New Member and Jayco X20E owner

Gman11778 · 02-03-2012, 06:14 PM

My wife and I moved up from a Palomino Yearling Pop-Up to the X20E (pick it up in March) and cannot wait!

I am kind of sweating the fact that I have a V6 Dodge Dakota QC that will be towing the camper. I have the e-brakes set up but I am pushing the vehicles towing capacity at the campers max weight. We will stick to areas on Long Island (kind of flat) this year and will see if we need to trade up tow vehicles next season.

I have seen everything from the "vehicle is terrible at towing" to "it is awesome at towing"...I guess only time will tell! and the smell of the transmission!

Glad to be here and cannot wait to pick it up!

SecretCoveDave · 02-03-2012, 06:54 PM

Welcome, and it sounds like a plan.
Dave.

Rustic Eagle · 02-03-2012, 07:44 PM

Gman,

Welcome to the Jayco forums!

Your right, the Dakota can be a nice tow vehicle, but a lot depends on how your Dakota was spec'd (model, gear ratio, etc.), and your personal loading habits. Always think in terms of "loaded" weights (not UVW, dry, etc.), because very few of us tow empty trailers with an empty TV.

If you want to put your concerns to rest, a trip to your local CAT scale with your loaded Dakota and X20E will provide you with the "real" weight facts so you will know where you stand. Here is a helpful "how-to" link should you decide to visit a CAT scale: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3871

The following link is to a thread that another JOF member inquired about their '99' Dakota: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=5588

Also, with any TV be aware of the following: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

If you would like to discuss in detail your specific Dakota's weight limitations, feel free to start a new thread over in the "Towing and Tow Vehicles" forum.

I'm sure you will enjoy your new X20E....., and confirming your weights may reduce any unnecessary "sweating"

Hope this helps.

Bob