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06-16-2011, 02:54 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
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2011 Jayco 1206 w/Sienna Minivan?
Hey all, we just purchased a 1206 popup and where wondering your take on towing it with a Sienna minivan? We currently have a Pathfinder but in the future may want something with better gas mileage and more room. Tow capacity is 3500 on a toyota sienna when equiped.
We have 2 kids and my mom travels with us and most of our trips are to Colorado and mountain regions outside of our MN state parks. Im borderline on the concept but think it could be done for the couple days of towing done each year in the mountains.
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06-16-2011, 04:46 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 414
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As per Jayco site, the Jayco 1206 has a GVW of 3,450 lbs. IMO: Any trailer over 1,500 lbs behind a mini-van or a Pathfinder needs its own brakes. Especially in mountain regions. If straight axle trailer, simply replace axle with its own electric brake hubs, install some thick 10 guage 12V wiring and install a Brake Controller (like Prodigy P2 or P3) inside the vehicle, and "all is good". If wondering, I replaced many straight axles with new axles with brakes and the job only sounds scary. It can easily be done. And, done much better then factory. re: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/100_1429.jpg & http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/100_1433.jpg
As a suggestion, do a test pull (around the block and up a few hills) with your mini-van and do the same route with your Pathfinder. Then, pick the vehicle that pulls & handles the best. If I remember correctly, most mini-vans are rated to pull a max 3,500 lbs (included items inside the Tow Vehicle). Personally, I would pick the Pathfinder - which is rated for higher pulling power (compared to mini-vans). Yes. The Pathfinder is little harder on MPGs. But, having more Tow Vehicle then one needs is always a good thing. Especially when pulling up hills (with loaded vehicle as well) and/or against a strong head wind. Actually, an "over stressed" Tow Vehicle has nearly the same amount of MPGs then a bigger engine Tow Vehicle under its max towing weights.
Hope this helps...
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06-16-2011, 07:23 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
Posts: 204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike99
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As per Jayco site, the Jayco 1206 has a GVW of 3,450 lbs. IMO: Any trailer over 1,500 lbs behind a mini-van or a Pathfinder needs its own brakes. Especially in mountain regions. If straight axle trailer, simply replace axle with its own electric brake hubs, install some thick 10 guage 12V wiring and install a Brake Controller (like Prodigy P2 or P3) inside the vehicle, and "all is good". If wondering, I replaced many straight axles with new axles with brakes and the job only sounds scary. It can easily be done. And, done much better then factory. re: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/100_1429.jpg & http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/100_1433.jpg
As a suggestion, do a test pull (around the block and up a few hills) with your mini-van and do the same route with your Pathfinder. Then, pick the vehicle that pulls & handles the best. If I remember correctly, most mini-vans are rated to pull a max 3,500 lbs (included items inside the Tow Vehicle). Personally, I would pick the Pathfinder - which is rated for higher pulling power (compared to mini-vans). Yes. The Pathfinder is little harder on MPGs. But, having more Tow Vehicle then one needs is always a good thing. Especially when pulling up hills (with loaded vehicle as well) and/or against a strong head wind. Actually, an "over stressed" Tow Vehicle has nearly the same amount of MPGs then a bigger engine Tow Vehicle under its max towing weights.
Hope this helps...
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The 2011 1206 comes with electric brakes. But I do agree with Spike99 about towing pull test. Good luck with whatever you end up with.
__________________
Me, DW and 5 dogs
2004 F-150 Reg Cab,Long bed 4X4
2008 Flagstaff 625D Pup (keeping this one for now)
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06-17-2011, 07:49 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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When towing with the minivan make sure that the tires are inflated to the MAX recommended COLD inflation pressure.
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Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
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06-17-2011, 11:23 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mostly the US
Posts: 10,002
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Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum WannaBeMountainMan! We towed a lighter trailer with our Honda Odyssey for about 15000 miles total. The tt had brakes. We also installed the coolers for the tv. Years ago we towed a pop-up with our Chrysler mini-van but hadn't installed coolers on the van. The first grade we hit, we overheated. The coolers are a must
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Denise, DH, grandkids, and two rescue pups
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