2020 18rbm Jay Feather CCC

[Maxtow]

Sticker vs what Jayco says about the Cargo Carrying Capacity. Which is correct? or is there an error? When I called Jayco they were very confused and not to helpful, but customer service did try to figure it out.

Anybody with actual knowledge on this?





https://www.jayco.com/rvs/travel-trailers/2020-jay-feather/18rbm/

 

[JFlightRisk]

Any optional equipment on your particular RV change the specs from what's on a brochure or generic info on the website. Also specifications can change during a model run without advance notice.

 

[Maxtow]

Any optional equipment on your particular RV change the specs from what's on a brochure or generic info on the website. Also specifications can change during a model run without advance notice.

Thanks for your reply. I totally understand any additional options from the dealer may affect the CCC. My question is that my sticker states 4405 dry weight with propane. The trailer has two 3000 lb axles. The information I posted from Jayco along with the phot of the sticker says the trailer can haul 5500 GVWR which I though would make my ccc 1095 lbs not 695 lbs. Is the sticker wrong? or is my math just bad.


https://www.jayco.com/rvs/travel-trailers/2020-jay-feather/18rbm/

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Sticker vs what Jayco says about the Cargo Carrying Capacity. Which is correct? or is there an error? When I called Jayco they were very confused and not to helpful, but customer service did try to figure it out.

Anybody with actual knowledge on this?

https://www.jayco.com/rvs/travel-trailers/2020-jay-feather/18rbm/

The VIN on that sticker...is that correct (match the VIN) on all the paperwork that you have? If so, I'd go with that sticker. I've always read, that sticker is the true guide to the weights and loads of your trailer.

I see your GVWR on the trailer sticker is 400 pounds LESS than the Jayco Specs. Add the 75 pounds for the full tanks. 475 PLUS 695 = 1170. Nearly the quoted 1200 pounds in the Jayco documentation. Add another 30 pounds for solar panel if you have one. That puts the numbers nearly spot on to the Jayco quotes on spec. sheet.

I suspect their documentation on spec sheet was way off (at least for your model year) and they never corrected the documentation?

I'd go by the trailer sicker.

Then, try to find an owner with a different model year to do some comparisons. Perhaps at one point their quoted specs were correct, then something changed for your model year and they never changed their spec sheet numbers.

Overall though, that's a shame because you bought something based on what they said it could carry and here you are now with significantly less carry capacity than you thought.

 

[Maxtow]

The VIN on that sticker...is that correct (match the VIN) on all the paperwork that you have? If so, I'd go with that sticker. I've always read, that sticker is the true guide to the weights and loads of your trailer.

I see your GVWR on the trailer sticker is 400 pounds LESS than the Jayco Specs. Add the 75 pounds for the full tanks. 475 PLUS 695 = 1170. Nearly the quoted 1200 pounds in the Jayco documentation. Add another 30 pounds for solar panel if you have one. That puts the numbers nearly spot on to the Jayco quotes on spec. sheet.

I suspect their documentation on spec sheet was way off (at least for your model year) and they never corrected the documentation?

I'd go by the trailer sicker.

Then, try to find an owner with a different model year to do some comparisons. Perhaps at one point their quoted specs were correct, then something changed for your model year and they never changed their spec sheet numbers.

Overall though, that's a shame because you bought something based on what they said it could carry and here you are now with significantly less carry capacity than you thought.

Thanks JKyle, I appreciate the response. I'm probably fine with the 695 CCC it's just still does not make sense to me. GVWR should be a static number unless they changed the chassis/frame or axles/suspension. Even at 5500 lbs it seems like a low number based on having two 3000k axles minus the tongue weight.

I have had multiple discussions with Jayco. They have a lot to say but really say nothing, very very vage. I guess it depends on what time of day, what day and who was working that day defines what GVWR the trailer gets.

 

[craigav]

Here is my thought (guess). Those that purchase a Jay Feather are looking for an RV that is not too heavy and for sure not heavier than their tow vehicle is rated for.

One of the most popular pickup trucks on the market is the F150 SuperCab and CrewCab and they are very popular, I think I read that it is the number 1 truck in sales. That truck in its standard configuration, crew or supercab \ V6 \ 3.55 axle has a tow rating of 5100 lbs. Therefore I suspect (again just a guess) that Jayco de-rated the GVWR to 5100 lbs in order to increase the sales seeing how popular the std F150's are. ~CA

 

[craigav]

FYI, I was looking at the 2023 F-150 ratings when I made the previous comment, it appears 2024 is now 5000 lbs for the same configuration. ~CA

 

[Maxtow]

Here is my thought (guess). Those that purchase a Jay Feather are looking for an RV that is not too heavy and for sure not heavier than their tow vehicle is rated for.

