Ball size

[Fernando]

Hey folks. Anyone know the ball size I would need for a Jayco 12SRK?
Also should I get a brake controller and if so, any recommendations?
I have a 2019 Tacoma.

[RogerR]

The ball size is stamped into the top of the tongue in all the Rvs I have, I don't have that one.
I believe 125RK will have electric brakes and you will need a controller. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy which has been out for a long time is reliable and simple to operate.
I would recommend a Weight Distribution Hitch to prevent sway such as the Anderson like I have and to return weight to the front axle to help maintain safe steering and braking. The Andersen is probably the simplest to operate and the built in sway control is great.

Research and watch a couple of you-tubes on the Prodigy or similar and the Andersen to get some ideas of what and why you will need a brake controller and WDH. Not rocket science but absolutely 100% needed for safety.

[deepsea5]

Fernando: if your Tacoma didn't come with a factory brake controller, I recommend the Redarc brake controller. I installed one in my 4Runner. Easy plug & play install, works great and no unsightly brake controller to bang your shins on.
https://redarcelectronics.com/produc...ake-controller

[Fernando]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely look into it.

[Fernando]

Originally Posted by RogerR

The ball size is stamped into the top of the tongue in all the Rvs I have, I don't have that one.
I believe 125RK will have electric brakes and you will need a controller. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy which has been out for a long time is reliable and simple to operate.
I would recommend a Weight Distribution Hitch to prevent sway such as the Anderson like I have and to return weight to the front axle to help maintain safe steering and braking. The Andersen is probably the simplest to operate and the built in sway control is great.

Research and watch a couple of you-tubes on the Prodigy or similar and the Andersen to get some ideas of what and why you will need a brake controller and WDH. Not rocket science but absolutely 100% needed for safety.

Do I need a WDH for something that size or is it a question of better safe than sorry.
This is my first trailer so I’m trying to learn. Thanks

[bankr63]

Trailer brakes are mandatory in Ontario for trailers with GTW over 1360 kg (~3000#). You are a hair under that at 2795# so you could do without, but personally I would always err on the side of caution, so do the brakes controller.

Note that your trailer will require a breakaway braking system anyway (Ontario required over 907 kg or ~2000 lbs). Since you'll have the brakes on the trailer, you might as well be able to use them all the time.

That trailer weight is in pop-up territory. I didn't move up to WDH until we got into a larger trailer and didn't really miss it. We were towing with less capable vehicles than the Taco.

[Fernando]

Originally Posted by bankr63

Trailer brakes are mandatory in Ontario for trailers with GTW over 1360 kg (~3000#). You are a hair under that at 2795# so you could do without, but personally I would always err on the side of caution, so do the brakes controller.

Note that your trailer will require a breakaway braking system anyway (Ontario required over 907 kg or ~2000 lbs). Since you'll have the brakes on the trailer, you might as well be able to use them all the time.

That trailer weight is in pop-up territory. I didn't move up to WDH until we got into a larger trailer and didn't really miss it. We were towing with less capable vehicles than the Taco.

Thanks for the great reply. Is the breakaway braking system something that is part of the brake controller? If not can you recommend one? I’m sorry if that’s a dumb question.

[bankr63]

Originally Posted by Fernando

Thanks for the great reply. Is the breakaway braking system something that is part of the brake controller? If not can you recommend one? I’m sorry if that’s a dumb question.

Based on the size of the trailer, it would already be installed to be legal for sale here (part of the "Canada package" from Jayco, along with required code differences in LP gas plumbing and electrical).

Your trailer will have a 12V battery connected to a pull pin switch. A small cable from the pull pin is attached to your vehicle so that if the trailer ever pulls away from tow vehicle, the pin will pull out closing the circuit so that the trailer brakes will apply full force.

Your trailer should have a 7-pin harness for all of the lights and brakes. If you want easy installation and you have a 7-pin plug on the Taco (or even a 4 pin) but no controller currently, the Curt controller is a good no-install option (minimal install if you are only 4 pin).
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=curt+51180&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

My truck has a factory controller, but my neighbor has been using the Curt on his Honda Pilot for a year and thinks it is great.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Fernando

Do I need a WDH for something that size or is it a question of better safe than sorry.
This is my first trailer so I’m trying to learn. Thanks

Not dumb at all.

A WDH is to put weight back on the front tires that is removed when the trailer hitch weight pushes down on the back end and lifts the front end. It restores steering control.

I'd be really surprised if you actually "need" one. Try a test drive. If you feel the steering is squirrely and not normal, then you need a WDH. Even so, it might benefit you. I use one with my trailer and a 1500 series truck. It just feels more stable.

The best way to know how much weight is being taken off the front end is to take the entire rig to a CAT scale.

At a minimum, you will want to get a sway control bar.

[craigav]

Originally Posted by Fernando

Do I need a WDH for something that size or is it a question of better safe than sorry.
This is my first trailer so I’m trying to learn. Thanks

I would go without a wdh as long as the trailer hitch weight is lower than your hitch weight capacity (which I suspect is the case). I have seen where some rv'rs have used a wdh on a lite trailer and ended up bending the front frame of the trailer. You will not have that issue if you go without a wdh. A sway stabilizer bar may be of value as others have suggested, although many small trailers don't need them.

You may want to just hitch up and test drive it first, slow and easy to start with. ~CA

[muckinfuss]

Simple test: measure the distance front and rear of your tow vehicle from the top of the wheel well to the pavement. Hook up your trailer loaded as you would when travelling and repeat. If the rear drops more than an inch ... the front measurement will rise by an equal amount. More than an inch, it is recommended that you use a W/D set up. Follow the instructions for it and you won't bend anything.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Not dumb at all.

A WDH is to put weight back on the front tires that is removed when the trailer hitch weight pushes down on the back end and lifts the front end. It restores steering control.

I'd be really surprised if you actually "need" one. Try a test drive. If you feel the steering is squirrely and not normal, then you need a WDH. Even so, it might benefit you. I use one with my trailer and a 1500 series truck. It just feels more stable.

The best way to know how much weight is being taken off the front end is to take the entire rig to a CAT scale.

At a minimum, you will want to get a sway control bar.

No one really has answered your original question, about the ball size. hopefully someone with a Micro will chime in. I suspect it will be a 2" ball. However, a 1 7/8" ball is rated to 3500 lbs.

X2, make sure to visit a CAT scale on your first trip. Then again a few trips later, as more stuff will be added. As a base line it would not be a bad idea to run across the scale on your way home from picking it up. https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

[Bob The Camper]

Tekonsha controller. Have been using it for 17 years. They are still making them, so that says a lot.

[Hollander Mutthaulers]

Our Tekonsha Primus works great, easy to use.
We have never used WD hitches with our trailer either with our underpowered Trailblazer first or our present Tahoe. Our 3,500# trailer tows fine. We average 10-12K miles a year with it.
What will you use for a tow vehicle? You may not need a WD hitch.
Keep asking, checking around, researching - it will really pay off!
Best wishes for great RVing ahead!

[Armyman97]

Highly recommend the Curt Echo brake controller . Easy to set up with phone. used ours towing 12 double axel enclosed trailer behind our Jayco Greyhawk for over 9600 miles this past summer. worked really well in the Big Horn Mountains.

[Dkastner]

We are pulling the Jayco 166FBS which weighs in short of 5,000. The ball on our WDH is 2 5/16" in diameter.

[Packerbacker_TX]

Far as I can see, that trailer is small.. so some small balls should work ok. I've got a big trailer so I got big balls! Yeehaw!