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Old 02-21-2012, 06:57 AM   #1
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Maiden Voyage....a few questions.

Yesterday, I towed our 2011 Jayco 29L from the RV dealership (purchased the beginning of February) to a storage place closer to our home. It was my first experience towing anything that large. I have a Reese Dual Cam WDH installed (by the dealer) and as my signature indicates, I am pulling with a 2005 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew. From this first experience, I now have a few observations/questions and one learning experience I don't want to think about...

(1) On a flat open highway (posted speed is 65) with a slight wind, I didn't really feel like going much beyond 60-63mph, and I kept the OD off most of the time. In these conditions, what speed do you think you would typically find yourself towing your TT?

(2) In observing the trailer through the rear-view mirrors, I observed ABSOLUTELY NO sway occurring (I'm assuming you'd be able to see if from the driver's seat perspective?), HOWEVER, at times (and NOT at times when vehicles were passing me) it almost felt as if the front of the F-150 swayed a little where I had to compensate with the steering wheel (NOT so drastically where I felt things were out of control). Keeping in mind I had an empty TT and TV, I am interested to know if, in your experiences, this sensation might just be typical of towing a TT OR if there might need to be an adjustment made. One other note...when we connected the trailer at the dealership before the maiden voyage, the mechanic stepped back to see how level the TT and TV were to eachother, he said that although the TT sat a little high at the hitch (and I could visually see it), he said it should be fine and can always be adjusted via the chain link.

(3) I currently have standard rearview mirrors. I have looked at the aftermarket extension mirrors that can be added to existing mirrors. Given I can currently see pretty well down both sides of the TT, do these extensions really benefit a person when towing a TT?

(4) Lessons learned. CHOCK THE WHEELS FIRST!!!!!

I'll never forget this one ever again. After disconnecting the TT at the storage place, I lowered the tongue jack to make it more level (I had pressure treated boards built up underneath the tongue jack), and started lowering the corner (manual) stabilizer jacks down. I visually noted a shift of the TT (wheels ever so slightly moving forward). I went to the front of the TT only to find my 3-year old cranking down the jack and the pressure treated boards starting to shift off of eachother. It was then that I realized I had never chocked the TT (and the wheels of the TT are on a slight forward gravel incline). To make a long story short, I cleared everyone and got everything under control. Even moreso than potentially damaging the TT if it would have surged forward off the wood, the thought of what could have happened to my daughter still makes me almost physically sick. Just writing this makes me feel sick.

Any thoughts on all of these things would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Old 02-21-2012, 07:39 AM   #2
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I. Your speed of 60 to 63 mph is my comfort zone for towing as well. Keep in mind ST trailer tires are only rated to 65 MPH.

2. You may need to adjust the WD hitch if the front end is feeling light. As for the trailer being tongue high, you may have to drop the hitch shank down a hole to lower the front of the trailer to make it level. As you mentioned your trailer was empty and any final adjustments should be made with a trailer loaded for travel. Perhaps Rustic Eagle will expand more on your hitch adjustment needs.

3. My standard mirrors are not enough to see very well around the front of the trailer so I have Cipa mirrors that I put on when towing. Yours may be different.

4. Yep, Chock those wheels BEFORE unhitching.
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Old 02-21-2012, 08:00 AM   #3
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5arnolds,

Referencing your questions:

1. Yep, 60-63 is also my sweet spot for my TV/TT combination.

2. As Crabman stated, best to re-adjust the Reese HP Dual Cam WDH under "loaded" conditions, and unfortunate RV dealerships fail to adjust it correctly even under "unloaded" conditions. Make sure the dealer gave you the WDH Dual Cam set-up instructions for reference.
The following thread at RV.NET is a great reference in properly setting-up and adjusting the Reese HP Dual Cam, please review the lower portion of the post and if you have any questions please report back. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

The Reese HP Dual Cam is a great product, but like any WDH it has to be adjusted correctly to be effective.

3. IMO extension mirrors are a must.

4. Chocking should be the first task preformed.

Also, taking the time to visit the CAT scale "one time" will provide you with a wealth of information about your specific TV/TT combination, and a little piece of mind. http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3871

Bob
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Old 02-21-2012, 09:58 AM   #4
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I do not have much experience with WD hitches (I went from pop-up to fifth wheel), but, I agree with the speeds (60-63) and chocking the tires before unhitching. Coincidently, my best MPG and torque ratio for my set-up is @ 63 MPH. The only thing I would add to this thread, is to ALWAYS tow/haul out of OD; regardless if on flat terrain. The tranny will help slow it down when necessary. Lastly, get the extension mirrors - it definitely helps seeing behind you. Just my 2 cents...
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Old 02-21-2012, 10:28 AM   #5
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Thank God that your daughter was not injured (or anyone else)!
You don't say what engine your TV has, our 03 Expe has the 5.4 and it's very content galoomping along at 60 and I no longer care that the only traffic I pass are the ice cream trucks.
I am very new to this myself. The first couple of outings I set the cruise at 65 and while our TV was content we averaged 9.9mpg for a several hundred mile trip. I take it out of cruise for most uphill grades. I leave the OD "ON" and it spends most of the time in OD. This last outing I set the cruise at 60 and averaged 10.9 mpg. My first reaction was "big deal" then I realized that's a 10% increase.
Hmmm, following that line of logic, if I park by the roadside and let the engine idle it should fill the tank in short order.
Regarding chocking the TT, don't forget to remove the chocks when you hook up again. Don't ask why I mention it.
I've started looking at extension mirrors as my view is a bit limited. I still get a shock when I glance at the center rearview, "Who's that yahoo tailgaiting me... oh, that's my TT, it's supposed to be that close."
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Old 02-21-2012, 10:47 AM   #6
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One additional thought while chocking...

