Another x17z Load Question

[Rick56]

A while back I read on this forum about problems with the x17z single axle and it's load rating.

When I first bought my 'Z' I had a Chevy Colorado for a tow vehicle. The dealer set it up with a weight distribution hitch (not sure but I think it is a Reese- round spring bars). After a couple of trips we realized the Colorado was not truck enough so we bought a new GMC Sierra 1/2 ton, rated at about 10,000 lb towing capacity.

I have been using the WDH but am wondering if it isn't putting undue stress on the trailer axle. I re-adjusted it for the new truck and it tows well, but how much of the weight distribution is actually being put on the trailer axle? I know the standard answer is to have it weighed on a cat scale with and without the WDH, but I do not have a scale nearby. The weight of the trailer only sets the back of the truck down about a half inch. Should I not be using the WDH with this truck to save some increased axle weight on the trailer? My x17z is a 2012 model. Did Jayco change the axle to a lighter one since 2011-2012? Does anyone tow an x17z with a 1/2 ton GMC without a WDH?

Thanks!
Rick

[Heady]

Hi Rick, your right...the initial response is to hit the scales.

The purpose of the WDH is to return weight to the front steering wheels of the TV. If you measure both with and without the trailer connected, what happens to your front wheel measurement?

[s1njin]

My 'Z' had a sticker on the axle detailing what the load rating was. You can also email Jayco with your VIN number and they'll tell you what your axle is rated for.

[Rick56]

Originally Posted by Heady

Hi Rick, your right...the initial response is to hit the scales.

The purpose of the WDH is to return weight to the front steering wheels of the TV. If you measure both with and without the trailer connected, what happens to your front wheel measurement?

My front wheel measurement returns pretty much to normal after installing the spring bars. The WDH is doing it's thing as far as the TV is concerned. Just not sure the x17z/ full size truck combination really needs the WDH.

I guess what I am really looking at is should I be using the WDH with my new TV and if not using it will put a little less load on the trailer axle.

[owenmae]

Originally Posted by Rick56

I guess what I am really looking at is should I be using the WDH with my new TV and if not using it will put a little less load on the trailer axle.

I'm curious too. I have a Toyota Tundra (w/ e brake controller) and hoping to get the X17Z by April. I don't think I'll need the WDH. The dealer was forcing me to have it installed for $800. I think I'll take delivery of the trailer, drive it for several miles and will decide then. I'm from the Northwest. Is $20,000.00 (out the door)for a 2014 X17Z good price?

[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by owenmae

I'm curious too. I have a Toyota Tundra (w/ e brake controller) and hoping to get the X17Z by April. I don't think I'll need the WDH. The dealer was forcing me to have it installed for $800. I think I'll take delivery of the trailer, drive it for several miles and will decide then. I'm from the Northwest. Is $20,000.00 (out the door)for a 2014 X17Z good price?

3500lbs, ~400 lb tongue, and 18.5' long. You probably don't NEED the WDH, but it's always a better experience when your steer axle feels planted. If the hitch has sway control built in, that would be the biggest benefit.

[Heady]

Originally Posted by owenmae

I'm curious too. I have a Toyota Tundra (w/ e brake controller) and hoping to get the X17Z by April. I don't think I'll need the WDH. The dealer was forcing me to have it installed for $800. I think I'll take delivery of the trailer, drive it for several miles and will decide then. I'm from the Northwest. Is $20,000.00 (out the door)for a 2014 X17Z good price?

Check your Tundra's owners manual. When I had my Tundra I believe there was a statement in the manual that if the trailer was less than 5,000 then a WDH was not required.

[owenmae]

Thanx Heady & NewBlackDak.

[clossan1]

Originally Posted by owenmae

I'm curious too. I have a Toyota Tundra (w/ e brake controller) and hoping to get the X17Z by April. I don't think I'll need the WDH. The dealer was forcing me to have it installed for $800. I think I'll take delivery of the trailer, drive it for several miles and will decide then. I'm from the Northwest. Is $20,000.00 (out the door)for a 2014 X17Z good price?

I bought a 19h for 19,999. The 17 z were about 17000-18000 here in Southern Calif. They have a new 16xrb for 14999.00. Its pretty sweet!!

[Ironbutt]

Owenmae,

We bought a 2012 X17Z which was in "like new" condition here in North Carolina this past November. We paid slightly more than $11,000 including the WDH. The seller also threw in all the little extras he had purchased during the two years he used the trailer. Probably about an additional $300 worth of stuff. My opinion,from the research I did when shopping, is $20K is a very high quote.

