Towing a Jayco Jayfeather 27BHB

[USCcruisecrazy]

We found an incredible deal on a 2022 Jayfeather 27BHB and when I check my numbers on the truck and trailer, they seem to work out fine. I wanted some feedback please from anyone that may have the same combo. I have a 2022 GMC Sierra short bed with the Tow Package. The Tow Capacity is listed at 9200 pounds. The GVWR of the 27BHB is 7500. The GCVWR is 15000. The trucks GVWR is 7100. When I subtract the Dry weight of the truck it gives me about 1500 pounds leeway. The dry weight of the trailer is 6300 and change. That gives us about 1100 pounds or so for the trailer. So, i figure between the truck and the trailer we can distribute about 2800 pounds after subtracting 100 pounds for the weight distribution hitch. What else am I not seeing? Or will towing in mostly flatter areas (no mountain trips) be reasonable? I appreciate any responses to help me out.

[Old and soft]

What is your trucks cargo carrying capacity? Loaded trailer tongue weight might approach 1000 pounds, only way to know is to weigh it. 75#s for a whd. You, wife, dog, cooler of frosty beverages all use up your ccc. Most rigs run out of ccc before max tow rating.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by Old and soft

What is your trucks cargo carrying capacity? Loaded trailer tongue weight might approach 1000 pounds, only way to know is to weigh it. 75#s for a whd. You, wife, dog, cooler of frosty beverages all use up your ccc. Most rigs run out of ccc before max tow rating.

Appreciate the response. If I understand how the numbers are calculated, my trucks curb weight (that includes a full tank of gas) is around 5400 lbs. The trucks GVWR is 7100 lbs. So I assume the cargo carry capacity is 1700 lbs. I think the trailer tongue weight is roughly 750 lbs (10% of the trailer GVWR with the WDH I'm using). Are you then saying I can have about 950 pounds in the truck maximum? Me, wife, dog, cooler, a few other items need to be below that weight? I think that's what you're saying.

[JDug66]

Not sure how GMC figures curb weight, RAM figures the weight of the driver and a full tank of fuel in curb weight so there is some very small give in that. My rig is similar (see signature below) and I'm very close to max, I pull 85% of my capacity tow and don't want to go anymore. Travel dry and keep track of every small accessory/tool to put onboard. Take kindling, buy firewood local.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by JDug66

Not sure how GMC figures curb weight, RAM figures the weight of the driver and a full tank of fuel in curb weight so there is some very small give in that. My rig is similar (see signature below) and I'm very close to max, I pull 85% of my capacity tow and don't want to go anymore. Travel dry and keep track of every small accessory/tool to put onboard. Take kindling, buy firewood local.

JDug66. Thanks so much for the post. I looked at your TT and it's almost the same layout...the GVWR is the same at 7500lbs. My plan was to weigh each item we plan to load up in either the truck or the TT to keep track and hopefully stay well below the Combined weight rating.

Separate question...your TT is just over 33'. The 27BHB is about 33' as well. How difficult is the actual maneuverability of having 33' behind you? How do you approach things like fueling the truck? Any specific tips...places to look for? Handling 90% or better turns? Thanks so much for anything you can provide.

[Happy wife / happy life]

[QUOTE=USCcruisecrazy;1091448]We found an incredible deal on a 2022 Jayfeather 27BHB and when I check my numbers on the truck and trailer, they seem to work out fine.

Just out of curiosity what engine does your truck have?

[curver900]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

Appreciate the response. If I understand how the numbers are calculated, my trucks curb weight (that includes a full tank of gas) is around 5400 lbs. The trucks GVWR is 7100 lbs. So I assume the cargo carry capacity is 1700 lbs. I think the trailer tongue weight is roughly 750 lbs (10% of the trailer GVWR with the WDH I'm using). Are you then saying I can have about 950 pounds in the truck maximum? Me, wife, dog, cooler, a few other items need to be below that weight? I think that's what you're saying.

The yellow sticker in the door should tell you your payload... then if you add anything to it.. running boards etc... will subtract from that number

[USCcruisecrazy]

[QUOTE=Happy wife / happy life;1091465]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

We found an incredible deal on a 2022 Jayfeather 27BHB and when I check my numbers on the truck and trailer, they seem to work out fine.

