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Old 09-07-2015, 08:42 AM   #1
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Tips for a First timer.

We are picking up our 2015 Jayco Flight 26BH Friday. The tow vehicle is a 2015 Explorer Sport. We purchased a Husky WDH with sway control and a Tekonsha P3 brake controler with the TT. The Explorer also has sway control as a function of the Stability System, and I think the AWD will be a benefit? I have read a few threads, and loved the info. I have pulled many a trailer, from 16' loaded with a car (or whatever else), to a 40' goose. I have limited experience with trailer brakes, and no experience with TT's or WDH.

So tips and advice on pulling, and just the general transition from tent camping to TT.
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:03 AM   #2
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Just for your knowledge the sway control you reference in Stability System is not the same as the sway control for a towed trailer.

You should read up on how to setup a weight distribution hitch.

Measure the distance from the ground to the top of your front wheel well fender without the trailer hooked up. When properly set up this measurement should be the same when hooked up.
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:18 AM   #3
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Smile

Thanks for the reply. As I understand it, the sway control on the Explorer with use throttle control and individual brakes at each corner (as part of the stability control system) to "help" stop a sway once it starts. The sway control on the WDH should "help" prevent sway before it starts. If my understanding is wrong, I love learning from others . The factory rating is 2000# without WDH and 5000# with WDH. The TT is 4780# dry, and my Gross combined is 10,170#, which will be cutting it close. The 3.5L is twin turbo direct injection producing 365hp and 350ft/lbs torque, more than my 2003 tahoe had . I'm more concerned about a short wheel base and coil spring than I am the power. I am watching youtube and how to articles on the WDH set up now, and the dealer said they will show me as well. Thanks for the tip on the front wheel measurements.

BTW, I love your sig tnchuck. Please keep the education coming. Experience is not nearly as much fun...
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:38 AM   #4
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You are only 220# from tow rating right out of the gate. Typically you should figure on 1000# of added goodies. Food, cooking utensils, tools, toys, games, linens, water, etc. It adds up in a hurry. If you are towing on flat ground you might get by. I would not try much hill climbing. The Explorer will not be happy.

Not trying to be discouraging, just trying to make you aware.
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EDUCATION is what you get when you read the fine print.....
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:44 AM   #5
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Understood. The first couple of trips will be pretty flat. Gonna take it easy to start. I would have liked more wiggle room, but the TT was not part of the thought process when buying the Explorer and we have 5 girls, so a larger TT was certainly desirable. We had a salesman try to sell us a 5200# dry weight TT, "Those mfg numbers are just guidlines..." kinda deal. Yeah. sure they are. haha. Thanks again.
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:50 AM   #6
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That salesman would have probably told you a VW would pull it just fine if it meant making the sale. Another caveat: Do not believe everything an RV dealer tells you. Many are not as knowledgeable as the should be.

As with any information source on the internet, including here, verify your information from several independent places. Hang around here long enough and you will figure out who is and who is not knowledgeable in the various areas.
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2013 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD

EDUCATION is what you get when you read the fine print.....
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Old 09-07-2015, 09:55 AM   #7
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AHHH, just like the Shelby forums I see. Haha. I have exceed mfg recommendations many times, and I'm not over concerned about going 10,600#. My biggest unknown is a 29' long 11' tall TT behind a 16' long 6.5' SUV. Will the AWD improve stability?

Also interested in tips on packing, locations, and any other tricks of the trade that go with transitioning from tents to TT.
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-07-2015, 10:00 AM   #8
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If you are using common sense in your towing habits I don't think you will notice any advantage with AWD. But in an unexpected situation it could make a difference. I had a Suburban with 2WD and now my Denali has AWD. I have detected no difference.
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EDUCATION is what you get when you read the fine print.....
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Old 09-07-2015, 10:11 AM   #9
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read the attached link Get your weights


http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...html#post24549
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Old 09-07-2015, 10:41 AM   #10
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thanks
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-07-2015, 03:14 PM   #11
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GT,

What is the yellow payload sticker inside the drivers door jamb of the Explorer? Will state "Passengers and cargo not to exceed xxx(x)lbs". All passengers, cargo, the wd hitch, AND the tw of the trailer add up toward the max payload of the vehicle. With 5 (growing) girls plus the 2 of you, about 100lbs for the wd hitch, and a possible tw of 720-900lbs (12-15% based on 6k lb loaded trailer), you may be over the gvwr of the Explorer. unless you drive 2 vehicles. The other weight rating to watch even closer is the rear axle rating. Also watch the hitch ratings.

Good luck!!!
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Old 09-07-2015, 04:06 PM   #12
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Door sticker is 6300# gross. The front is in the 3200#, rear is 3350#, from the FoMoCo door sticker. Yellow tire sticker says 1227# cargo, but doesn't list a GVWR. Owners manual says, as equipped with WDH, up to 5000# trailer, and Combined GVWR of 10,400# GVWR. Guy in the explorer forum recently scaled his Explorer at 4980# with him and 2/3 tank. So, 4980# truck, 4780# for Dry TT is 9760#. This leaves 640# for cargo and 5 passengers (all teenage girls and a wife). So, at the end of the day, I'll probably be over by passenger weight of 650# (ish).

Another way, dry hitch weight of TT is about 500#. Passengers about 650#, for a total of 1150# of cargo on the axles of the Explorer. Still in the black. Math breaks down if I max the 6300# Explorer GVWR and the 5000# tow capacity, for a total of 11,300#, or about 1000# above Combined GVWR.
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:21 AM   #13
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It occurred to me, that my replies my have seemed a bit argumentative. If so, I do apologize. I do understand that I am pushing my weight limits, and all advice received is taken into consideration. I really am interested in the advice of veterans.

