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Old 01-19-2014, 11:37 AM   #1
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Post jayco 2014 154bh towing package overkill?

Hi,

Just picked up my new TT. Dealer included a bunch of towing extras as a deal sweetener. (- brake controller, anti-sway, load balance )

My TV is RAV4 Sport (V6) with oem towing package. Everything seemed to work just fine on my trip home from the dealer - so no complaints.

However, it seems like a little overkill for a small trailer.

I'll test the towing with and without once the snow melts - just wondering if anyone has any experience/thoughts about this setup.

Thanks
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Old 01-19-2014, 12:33 PM   #2
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Hello Wesley and welcome to JOF.

You didn't mention the model year - but it's safe to assume you have a 100" wheelbase RAV4 (which is 6" shorter than my passenger car TV). Shorter wheelbase / taller SUVs can be more inclined to sway. I think your towing experience will be more confident with anti-sway. By "load balance"....I assume you mean "weight distribution" which can also be a big plus for short wheelbase vehicles as it can help keep your steer wheels more firmly planted.

Check my following signature tag for links to my set-up towing the 154BH.

Happy Camping [ATTACH][/ATTACH]
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Old 01-19-2014, 12:43 PM   #3
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From what I can see, a Rav4 has a tow capacity of about 3500 lbs, a relatively light duty tow vehicle. By the time you get your gear loaded (full propane tank, battery, food, water, camping chairs, etc.) into your 154BH and Rav4, you'll most likely be approaching that tow limit. But I suspect your biggest towing challenge will not be from weight, but by the height of your trailer. The side profile of your trailer will catch some crosswinds when conditions are such. You'll appreciate the weight distributing hitch and sway control when you encounter those crosswinds or when a semi-truck passes you on the interstate. A brake controller is a must.

on edit: Another thought came to me. Be aware of how you load your camper also. If you put most of your gear behind your axle, you'll be setting yourself up for bad swaying problems. Loading gear ahead of the axle on a trailer of your size will help prevent trailer sway.
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Old 01-21-2014, 07:07 AM   #4
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A brake controller enables the TT brakes to engage when you are braking the TV, a w/d system , properly adjusted, will help ensure you do not have too much or too little weight on the TV rear axle and any kind of sway control is always better than no sway control.
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Old 01-22-2014, 09:43 PM   #5
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It appears that the dealer set you up to be safe.
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