We tow with a 2009 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi but I can't offer an opinion on the necessity for the WDH as we have used the one which came with the trailer for the two times we had it hitched up. The Ram tows the 17Z with little effort and about 12 MPG.

[Rick56]

Thanks for the replies. I was concerned after reading some posts on this forum about the axle on the x17z being questionable. I know the cargo carrying capacity is limited and thought maybe the WDH might be shifting additional weight to the axle that in reality the truck could support. Sometimes I think too much!

[owenmae]

Originally Posted by Ironbutt

Owenmae,

We bought a 2012 X17Z which was in "like new" condition here in North Carolina this past November. We paid slightly more than $11,000 including the WDH. The seller also threw in all the little extras he had purchased during the two years he used the trailer. Probably about an additional $300 worth of stuff. My opinion,from the research I did when shopping, is $20K is a very high quote.

Thanx IronButt. We've been to the 3 dealerships here in the NW and the lowest is approx $20K. That's including the $3,077.00 (freight), $895 (dealer prep), $1,600.00 (WA 8.6% tax) and $255 (license fee). We've been looking thru the classifieds for almost a year but can not find anything like the x17Z, at least a later year.

One more thing, what is the trailer hitch height of your x17z? I need to replace my aging ball hitch from my truck.

[Ironbutt]

Owenmae,

Not sure of the height except to say that I have the factory installed Dodge Ram 1500 tow package. (17 inch wheels, no lift kit on the truck). The WDH is an Equalizer brand with a 2" ball. The hitch is one solid piece of hardware. I'm also planning to us it (minus the anti sway bars) for towing my boat which is about 1500lbs heavier than the17Z. There is some debate on these forums as to the need for a WDH for the 17Z/pick up truck combo but since it came with the purchase I will use it, mostly for the anti sway function.

Good luck with the 17Z.

BTW..We found our 17Z on Craig's list about 3 hours away from our home. It had been posted about three months before we went to see it. Maybe we just fell in. Anyway...we're now making some mods...installing double 20lb LP tanks instead of the single 30, LED bulbs and a TV/DVD combo. (All the info on these mods I found in these forums) Then we're heading out in the beginning of May for a 2 month road trip from North Carolina to Yosemite and lots of places in New Mexico and Arizona in between.

[ingie66]

I don't use my equalizer hitch anymore...pulls great and never had a problem.

[RVPG]

You should be able to get a 17z out the door on the west coast for about $17,500 depending upon the dealer prep fee and sales tax rate.

My opinion is that you do not need a WDH for a 3,500 lbs. (max) trailer. If it was 5,000 lbs. or more, I would say yes. I have a 2013 17z and have had it up to 70 mph with no sway and I do not use a WDH.

2004 Silverado Crew Cab half ton is the tow vehicle.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by RVPG

snip....... My opinion is that you do not need a WDH for a 3,500 lbs. (max) trailer.....snip

Depends on a TV's receiver "weight carrying" mode rating. A 3,500lb trailer could have a loaded tongue weight range of 350lbs to 525lbs based on the manufactures 10% - 15% recommendation.

Bob

[gvn71]

20 k for an x17z seems high. I paid 15900 for my x18d brand new and that included the WD hitch setup.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by RVPG

You should be able to get a 17z out the door on the west coast for about $17,500 depending upon the dealer prep fee and sales tax rate.

My opinion is that you do not need a WDH for a 3,500 lbs. (max) trailer. If it was 5,000 lbs. or more, I would say yes. I have a 2013 17z and have had it up to 70 mph with no sway and I do not use a WDH.

2004 Silverado Crew Cab half ton is the tow vehicle.

The trouble is you don't need it until you need it. Some years back I had to tow my old '03 Kiwi 17a (ancestor of the 17z) home in a rain storm. I hit a slick spot and the back end of my truck slid sideways. The trailer went crazy. It was the scariest road experience of my life. I firmly believe had I not had sway control I would have lost both the truck and trailer that day.

As far as WD, your call I guess, but even with a light tongue weight and a 1/2 ton truck you are taking weight off the front wheels. GM says in the manual that with WD, it should be adjusted so that the front fender height is back to stock.

70 mph with ST tires? 'Nuff said...

[Rocket15]

Whether you need a WD hitch depends on the tow vehicle. If you hook up the camper and your back end drops a lot and the front end lifts a lot - you need a WD hitch! I have a 2014 Explorer and I need the WD hitch.