Hello all! I just purchased a 2013 Jayco 184 BH Travel Trailer. It was a trade-in so I took advantage of that. My tow vehicle is a 2000 Toyota Pre-Runner, with TRD package, 6 cylinder with a tow rating of 5000#, hitch 500#. I towed the 184BH 75 miles home from the dealership without issue. I was able to back it in to a tight parking spot next to my boat without difficulty. I've been busy reading forums about this model as well as Boon docking, etc. I've taken advantage of some of the supplies lists I've come across to aid me in properly outfitting the trailer. First thing I bought (besides sewer hoses and fittings) was a torque wrench and a set of deep sockets for the wheel lugs. I've continued adding to my "tools" list, kitchen list, axillary power, etc. I'm trying to keep my add-ons weight low. I've towed 2000#+ boats over 3000 miles, including high mountain passes in my Tacoma. I noticed on the trip back from the dealer that the electric trailer brakes and truck braking were in perfect balance. There was no trailer sway at all, (I have no anti-sway or load distribution on my hitch) The hitch weight of the trailer didn't load down my trucks beefy suspension one bit (4x4 suspension, heavy duty leaf springs) . I was running with overdrive off and pulling the trailer was effortless.... until the uphill grade....!
The Tacoma was slowing down so I pressed down on the accelerator and she roared to life! With all the power that 6 cylinders had to offer, she was able to maintain a speed of 55 mph up the gentle grade! Needless to say, if I was going up steep grades at high altitudes, I'd want more power! The Tacoma has 130,000.00 on her and she's not quite as strong as in her younger years. She also has a high profile camper shell that weighs about 200# so she's really getting a workout. The Tacoma has a transmission cooler but no oil cooler. I'll see how she does handling the trailer on some local road trips. Trucks were made to work and the fully loaded trailer weight of 3500# is as much weight and windage as I'd consider putting on the Pre-runner due to those steep grades up here in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. One thing for certain, my three large dogs are going to love it! (The tents are going to mildew from non-use!) Besides, tenting in a temperate rainforest isn't all that much fun
New Member with new Jayco ultra light TT
Kim
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