpose I just tighten them, (but I know what I am doing and about how much torque I am applying) That's important..

I you feel something is not right while you are towing find a place to pull off and check it out.

Tow mirrors help.

Have fun.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

The dealer I bought the trailer from is installing WD, anti-sway hitch as well as electric breaks. I'm hoping they are doing it properly?

Assuming the dealer knows what they are doing, you will leave the RV lot under "unloaded" conditions, the WDH will have to be re-adjusted under "loaded" conditions. Make sure the dealer provides you with all the WDH documentation.

Take your TV/TT under "loaded" conditions to a CAT scale for a weigh-in. The CAT data will confirm all your weights and confirm that your WDH is sized/adjusted properly. Why hit the highway wondering about "if" your within your vehicle's weight limits, and/or "did" the dealer set-up my WDH correctly.

CAT scale how-to:
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3871

Everyone should preform this weigh-in at least once.

Bob

[Brad]

Just a quick note. Then gross pull wt. of your vehicle will include a full tank of gas, and the wt of an adult driver, so you can subtract that. Brad

[Newtron]

I am using myToyota Sienna (with the towing package) to tow my 154BH.also had the dealer install WD & sway control along with the electric brake controller. You have to take it easy on the highways & allow lots of space when passing anybody. Weight wise I usually get upto 3400lbs & try to travel light. Carry some heay duty wood planks cut in small pieces that u will need to rest the trailer jacjs on while leveling. Good idea to get an extra set of jacks for the front to lessen trailer movement when inside, Had no problems for the past 2 yrs that I have been using my TT.

[Hari1010]

I have became a member Thousand Trails and already did my first camping trip Stayed 5 nights / 6 days at one of their sites in CA. Overall it was an awesome experience! I can see myself getting hooked on camping. Drove through some serious hills to get there and was surprised how well my small TV handled the drive. For the most part I drove between 55-60 mph. Did not need to use ant sway bar as the weather was nice. Thank you all who posted!

[Upuaut]

Originally Posted by Hari1010

Did not need to use ant sway bar as the weather was nice.

Careful. The WD & Anti-Sway bar depending on the hitch you have makes a huge difference to handling in any weather.

I towed my trailer today without the WD / Anti-Sway just to get an inspection at the local Canadian Tire and the difference was very noticeable. Both the WD part and the anti-sway.

With the proper setup, it handles MUCH better.

[Jack in Alaska]

Antennas down
Steps up
Check tire pressure, including spare
Refrig. door latched....ask me why
Windows latched

Why would you NOT use your anti sway bar? It does no good laying on the garage floor. It is good safety item. Us all of them you can.

Just FYI....my Dad, brother and me weighed over 800 lbs together. Just little guys.