Towing Advice - 28RLS

[carol99559]

Grateful to have this forum to post on and ask your opinion. I have a Dodge Durango with the hefty tow package (8900 lbs) and just bought a 28 foot Jayco RLS that is listed at 6530 lbs unloaded weight. I called the dealer and went through the specs and he said that the 6530 is the weight with the furniture and build-ins. I don't plan on adding much more weight in the way of household goods or water since where we're going we will have hook-ups. I need opinions before I take off with the kids in the car. I've done alot of trailer and boat hauling in my life.. but never worried about weight like this before. The trailer's got a good load shifting hitch and sway bar and I had it inspected/serviced today.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by carol99559

snip........I need opinions before I take off with the kids in the car. I've done alot of trailer and boat hauling in my life.. but never worried about weight like this before. The trailer's got a good load shifting hitch and sway bar and I had it inspected/serviced today.

Carol,

Welcome to the Jayco forums.

Yes, a 31ft long TT will handle dramatically differently than a boat or utility trailer. Your '05' Jayflight 28RLS has a very similar floorplan as my '05' Eagle 278FBS, which I still like after six years of use. The specs on your '05' 28RLS are GVWR 8,500lbs, UVW 6,530lbs, Dry hitch 760lbs, and the TT has an overall length of 31ft.. Of course the "loaded weights" are what's most important.

The UVW is just a brochure publication weight (web site, etc.), the actual ship weight would have been a little higher, and even loading the TT up conservatively for two adults IMO a loaded TT weight of 7,400lbs is realistic minimum.

I don't know what brand/model/rating WDH came with the TT, but please refer to my prior post within this thread referencing the 25ft maximum TT length when using a standard friction control sway arm. Based on the potential loaded TT weights of the 28RLS, IMO the WDH spring bar rating on your WDH should not be less than 1,200lbs (1,000lb rating may work, but only under very lite loaded TT conditions). The spring bars are sized in relation to the potential, and/or actual "loaded" TT tongue weight. Also, confirm your TV and TV's receiver WDH weight limits as well.

Although your TV has the power to move the weight, the shorter wheel base can be a disadvantage on a 31ft. long TT. Also, your TV's 8,900 tow rating is based on the "curb" weight of a stripped version of the Durango with a 150lb driver, it doesn't include fuel, passengers, cargo, etc., so these weights are subtracted from the 8,900lbs. IMO you may not find your TV/TT an ideal towing combination, and possibly a little challenging to handle at times.

Just food for thought.

Bob

[Terry]

Carol - Welcome to the Jayco Forums! There are a lot of friendly folks here that will help you get this figured out.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

snip.......please refer to my prior post within this thread referencing the 25ft maximum TT length when using a standard friction control sway arm......snip

Carol,

The information that I was referencing has been moved, the following is my statement from the referenced thread/post on the subject of sway control:

"The only consideration that you may want to consider is upgrading your sway control from a standard friction sway control arm to a Reese HP Dual Cam sway control. You will find that the standard friction sway control arm is recommended for TT's up to 25ft in length, beyond that other considerations should be incorporated".

The entire post is located here: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=2511&page=2

Bob

[Denise]

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Carol99559! Congrats on your "new" Jayco! Your family will make great memories with it

[villain2000]

My thoughts are - air up your tt tires to 50 lbs., keep your tv out of overdrive, pack conservatively, look far ahead and go no more than 55mph. Pay close attention to what your tv is doing. You will know if the vehicle feels overmatched for the trailer.

[clutch]

Even if you are within specs if you experience a white knuckle drive and can't relax while driving then you need more truck.

[clutch]

http://jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=2511 Check this post out.

[Tanker42]

Carol,

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of experienced folks here that can offer answers to your questions. Enjoy your new TT.

Joe

[mockman]

I would suggest getting a transmission temp. gauge. Also look under the back of your truck and see what your differential cover looks like. As you travel, you will find your pace dictated by temp. gauges. When you stop, check under the back of your truck for any hints of issues. Oil on your diff. cover that wasn't there, or splashed over your spare tire is generally a cause for concern. ( from an Ex-Dakota 4.7 with 3.92 Diffs)

[mockman]

http://www.hybridexplorer.com/forum/...c=77513.0;wap2
Also be aware of Altitude.