Some advice would be great

[Platinum6316]

Our tow vehicle is a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with a Prodigy P2 brake controller.
Right now we have a 1006 which pulls nicely.

We're planning on upgrading to a 14SO.
My question is: does this trailer require sway bars or will it pull smoothly?

[Rustic Eagle]

Welcome to JOF

Could you clarify the model of Jayco referenced, I can't seem to locate a "14SO".

I would first check your owners manual in the Towing section, check for any towing restrictions (i.e.; WDH's, etc.). Some vehicles do to frame design are not conducive to WDH usage. Also, please note that a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch) isn't a sway device, it's main function is to distribute weight.

If you are inquiring about anti-sway devices, then yes, I would recommend the use of a sway control device with every RV trailer.

Please confirm the new Jayco model number, it will help with responses.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

[Platinum6316]

We're looking at a Jayco Eagle 14SO.
It's a 14' Pop-Up with dual axle.

[Rustic Eagle]

Thanks for the feedback....., what model year is the 14SO....., I did a search and can't seem to find it (trying to find weight specs).

Bob

[mcfarmall]

Those tandem axle popups are SWEET! I always drooled over the one my buddy had. Then I went right over the top and upgraded to a hybrid 23B.

I'd run a good old fashioned friction type sway control device and make sure your tongue weight is acceptable for your tow vehicle specs.

Like the Eagle said, many frameless "unibody" vehicles are not suited for weight distribution hitches so investigate that possibility carefully.

[Platinum6316]

The trailer is a 2002
My van is rated for 3600lb towing with 360lb tongue weight.

The trailer is GVWR at 3300.
I'm presuming that's the fully loaded "DO NOT EXCEED" weight.

I don't know what the curb weight is.
Once I get it, I can get it weighed (I work at a trucking company and we have a scale!)

I'm not planning on a WDH, but just an anti-sway. Only if I need it.

[Rustic Eagle]

Thanks, a 2002 model....., I didn't look back far enough

The 14SO has a published GVWR of 3,330lb, published UVW of 2,605lbs., a published hitch weight of approx. 280lbs, and a travel length of 19ft. The actual UVW will be heavier because it will include weights of the battery, LP, options, etc..

Data reference source: http://www.jayco.com/pdfs/2002QwestEagleHeritage_ct.pdf

Depending on your TV/PUP loading habits, it appears that the 14SO can meet your TV's specifications, but a confirmation of the 14SO's loaded weights (ready for camping) would be recommended.

The following JOF sticky on the subject of actual TV Tow Ratings may be helpful: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3866

Also, keep in mind that the PUP's loaded tongue weight is subtracted from the TV's "available" payload capacity.

Bob

[Platinum6316]

So, we found and bought a 2004 Eagle 14SO Pup.
This trailer pulls like a dream. No sway at all up to 110 Kph (70 mph).
The tongue weight drops the rear of my van about 2-3". I'm considering getting Airlift bags to level the van, since it will drop a bit further once we're all loaded for camping.

[carey965]

we have a few of those sitting in the storage lot at work, they seem really nice

its funny i saw an old 1006 at work the other day getting some work done on it and thought of yours, was wondering if it was you or not

[Platinum6316]

Nope, not ours yet.