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03-29-2013, 05:52 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hamburg, NY
Posts: 6
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Weight distribution and anti sway ....is it necessary?
I need advice please! My rv salesperson advised us that it wasn't necessary to have a weight distribution and anti sway bar with our tv and tt. I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 (quad cab) and a Jayco Jayfeather x23b. I've been doing some research and getting the idea that the sales person was incorrect. Can I have some feed back to put my mind at ease please. PS We're new to towing a trailer.
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03-29-2013, 05:59 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 17,091
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My feeling is you are getting the wrong info as you suspect and need WD and sway control. The 23B is not like a small light popup that would not require it. Looking at the weights, you could approach 5000 lbs and 6-700 lbs in loaded tongue weight with that setup.
FLOORPLAN X23B
Weights
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 3,925
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs) 410
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 4,950
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs) 1,025
Measurements
Exterior Length 24' 5"
Exterior Width 96"
Exterior Height w/ A/C 120"
Interior Height 78"
Front Bunk 60 x 78
Rear Bunk 60 x 78
J-Steel Convertible Sofa 42 x 72
Wheel Base 187-1/8"
Tank Capacities
Fresh Water Capacity (gals) includes water heater 28.5
Gray Waste Water Capacity (gals) 29.5
Black Waste Water Capacity (gals) 22.5
Other
Sleeping Capacity 7-8
__________________
2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2018 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2l CCSB
2010 Jayflight 28BHS (sold)
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03-29-2013, 06:14 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 552
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Measure your front fender height unhitched. Then measure it with the trailer hitched. If the front of the truck raises when hitched, then you need WD. Given the relatively soft suspension of the Ram trucks, I doubt that it will not raised. This indicates that weight has been removed from the front axle and needs to be replaced for safe handling. The height you need to return it to should be given in your truck owner's manual. Also, the rating for your hitch without WD is probably going to be 500/5000. That will be increased with the use of a WD hitch. Whether to use anti-sway is your call, but most people find that they need it. The friction type systems are fine for a trailer with your weight and they are cheap.
__________________
2010 22FB(Ret)
2013 F250 XLT
I now have a Keystone Outback, but I try to help when I can.
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Bitter Gun Owner
Bitter Clinger
Armed Infidel
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03-29-2013, 03:15 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Fayette Ridges of PA, USA
Posts: 5,252
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I find it rather unusual that a salesperson would suggest not buying something that would make your towing experience safer, less stressful, plus, make the dealership some additional money.
__________________
MODERATOR
TV: 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD | Crew Cab | Std. Box | 4WD | Duramax/Allison
RV: 2000 Jayco Eagle 266 | FBS | TT
PREVIOUS: 1986 Coleman Laramie pop-up -- Still in the family!!!
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03-29-2013, 03:42 PM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Yes, IMO a WDH with a friction control sway bar would be highly recommended. My BIL had the same TV/TT combination and there was no way around not having a WDH, unless one planned on towing an unloaded TV & TT. Between the actual "ship weight" (yellow sticker) and the 23B GVWR of about 5,000lbs there isn't much cargo capacity remaining so towing near the TT's GVWR is highly likely. I weighed my BIL 23B tongue under loaded conditions (Sherline scale) and it was 625lbs, and he was using an 800lb rated WDH.
Bob
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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03-29-2013, 05:33 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 1,261
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Very cheap insurance to have expecially if you do a lot of freeway/interstate driving. Som WDH have a built in system most do not but to add a side sway bar makes that long drive to the CG a bit less stressful.
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03-30-2013, 05:42 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Louisiana (southeastern)
Posts: 468
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I would recommend using at least anti sway devise on ANY size trailer/tow vehicle combination.
On your combination, I'd also add WD to the mix. Without WD, it will tend to make control of the some(if not most)TVs, unpredictable.
__________________
Chipper
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax LBZ, CC, 4X4
2005 Jayco Talon ZX24-E Toy Hauler(SOLD).
2017 Forest River Hyper Lite XLR
Prodigy P2 Brake Control
12K Husky Straight Line WD Hitch
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03-30-2013, 06:53 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kalamazoo, West Michigan
Posts: 1,817
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When I bought my 2006 23B I towed it bareback from Grandville to Kalamazoo without incident and the worst part of the tow was the fact that my hitch extension didn't have enough drop. This made the trailer ride nose high as my 4x4 truck sits up high so it was a teeny bit squirrely but not so much that it made the event a white knuckle trip. I installed a WDH setup before I towed the trailer again and didn't have a friction sway control bar yet.
I would recommend a WDH for anything bigger than a popup.
__________________
2006 23B Hybrid with 10k round bar WDH
2011 F150 4x4 SCREW Ecoboost, Max Tow, Integrated TBC, 3.73 LS axle, Firestone Ride Rite airbags.
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03-30-2013, 07:22 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Merrimack NH
Posts: 917
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In our case WDH isn't required to pull our 19H, but an inexpensive friction sway control is a must. Larry
__________________
Larry & Rachel Demers 2013 F150 Eco Boost Super Cab 6.5 bed 6 sp. 3.31 4x4 White Hawk 28DSBH
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03-30-2013, 08:35 AM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 49
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We just bought a 2013 X23B and tow with a Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior. Our Jayco dealer strongly suggested a combo WDH/Sway control system. We had a http://www.equalizerhitch.com installed. I can tell you that it makes a big difference when traveling interstate highways and being passed by tractor trailers as far as eliminating sway. If you have ever had a trailer start swaying at highway speeds you will appreciate anything that will help control that.