To change direction, just a bit. I have purchased a rhino flex sewer hose, 25' water hose (RV type, though I'm not really sure of the difference), a pressure regulator, inline water filter with flex connection, Toilet treatment tabs (wow alot of choices), RV toilet paper, battery disconnect, couple of awning straps, a trailer aid ramp, and a pair of BAL x-chocks. 30amp to 15 amp connection and plug tester is on the list. Still need some dishes, and groceries, of course. The first trip is planned about 25 miles from the house, but still near plenty of stores, including RV dealers.
Any other items I should have for the first time out?
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:29 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by finally03gt View Post
[snip]
To change direction, just a bit. I have purchased a rhino flex sewer hose, 25' water hose (RV type, though I'm not really sure of the difference), a pressure regulator, inline water filter with flex connection, Toilet treatment tabs (wow alot of choices), RV toilet paper, battery disconnect, couple of awning straps, a trailer aid ramp, and a pair of BAL x-chocks. 30amp to 15 amp connection and plug tester is on the list. Still need some dishes, and groceries, of course. The first trip is planned about 25 miles from the house, but still near plenty of stores, including RV dealers.
Any other items I should have for the first time out?
A standard garden hose will tend to leach the rubber into the water giving it a bad taste. The RV white or blue hoses do not do that.

Don't forget to get a 50 amp male to 30 amp female dogbone adapter. You never know when you will encounter a worn out 30 amp receptacle. If the pedestal has a 50 amp receptacle you are good to go.

One more thing to consider is an EMS (Electric Management System). Be sure it is not a surge only protector. There is a big difference.
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EDUCATION is what you get when you read the fine print.....
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:40 AM   #15
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Try to load as light as possible, and as much as possible in the tt.

As for the dry tw, the manufacture does list it before the propane tanks or battery are on the tongue, so that will add 120-160lbs (20lb vs 30lb) even before loading anything else.

As for additional first trip needed "stuff".....
Make sure you still use regular chocks on the tire also, placing them before unhooking the hitch. The x-chocks are to try to eliminate some of the rocking.
25' water hose may not be enough. Depends on the campsite you have and how you are set up.
30amp extension cord can be needed at times also.
Leveling (Lego) blocks or boards for under the tires.
Levels on the trailer. Level it in the driveway, stick the levels on the front drivers corner (1 for front to back on the side wall, 1 for side to side on the front wall). Makes it easier to set up.
Awning mat(s) to help keep dirt outside the trailer.
Rubber gloves for dumping the holding tanks!!!! Box of latex/nitrile is what I buy.
Camp chairs, grill, table....
We use plasticware and paper plates. Keeps the washing down.
Dish soap, bar soap, towels.... Etc.....

Will try to think of more!!!!
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WDH SET UP. HOW A WDH WORKS. CAT SCALE HOW TO.
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:45 AM   #16
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Thanks for the scoop on the hoses. I got a white one.

50/30 amp, I hadn't thought of at all, great point. Is dogbone just the style?

Would you mind expanding on the EMS. (I work on robotic submarines, 4000v AC to 5v DC circuits, so I'm fairly capable) Is the inverter not able to handle voltage fluctuations?
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:51 AM   #17
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The adapters are available in two types. "Hockey puck" and "Dogbone". The Dogbone has a short length of cable. The hockey puck does not and will generate heat under heavy load. Heat=reduced of voltage/power.

EMS will protect your electrical system for over/under voltage, reversed hot/neutral, open ground as well as surge protection. It will kill the power to your camper if the voltage drops too low. Low voltage can damage your air conditioner.
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:51 AM   #18
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Thanks vacation,

I was under the impression that the X-chocks prevented roll off. Packing light will be the challenge. 6 years of tent camping for a family of 7, we have plenty of gear..haha.
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:53 AM   #19
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Quote:
[50/30 amp, I hadn't thought of at all, great point. Is dogbone just the style?
Yes, dogbone is the the style (aka pigtail)...
Amazon.com : Conntek 14315 RV 1.5-Foot Pigtail Adapter Power Cord RV 50 Amp Male Plug To RV 30 Amp Female Connector : Generator Cord Sets And Plugs : Patio, Lawn & Garden

vs..
Amazon.com : Arcon 14018 Round Generator Power Adapter, 30-Amp Female to 50-Amp Male : Generator Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden
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Old 09-08-2015, 06:55 AM   #20
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The adapters are available in two types. "Hockey puck" and "Dogbone". The Dogbone has a short length of cable. The hockey puck does not and will generate heat under heavy load. Heat=reduced of voltage/power.

EMS will protect your electrical system for over/under voltage, reversed hot/neutral, open ground as well as surge protection. It will kill the power to your camper if the voltage drops too low. Low voltage can damage your air conditioner.
Now I follow. Yes, short connections do generate heat. I used a hockey puck when I borrowed my mom's pop up and it did melt. I like the dogbones also, because they offer a little flexibility in awkward or tight spaces. I do plan to plug in a tester, to check for open, reverse, or hot neutrals, before plugging in the camper, but EMS is still a good idea? Do they connect interior, or at the pole? Warranty implications?
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2015 Jayco 26BH
1996 F350 SRW, 7.3 PSD, Crew Cab, 8' Bed, 3.55 gears (the beater, and TV)
2015 Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, and Tow PKG (Kid hauler, and ambitious TV)
2011 Shelby GT500 (only thing it pulls is G's)
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited (DD's)
1995 F-150 short wheel base (Sold)
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