Just out of curiosity what engine does your truck have?

I have a 2022 GMC Sierra with a short bed...5.3L V8 10spd with a Tow Package.

[Rustic Eagle]

USCcruisecrazy,

Welcome to JOF

To minimize the weight guess work..., I would take your GMC pickup to a CAT scale ($9 and 3 minutes) for a weigh-in under "loaded" conditions (full fuel, passengers, etc.).

Subtract the CAT scale gross weight from your GMC's specified GVWR. The remaining weight is your "actual available" cargo capacity to support your WDH weight (50lbs) and "actual loaded" TT tongue weight.

A 27BHB loaded to it's specified GVWR of 7,600lbs = 988lb to 1,140lb (13% to 15%) recommended loaded tongue weight range.

Also, note that the 27BHB UVW "shipped weight" (yellow sticker) will approach 6,600lbs depending on configuration. A moderately loaded 27BHB (tanks empty): (6,600lbs) + (600lbs Cargo) = 7,200lbs gross weight = 936lb to 1,080lb "loaded' tongue weight range.

Note: I found two new RV dealership 2022 27BHB's on-line with 'yellow sticker" as-shipped UVW's of 6,578lbs and 6,618lbs respectively.

Just food for thought.

Bob

[USCcruisecrazy]

Rustic Eagle...I appreciate all that information. There are a number of calculations I need to complete to determine all the numbers...didn't realize it could be that task intensive. Just to make sure I have this correct: weigh my truck loaded as I expect to have it during travel...take that weight (let's say it's 5700 lbs) and subtract it from the vehicles GVWR (7100 lbs). So, in this example I have 1400 pounds remaining. The TT based on a GVWR of 7500, take 15% to be safe, equals 1125. So that should be okay...correct? the stipulation is that the weight of the TT dry plus whatever I put in it needs to be 7500 or less. Did I get that right? So, using those numbers I should be fine pulling that TT with my GMC.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

snip........ So, in this example I have 1400 pounds remaining. The TT based on a GVWR of 7500, take 15% to be safe, equals 1125. So that should be okay...correct? the stipulation is that the weight of the TT dry plus whatever I put in it needs to be 7500 or less. Did I get that right?.........snip

Yes, you're correct.

Also, confirm your TV receiver hitch's max weight rating when using a WDH...., should be stamped on it (or owners manual).

Bob

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Yes, you're correct.

Also, confirm your TV receiver hitch's max weight rating when using a WDH...., should be stamped on it (or owners manual).

Bob

Hey Rustic Eagle,

I sure appreciate all your help. I'll take a look at the manual. If I stay under the 7500 GVWR of the trailer, what is the minimum hitch's max weight rating I need to have? I assume that's what it's based on...the TT weight.

The Other Bob

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

snip.......If I stay under the 7500 GVWR of the trailer, what is the minimum hitch's max weight rating I need to have? I assume that's what it's based on...the TT weight.......snip

Sizing/ratings of receiver hitches and WDH's ideally should be based on a given TT's worst case loaded condition (@ GVWR).

Your GMC receiver hitch's specified 'maximum tongue weight rating' when using a WDH should be rated at a minimum 1,125lbs (15% of 7,500lb GVWR).

When sizing a WDH based on a maximum 1,125lb loaded TT tongue weight (w/7,500lb GVWR), the WDH ideally should be rated at 1,200lbs. if your actual loaded tongue weight is less than 1,125lbs, a 1,200lb rated WDH can be adjusted accordingly.

For future consideration/reference........

Once a new TV/TT combination is loaded under it's "typical" ready-to-camp conditions, a trip to a CAT scale is highly recommended for a 3-pass weigh-in. This weigh-in will confirm all TV/TT loaded weights, WDH adjustment, proper weight distribution, etc..

CAT Scale TV/TT how-to: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Sizing/ratings of receiver hitches and WDH's ideally should be based on a given TT's worst case loaded condition (@ GVWR).

Your GMC receiver hitch's specified 'maximum tongue weight rating' when using a WDH should be rated at a minimum 1,125lbs (15% of 7,500lb GVWR).

