Soon to be 166FBS owner

DonBr · 06-09-2022, 02:36 PM

First post, new to this forum although most definitely not forums in general. My RVing experience has been entirely in motorhomes, 4 Class A and most recently a Sprinter-based Winnebago View. I have zero experience with a travel trailer. Essentially this is a continuation of a long downsizing slope as I age. I vacillated between the 166 and the Rockwood Geo Pro with same floor plan. For me it was a near tossup, determined by what I could get. I've got a spreadsheet of the differences I could post a picture of is anyone cares.

I've read quite a bit of the 166FBS posts here, although I imagine I haven't seen them all. Lots of questions answered, but I'm sure I will have plenty more when I get going.

Initially I have a WDH question. I'm going to be towing with a 2015 Grand Cherokee. It has the factory tow package consisting of larger radiator, larger alternator, load-adjusting rear suspension, prewire for brake controller, and Class IV receiver. Nominal towing limit is 6200 lbs and 750 lb tongue weight.

I have a Redarc Elite controller coming (arrived as I'm typing this). What I don't have, and the purpose of this post, is a WDH. I'm buying from a camping world, and will likely buy the WDH at the time the trailer is picked up. I'm interested in hearing what brand/model you have, and why you chose that one (and perhaps why you would choose another if doing it again).

Looking forward to participating.

DonBr · 06-09-2022, 02:39 PM

Somehow wound up in the wrong section. So much for my forum experience!

**Midnightmoon** · 06-09-2022, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonBr

Somehow wound up in the wrong section. So much for my forum experience!

Stand by. I'll move it for you.

**Midnightmoon** · 06-09-2022, 02:57 PM

Thread is moved for you.

Many of us with the smaller trailers are using the Andersen WD hitch with great results.

https://andersenhitches.com/product/...ibution-hitch/

EJH · 06-09-2022, 03:20 PM

I have a Fastway E2 6,000 hitch for a nearly identical trailer.

DonBr · 06-09-2022, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJH

I have a Fastway E2 6,000 hitch for a nearly identical trailer.

OK. Any thoughts on why you picked that one?

EJH · 06-09-2022, 07:42 PM

That was what the dealer stocked, but also seems to be a popular model. I know a few others with it. I went 6,000 lbs as that seems good for the tongue weight. Some will go 8,000 lbs, which can work too.

DonBr · 06-09-2022, 07:58 PM

My knowledge at this point is all "Book" knowledge, so happy to get some user input. One of the "book" pieces of info was about not wanting to get a lot heavier than needed, and I agree that 6000 should be plenty for my combo. The dealer I'm using (CW in Redding/Anderson) appears to only stock the E2 in the 10K version. Any thoughts on other 6K hitches?

TomC_AZ · 06-09-2022, 08:13 PM

I have the E2 6000lb as well. It works great. I stayed away from any that have chains as I know some cannot be used when backing up etc. (IE can only be used going forward). I didn’t want to have to worry about it. There are others that are solid bars like the E2 I just don’t know their names. I got mine off Craigslist from a guy who sells only hitches for $200. Might want to look for someone like that in your area. I did have to install myself but it was not hard.

JayLo · 06-09-2022, 10:54 PM

I’m using E2 with Gen Y (link below)

Drop Hitch GENY 2" Receiver Weight Distribution Torsion Suspension Hitch GH1202, Compatible to Most 2" WD Heads on The Market (2" WD Torsion) https://a.co/3RGDn0v

Note that the GenY Hitch is Heavy AF.

DonBr · 06-09-2022, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayLo

Note that the GenY Hitch is Heavy AF.

That does look like a real beast! I hope I won't find that necessary.

Forester2 · 06-10-2022, 07:20 AM

I have a Blue Ox Sway Pro. So far it works fine with no backing problems .

DonBr · 06-10-2022, 08:52 AM

Did you pick the Blue Ox for a reason, or was it also a matter of what was available?

Forester2 · 06-10-2022, 08:54 AM

Reviews and dealer recommendation.

EJH · 06-10-2022, 09:02 AM

Blue Ox, E2, Equali-zer are all similarly recommended and work about the same. Get what is available and a good price, IMHO.

That said, if buying today, I would take a good look at the Andersen one also. People seem to really love it.

If your dealer sets it up, recheck the settings later. My dealer did a lousy job setting my hitch up. It took me a couple iterations of adjusting to get it right.

DonBr · 06-10-2022, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJH

If your dealer sets it up, recheck the settings later. My dealer did a lousy job setting my hitch up. It took me a couple iterations of adjusting to get it right.

I figure that is inevitable, as it will be mostly dry weight initially and will have to be adjusted when we load it for normal use. Fortunately I have a level driveway.

I've watched the E2 install video, but I will still be most comfortable seeing it done in person.

Rustic Eagle · 06-10-2022, 12:44 PM

The Micro 166FBS is one of my favorite Jay Feather floor plans, especially for boondocking usage......., comes with a lot of nice features.

When shopping for a new WDH keep in mind that 'your' personal loading habits will influence the actual loaded tongue weight of the 166FBS. If you tend to load 'heavy', take this into consideration when reviewing WDH weight ratings.

The 166FBS has a 5,000lb GVWR..., loaded to this GVWR the loaded tongue weight range ideally would be 650lbs to 750lbs (13% to 15% of gross), thus a 600/6,000lb rated WDH would be underrated.

If you typically travel with a full fresh water tank, the 166FBS has a 55 gallon capacity (450lbs).

A 600lb/6,000lb rated WDH would work with a 166FBS, as long as the actual (typical) loaded tongue weight falls within the WDH 600lb rating.

The Jayco web site and brochure specify a UVW of 3,975 lbs..., this isn't the actual "as-shipped" UVW, this will be noted on the side of the TT (includes added options weight).

Once you have your new TT....., taking your TV/TT under (typical) loaded conditions to a CAT scale will confirm all your weights, WDH rating/adjustment, weight distribution, etc..

CAT Scale TV/TT how-to: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

DonBr · 06-10-2022, 01:41 PM

Thanks. After reading the replies and also reading a lot of other stuff I had/have decided that I will go with an 8K WDH. Seems a good compromise between having a possibly overloaded 6K vs an overkill 10K.

Forester2 · 06-11-2022, 10:50 AM

Don: Do you plan on relying much on solar?

DonBr · 06-11-2022, 12:19 PM

Relying? No. Using? Yes.

We have never been big boondockers, but for roughly half of the last 20 years we have done a few weeks on the BLM land at Quartzsite in January/February because we have so many friends who go there at that time, so Solar will be important if we do it again. Also need to add/change batteries before that if we go, and maybe just for the heck of it. I have a small inverter generator, but don't plan to pack it under normal circumstances.

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