Just bought our first trailer - 2011 28BHS

jpeake · 03-10-2011, 12:02 PM

We have a 5 and 3 year old that love to camp. Borrowed a buddies pop-up a few times and we all had a great time. So we decided to take the plunge and get our own trailer. Left it at the dealer's lot until the snow melts, but can't wait to get her home!

Now I've got a couple months to gather all the additional paraphernalia before our first early season trip. I've ordered most of what I think i need already (sewer and water hoses, BAL X chocks etc)

I need to make a decision on WDH and sway ASAP. I am thinking Tekonsha P3 for controller. Just to have "the best" and be done with it.

For hitch I am debating between Reese w/ cam sway or Equal-I-zer. Both seem highly regarded.

For sizing, does it matter if I get a heavier system than what I need? I wouldn't think so, but don't know much about them. The 1000# and 1200# Eqaul-I-Zers are about a $10 difference. So why not get the heavier one in case I upgrade to a heavier trailer in the future. Same with the Reese, it looks like I can get 800# or 1200#.

Denise · 03-10-2011, 12:22 PM

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum jpeake! We have pretty much the same tt as you. We have the Equalizer and it does well for our 1/2 ton 30' tt combo. Your tongue weight could increase to over 1000lb once you add items to your front storage, clothes etc to the bedroom cabinets, full propane tanks, and perhaps an extra battery ours currently weighs in at 1,050 lbs). For this reason, we installed the 1200 lb Equalizer system. Our truck has the intergrated brake controller so we didn't have to add one. Congrats on your new tt!!!!

**Crabman** · 03-10-2011, 01:15 PM

Welcome jpeake. 28/29 BHS, those numbers sure come up a lot on this forum! I think healthi`s got ya covered on the WD system numbers. The systems you mentioned are both good systems. As for brake controller, I bought a Prodigy P3 on ebay for about 130.00. That included the vehicle specific wiring harness connector which makes installation a snap. My first controller was a cheap no name job and was jerky when slowing/stopping. The P3 performs well. Enjoy the new trailer -Lee

wiscampsin · 03-10-2011, 02:03 PM

Welcome to the forum jpeake from a fellow Wisconsinite and congrats on your 2011 28BHS.

jpeake · 03-10-2011, 08:49 PM

sweet, i found a "like new" 1200# Equal-i-zer on craiglist for $300. 45 minutes from my house. just went and picked it up. Guy had just posted it and said he had 9 calls. Still has the Equal-i-zer sticker on it.

a brake controller, and some warm weather and we're in business.

clutch · 03-10-2011, 10:16 PM

Welcome to the forum. I don't think you will have any trouble with a heavier set of springs. You just don't have to adjust them as tight.

maromeo · 03-11-2011, 06:17 AM

Congrats on the new TT. We have the same tow vehicle as you and purchased a Prodigy P3 brake controller and love it. The hardest thing to do was find a place to mount the controller in the Tundra that was visible and comfortable to use. We did a lot of research and found the open space on the dash near the cup holder to be the best place. DH was able to pull out the piece and drill a hole in the back, mount the low profile bracket to hold the controller and run the wiring to the plug which is on located on the driver's side lower front panel. It looks and works great.

We also have the equalizer hitch and it works great. It gives a nice solid feel when driving. You will like the Equalizer hitch.

Hope this helps.

Mary Anne

jpeake · 03-11-2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maromeo

Congrats on the new TT. We have the same tow vehicle as you and purchased a Prodigy P3 brake controller and love it. The hardest thing to do was find a place to mount the controller in the Tundra that was visible and comfortable to use. We did a lot of research and found the open space on the dash near the cup holder to be the best place. DH was able to pull out the piece and drill a hole in the back, mount the low profile bracket to hold the controller and run the wiring to the plug which is on located on the driver's side lower front panel. It looks and works great.

We also have the equalizer hitch and it works great. It gives a nice solid feel when driving. You will like the Equalizer hitch.

Hope this helps.

Mary Anne

Thanks Mary Anne, that helps a lot. I am probably gonna order my P3 from amazon today. I was wondering about mounting.

Did you use the wiring kit? Was it long enough by itself to reach the factory plug? I am thinking that in your mounting location that you must have had to run your own wiring. I don't want to order the kit if I don't end up using it.

Thanks

jwb023 · 03-11-2011, 10:25 AM

One thing i might add,.....u should def get the electric tongue jack,...no cranking and i looove mine......much simpler to hook up.

jpeake · 03-11-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwb023

One thing i might add,.....u should def get the electric tongue jack,...no cranking and i looove mine......much simpler to hook up.

thanks, I had the dealer throw one on.

Just ordered the P3 from AdventureRV. Price was great, hopefully they are a decent company. Almost seems too low.

Ranger · 04-07-2011, 05:59 PM

I can't believe we camped for years before getting an electric tongue jack. They are GREAT!

clutch · 04-07-2011, 10:47 PM

After having electric jacks on our 5er putting an electric jack on our new Jayco was on the top of the list. As time passes it seems that Sallie dosn't crank as fast on the jack as she used to.:hihi:

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