New Owner

[repcapale]

Hello.

We just purchased a brand new Jayco 198RD. It is our first trailer ever.
Our TV is a 2006 Lexus GX470. Same thing as a 4Runner. It's rated to tow 6500lbs. I have an Equal-i-zer hitch and Tekonsha P3 controller.

Anyways, the trailer weight is 4200lbs as it sits with propane full and batteries. Gross rating is 5900lbs and length is 23' 8'. I dont ever plan on towing with water or anything like that. I am guessing the trailer loaded will never weight more then 4700lbs.

So my question is does anyone have experience towing something like this with this sort of vehicle? We will not be travelling far. Mostly 150km round trips on flat roads. I am pretty sure the weight is resonable, but I am more worried about sway and things like that...? Just wondering how it will handle.

By the way all my other weights are in check. ie GVWR, GCWR.....

Thanks.

[Terry]

Welcome to the Forum! If you have a chance come on over to the new member forum and introduce yourself!

We have a couple of good tow experts around so I know they will be able to give you some good opinions.

[29BHS ECO]

repcapale-- Does you tv have a tow package ? Larry

[repcapale]

Yes absolutly. It is all set up from the factory. The lexus also only comes with the 4.7 V8.

Thanks.

[nylyon]

So the payload capacity of the Lexus is around 1400lbs, the hitch weight of the trailer is 500 (unloaded) so let's say for argument 600 loaded which leaves you 800 lbs to spare in your Lexus. I suspect you would be fine technically.

As far as stability, you have a 109" wheel base which is on the short side so you may feel the trailer back there but with an equalizer hitch it should be manageable. Only thing that's left are the tires. If they are very soft walled, while you enjoy the comfortable ride, you'll feel the trailer more so be sure you inflate to the maximum to stiffen them up.

[repcapale]

Thanks. The weight will all be good. Just wondering how it will handle on the highway and what to expect? Nobody else on here tows with a 4Runner V8?

Also I just put new tyres on yesterday. Wanted to get LT but nothing good in my size. So I got some Michelin M/S 2. Good tire. 110 load rating. Will pump them up to max 44 psi rating.

Thank again.

[repcapale]

Another question.

When people talk about trailer lengths and TV wheelbase, would you compare the overall trailer length (to hitch) or just the trailer length???