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03-30-2013, 08:39 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 173
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flutterby
I need advice please! My rv salesperson advised us that it wasn't necessary to have a weight distribution and anti sway bar with our tv and tt. I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 (quad cab) and a Jayco Jayfeather x23b. I've been doing some research and getting the idea that the sales person was incorrect. Can I have some feed back to put my mind at ease please. PS We're new to towing a trailer.
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As weighed and ready for camping, my tongue weight is about 600# and the RV weighs 3800#.
Your RV is larger than mine and heavier, and there is a good chance the tongue weight will be greater. Spending an extra $300 on standard WDH/anti-sway equipment for a full height RV is a no-brainer. Forget the salesman's myopia and do yourself a favor - get the equipment to make your towing experience as well as everyone else's safety better.
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03-30-2013, 11:30 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: da U.P.
Posts: 352
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Don't overlook adjusting your truck's tire pressures to accommodate the increased weight the tongue weight of the trailer. I agree that a weight distributing hitch is a good idea especially since you're towing with a 1/2 ton truck. But tires on either your T.V. or T.T. that are under-inflated for the load can make trailer sway worse than it would otherwise be.
__________________
Kent
FAA licensed A&P aircraft mechanic, ex-RV dealer parts dept
Retired B-52 Gunner/Flight Examiner, B-52 Crew Chief
2016 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5 FBDS w/ 15,000 BTU AC, 50 amp service, upgraded counter top, thermal pane windows, elec. stab jacks, outside grill, backup camera and MORryde pin box.
2011 GMC 2500HD DURAMAX/ ALLISON
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03-31-2013, 03:35 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 84
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I have a 23B and I feel much more in control with both.
__________________
2013 Jayco X23B
2012 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew with Eccoboost
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03-31-2013, 04:48 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Wilmington
Posts: 39
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I have a x23b and agree with Knickerbocker. WDH and anti-sway is the way to go. It's a small investment in the big scheme of things.
2013 x23b
2003 GMC Yukon XL
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03-31-2013, 08:36 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Aubrey, Tx
Posts: 103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flutterby
I need advice please! My rv salesperson advised us that it wasn't necessary to have a weight distribution and anti sway bar with our tv and tt. I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 (quad cab) and a Jayco Jayfeather x23b. I've been doing some research and getting the idea that the sales person was incorrect. Can I have some feed back to put my mind at ease please. PS We're new to towing a trailer.
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I have a 2011 Ram Quadcab and a 2012 X23B and would not think about towing without the WDH and sway bar in place.
__________________
1981 Jayco jdove -sold
1989 Coleman Columbia - sold
2010 Flagstaff 625D - traded in
2013 Jayco X23B
2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab
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04-03-2013, 05:01 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hamburg, NY
Posts: 6
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Thanks!
Thank you all for your advice and I will be taking it and purchasing a WDH and anti sway! thanks again!!
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04-08-2013, 10:11 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 3
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I have been wondering the same thing with buying a WDH. I just purchased a X23F and towed it home 280 miles in a heavy cross wind. I have pulled trailers before, and coming home I never felt out of control with my new trailer but did have some sway to it. My HTT only drops my rear hitch by abour 2 inches so I was wondering if it was necessary or not. My TV is a 2005 Ford F150 FX4 Supercrew with a 5.4L gas, 3.73 rearend, and towing package. I'm open to any advice as well when it comes to this piece of equipment. Thanks.
__________________
2005 Ford F-150 FX4
2000 Aero-lite Cub (selling)
2013 JayFeather X23F (bought awaiting pick-up)
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04-09-2013, 09:21 AM
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#18
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnsonJayFeather
snip........ My HTT only drops my rear hitch by abour 2 inches so I was wondering if it was necessary or not.....snip
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Whats more important is what is happening to the front suspension of your TV? If the rear is dropping 2", there will be a good chance the front suspension raised a little....., and you were still under "unloaded" conditions coming from your RV dealer.
With your 2005 F-150 with your TV/TT under "loaded" conditions, the TV's front suspension should be returned to it's "unhitched" weight (height) and this is what the WDH is designed to do. In most cases once the TV's front suspension is returned to it's "unhitched" condition, it's normal that the rear of the TV will squat 1"-2". Returning the TV's front suspension to it's unhitched condition maintains established steering and handling characteristics.
The best way to confirm all your TV/TT loaded weights and WDH adjustment is a visit to a CAT scale.
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...igh-Your-tt-tv
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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04-09-2013, 09:49 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 552
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Returning the front height to the unhitched height may or may not be correct, depending on the year model of the truck. Check your owners manual and it will tell you specifically what the loaded front end height will be. The newer Ford manuals state to return it to half of the difference between the hitched and unhitched height. I don't know what model year that started but that's what the manual for my F250 says. I don't know why they would not tell you to return it to the original height, but they are the engineers, not I.
__________________
2010 22FB(Ret)
2013 F250 XLT
I now have a Keystone Outback, but I try to help when I can.
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Bitter Gun Owner
Bitter Clinger
Armed Infidel
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04-09-2013, 10:11 AM
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#20
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Landry
snip...... I don't know what model year that started but that's what the manual for my F250 says......snip
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It started with the 2011 model year..., and was the reason why I made sure I referenced the OP's model year of 2005 in my reply.
In another thread I did however refer that OP to his owners manual because he had a 2013 F series Ford.
On the subject of the recent change by Ford (& GM), as you are aware that remains a hot subject on a number of forums.
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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