Quote:
Originally Posted by geauxbill
snip....I learned to ask first then buy.
|
Smart move, because there is a lot of information out there to digest to insure a safe and enjoyable TV/TT combination.
As far as the Reese Pro Series WDH' s (weight distribution hitches), they are a great WDH as long as they are rated and adjusted correctly (like all WDH's). As mentioned, they don't have integrated sway control like the Reese HP Dual Cam WDH or Equal-i-zer brand WDH, but IMO based on the size and weight of TT you are looking at a Pro Series WDH with a manual control sway bar should be more than adequate. It should be noted that the prior two integrated sway control WDH products would provide enhanced sway control.
Matching the right TV to the right TT is critical, and the first thing to know is that speaking in terms of "loaded" weights will tend to keep you out of trouble (in lieu of "dry" or "unloaded" weights).
As an example lets look at the published Jayco Ultra Lite 221 specifications that you are considering:
Weights:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 3,805
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs) 510
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 4,950
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs) 1,385
Measurements:
Exterior Length 26' 1"
Exterior Height w/ AC 120"
Interior Height 78"
Tank Capacities:
Fresh Water Capacity (gals) includes water heater 28.5
Gray Waste Water Capacity (gals) 30.5
Black Waste Water Capacity (gals) 30.5
The UVW of 3,805lbs isn't "ship weight", figure Ship Weight to be about 3,955lbs. The dealer will add battery, hitch, etc., bringing the "off the dealer lot" weight to about
4,055lbs.Now we add your camping stuff, but I should state that we all have different loading habits. For now lets use a conservative weight of 500lbs for your camping cargo (doesn't include any water in the fresh water tank), so now we are looking at a
"loaded" Jayco Ultra Lite 221 weight of approximately 4,555lbs.
The recommended "loaded" tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the loaded TT weight, so that means: 455lbs to 683lbs. So,the WDH should be rated at 600lbs minimum, but don't exceed an 800lb rated WDH. Even if you loaded the TT to it's GVWR of 4,950lbs, a 600lb rated WDH would work ideally if you didn't exceed a 12% loaded tongue weight. Also when sizing a WDH make sure that there aren't any rating restrictions posted on the TT's a-frame (near the ball coupler).
Your Tundra's tow rating of 5,000lbs is based on the same vehicle's base model "curb weight" which only includes a 150lb driver and full tank of fuel. The combined weight of your Tundra's options, passengers, and cargo must be
subtracted from the 5,000lb to get your actual tow rating. For reference:
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866
IMO, the Jayco Ultra Lite 221 will max out your 2002 Tundra's weight limits, or possibly exceed them. Not a good TV/TT combination for an enjoyable cross country trip, especially once you experience your first hill, not to mention mountain summit.
Also keep in mind that the receiver that is mounted on the rear of your TV should be rated to handle all of the loaded weights of the TT.
I hope this helps..., but take your time to review the information and feel free to ask additional questions should they arise.
Bob