Your opinion: Can I tow this Jayco?

[Ray364]

Hi there,

I'm thinking about buying a 2009 Jay Feather Sport 165 and would appreciate hearing from any 165 owners (and other Jayco owners) about how you like your unit.

Also, do you think that my midsize pickup--a GMC Canyon with 220-hp and a 4000-lb towing capacity -- can handle the 2900-lb (dry weight) Jay Feather ok?

It will just be me and my dog on trips, mostly, but a friend will come along from time to time as well.

Thanks for your feedback.
Ray

[usar2931]

On the surface you seem to be ok. What I don't know is the Curb weight of the truck. You have to subtract this from the GVW, then add your weight, the dogs weight, cargo weight then add in the tongue weight of the trailer.

The Trailer Tongue weights seem tight, depending upon the hitch set up. A Weight Distributing Hitch will help with this.

You have 500 lbs. or so of cargo weight in the trailer, with only you and dog, I don't see this as a problem.

What is the weight rating of your tires, can't forget those.

I have researched this alot, but I am by no means an expert. Some others on here know far more about this than I do. I think you will be ok though.

Jayco is has one of the best reputations in the business, we haven't had ours out yet, but we think we have a great trailer.

Welcome to the forum and happy trails

[lciancola]

As I recall my parents had a gmc 1500 and it was pretty maxed out with there 31 ft fifth wheel on the towing capacity and sure it towed ok but it was the stopping that was the problem LOL. They sailed through a couple of red lights in there time because you can't just stop on a dime with that kind of weight behind you. For safety sake its also best to do the research to make sure your within the vehicles limits. Best Wishes

[Rolly]

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Ray364.

[Gone Camping]

Nope.

[cmcgilvery]

We had a TT that weighed 4800 lbs and pulled it with a Ford sport trac 6 cyl. It towed ok till we some big hills in N.C. So you should be ok. Since then we upgraded to a 5.4 F150 and then it towed like it wasn't even there. We have since upgraded both camper and truck.