some people buy those X-chocks to help stabilize the movement in the tt. One 105 degree day after driving for 8 hours, we pulled into the cg. We didn't have our routine down yet so when I did the cholking, I used chalks behind and in front of the tires first. Don happened to chock this particular day and used the x-chalks instead. All unhooked and settling in for a cold one under the a/c in the tt, we heard this pop and the tt lurched forward. The tires cooled and the x-chocks no longer kept the tires from moving! Fortunately we weren't on a steep incline and we didn't damage the tongue jack, but he now will chock tires in front and back and when using the x-chocks additionally, we set the timer for 1/2 hour to remind us to tighten down the x-chocks once again.
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Old 02-21-2012, 12:23 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shin Pond Hunter View Post
The only thing I would add to this thread, is to ALWAYS tow/haul out of OD; regardless if on flat terrain.
I think depends entirely on the tow vehicle. On older vehicles with 4 speed autos, I would agree with you. On newer vehicles with 5 and 6 speeds, it is not necessary (especially on 3/4 ton and larger trucks). All new 3/4 ton and up trucks are designed to tow their full load in overdrive. Half tons are heading that direction as well, so it is not always necessary to lock out OD while towing (but you should use the tow/haul function if available).
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Old 02-21-2012, 01:26 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5arnolds View Post
(1) On a flat open highway (posted speed is 65) with a slight wind, I didn't really feel like going much beyond 60-63mph, and I kept the OD off most of the time. In these conditions, what speed do you think you would typically find yourself towing your TT?

I put my current truck in tow/haul mode and let the allison decide what gear it needs/wants to be in. On my last tow vehicle which was a half ton I always kept it out of od when towing though. As for speed, I always keep it under 65 due to the speed rating on my st tires. I also find that my fuel economy is better that way too.

(2) In observing the trailer through the rear-view mirrors, I observed ABSOLUTELY NO sway occurring (I'm assuming you'd be able to see if from the driver's seat perspective?), HOWEVER, at times (and NOT at times when vehicles were passing me) it almost felt as if the front of the F-150 swayed a little where I had to compensate with the steering wheel (NOT so drastically where I felt things were out of control). Keeping in mind I had an empty TT and TV, I am interested to know if, in your experiences, this sensation might just be typical of towing a TT OR if there might need to be an adjustment made. One other note...when we connected the trailer at the dealership before the maiden voyage, the mechanic stepped back to see how level the TT and TV were to eachother, he said that although the TT sat a little high at the hitch (and I could visually see it), he said it should be fine and can always be adjusted via the chain link.

I find that I get a little wiggle when a larger truck or semi passes me. I think that you will find that most recommend that if you can't get your combo totally level, you should have the tongue lower as opposed to the rear. Once you get loaded up for a trip, see how it sits in regards to level. I took mine to the scales to make sure that I had enough weight back on my steer axle too.

(3) I currently have standard rearview mirrors. I have looked at the aftermarket extension mirrors that can be added to existing mirrors. Given I can currently see pretty well down both sides of the TT, do these extensions really benefit a person when towing a TT?

I used CIPA mirrors on my last truck after years of towing without them, what a difference they made. My new truck has towing mirrors so I just use them. I was really surprised what I was missing when I towed without proper mirrors.

(4) Lessons learned. CHOCK THE WHEELS FIRST!!!!!

I have done the same before, it happens. Glad to hear that nobody was hurt and nothing was damaged.
See my answers above in red. Just my .02 btw, I am not a professional
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Old 02-21-2012, 09:42 PM   #9
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I have towed since 1979 (popup) through TT and 5th from Maine to Florida to California to Oregon. Yes, we have hit all 50 (no flew to Hawaii and stayed in motel flew to Alaska but stayed in Class A). I concur with everything written above.

I normally stay in OD and come out of OD when hill conditions dictate that the tranny is frequently cycling in/out of OD. My speed is 63 which seems to be my diesels sweet spot. When I tow below 60, the tranny cycles a lot more and my fuel mileage goes down. Above 63/64 the MPG also drops.
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Old 02-21-2012, 10:41 PM   #10
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You just have to tow at a speed that makes you comfortable. Anything above 60 will probably cost you mileage. Sometimes speeding up before a hill can help too.

You really need to see more than the sides of the trailer while on the road. Get some good mirrors and life will be safer and better. Slip on mirrors will do but there is nothing like the kind that extend or flip out.

It sounds like you are on a learning curve just like most of us. Something new or different can happen every day while camping or towing.
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Old 02-22-2012, 01:24 AM   #11
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Yes, you need towing mirrors.

I used the same set of McKesh mirrors for 11 years. Great visibility. Easy to take on and off.

Make sure you get the optional Convex Spotter Mirrors for both sides.



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