When sizing a WDH based on a maximum 1,125lb loaded TT tongue weight (w/7,500lb GVWR), the WDH ideally should be rated at 1,200lbs. if your actual loaded tongue weight is less than 1,125lbs, a 1,200lb rated WDH can be adjusted accordingly.

For future consideration/reference........

Once a new TV/TT combination is loaded under it's "typical" ready-to-camp conditions, a trip to a CAT scale is highly recommended for a 3-pass weigh-in. This weigh-in will confirm all TV/TT loaded weights, WDH adjustment, proper weight distribution, etc..

CAT Scale TV/TT how-to: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

I checked the Tongue Weight Rating and the maximum is 1240 pounds. Therefore, 15% of the 7500 GVWR of the trailer falls in that range...it comes out to 1125.

Once I pick up the trailer, it's straight to the CAT scales. I plan to get weights before I even load the other stuff...then do another weigh once I load stuff.

Thanks again for the help.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

Hey Rustic Eagle,

I sure appreciate all your help. I'll take a look at the manual. If I stay under the 7500 GVWR of the trailer, what is the minimum hitch's max weight rating I need to have? I assume that's what it's based on...the TT weight.

The Other Bob

No need to guess. Since 2018, GM has done a great job giving you this information for your specific truck. Open up the driver door. At the base of the pillar you will see a white and yellow sticker and two silver plates. See attached photos. They will tell you all the weight limits of your specific truck as built from the factory. Any accessories added after it was built, like running board, tonneau covers, etc. will not be included in these numbers and count toward payload.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by Scott

No need to guess. Since 2018, GM has done a great job giving you this information for your specific truck. Open up the driver door. At the base of the pillar you will see a white and yellow sticker and two silver plates. See attached photos. They will tell you all the weight limits of your specific truck as built from the factory. Any accessories added after it was built, like running board, tonneau covers, etc. will not be included in these numbers and count toward payload.

Scott,

Appreciate the response. Yes, I found the numbers on the door and all the numbers check out. Question: when you say anything added after it was built, if it came with the running boards as part of the original package, is that not in the calculated curb weight they give? Of course, weighing everything on a CAt scale will give me the actual weight as it is now.

Cheers!

Bob

[Scott]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

Scott,

Appreciate the response. Yes, I found the numbers on the door and all the numbers check out. Question: when you say anything added after it was built, if it came with the running boards as part of the original package, is that not in the calculated curb weight they give? Of course, weighing everything on a CAt scale will give me the actual weight as it is now.

Cheers!

Bob

Bob,

Great question. I think it depends on if it was added at the factory or if it was a dealer added accessory. If it was dealer added then it definitely was not included in the curb weight and counts as payload. If it was added at the factory, then I think it is included in the curb weight.

I say this because when I was researching this truck to purchase I saw some trucks with power running boards that have a higher curb weight and lower payload while others without running boards at all had a lower curb weight and higher payload than mine and the only difference in the build was the running boards. My running boards were added at the factory so I think they are included in the curb weight.

I have to get to a CAT scale when I have some time in the Spring.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by USCcruisecrazy

snip.......then do another weigh once I load stuff........snip

Bob,

Your weigh-in efforts at the CAT scale under typically loaded TV/TT conditions will pay dividends (ie: optimize TV handling and WDH functionality, etc.).

If you 'normally' tow with some (or full) fresh water in the TT tank, fill the tank accordingly prior to the CAT weigh-in.

Bob

[Wyka2020RVlife]

I’ve been pulling a 2020 Jayfeather 27bhb for three years now with a Ram Rebel 1500. Tow 11,600 with a payload of 1560. I use a blue ox wdh and haven’t had any real issues. About 10k miles, long trips to like NJ to Orlando. A have a little sag, thinking about the airbags but It doesn’t feel bad driving. With the family in the car I really only put a few light things in the bed of the truck. Strong winds caught me off guard the first time, so I just have to slow down.

[Seaninnj]

. Watch this video from keep your daydream and know your towing numbers. Be safe! https://youtu.be/qwFLOBrADBs[