One of the most popular pickup trucks on the market is the F150 SuperCab and CrewCab and they are very popular, I think I read that it is the number 1 truck in sales. That truck in its standard configuration, crew or supercab \ V6 \ 3.55 axle has a tow rating of 5100 lbs. Therefore I suspect (again just a guess) that Jayco de-rated the GVWR to 5100 lbs in order to increase the sales seeing how popular the std F150's are. ~CA

Thanks, Thats the best answer I have heard and the only one that makes any sense.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

By accident I ended up with a 2023 F150 with a nice
tow package set-up, when I went shopping specifically for the smaller 2.7 EcoBoost engine. The only thing I don’t have are the OEM tow mirrors.

 

[Maxtow]

That's a very nice accident. I bet that little EcoBoost pulls really nice.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

That's a very nice accident. I bet that little EcoBoost pulls really nice.

Well, So far I've towed it home from the dealer....

I bought the unit in late October, dragged her home and parked her.

With exception of that drive home, I've never towed a large camper before. My experience only being small flat trailers and a 9 foot pop-up. I have a trip planned for 2 weeks from now. I'm in CT and sticking to my State Park at the beach, only a 40 minute drive from home. Although the last leg of the trip is the most congested part of I95 in CT, it is a relatively easy drive.

As far as handling and ease of tow? It tracked behind me very nicely. On some of the elevations (CT hills) I could feel the need to really push the gas, but it kept a steady pace. I kept the speed to 55-60. We'll see how it feels once I put some weight in the truck and camper. I don't pack heavy, but I do have a few heavy items.

I bought those custom snap on mirrors by Snap & Zap, that seemed to give me the rearview range I require. My husband is like "Go have tow mirrors put on!" I told him that's an expensive option that I'll consider after I'm done spending other money on initial 'after buying new camper' purchases. We'll see how these work for me this season.

I bought the truck first, then intended on buying a camper that matched up to it. I was looking at somewhat smaller units initially, then realized my actual tow capability 'bump,' so went with (a little larger) Jay Feather '2022 left-over' at a nicely discounted price.

If I ever intend to drag the camper up and down the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, I might think my truck could struggle. but, for the (relatively) flat highways of CT/RI/MA, where I'll be going over the next couple years, (until I retire) it'll do me just fine.

 

[Maxtow]

Well, So far I've towed it home from the dealer....

I bought the unit in late October, dragged her home and parked her.

With exception of that drive home, I've never towed a large camper before. My experience only being small flat trailers and a 9 foot pop-up. I have a trip planned for 2 weeks from now. I'm in CT and sticking to my State Park at the beach, only a 40 minute drive from home. Although the last leg of the trip is the most congested part of I95 in CT, it is a relatively easy drive.

As far as handling and ease of tow? It tracked behind me very nicely. On some of the elevations (CT hills) I could feel the need to really push the gas, but it kept a steady pace. I kept the speed to 55-60. We'll see how it feels once I put some weight in the truck and camper. I don't pack heavy, but I do have a few heavy items.

I bought those custom snap on mirrors by Snap & Zap, that seemed to give me the rearview range I require. My husband is like "Go have tow mirrors put on!" I told him that's an expensive option that I'll consider after I'm done spending other money on initial 'after buying new camper' purchases. We'll see how these work for me this season.

I bought the truck first, then intended on buying a camper that matched up to it. I was looking at somewhat smaller units initially, then realized my actual tow capability 'bump,' so went with (a little larger) Jay Feather '2022 left-over' at a nicely discounted price.

If I ever intend to drag the camper up and down the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, I might think my truck could struggle. but, for the (relatively) flat highways of CT/RI/MA, where I'll be going over the next couple years, (until I retire) it'll do me just fine.

Have a great trip. Let us know how it goes.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Thanks! It's going to be interesting, me being a rookie at the backing up. I have all the cameras, a couple of guide cones and the fearlessness of not being embarrassed about getting out of my truck as many times as it takes to look and make sure I'm backing in safely.

 

[markb5900]

Well, So far I've towed it home from the dealer....

I bought the unit in late October, dragged her home and parked her.

With exception of that drive home, I've never towed a large camper before. My experience only being small flat trailers and a 9 foot pop-up. I have a trip planned for 2 weeks from now. I'm in CT and sticking to my State Park at the beach, only a 40 minute drive from home. Although the last leg of the trip is the most congested part of I95 in CT, it is a relatively easy drive.

As far as handling and ease of tow? It tracked behind me very nicely. On some of the elevations (CT hills) I could feel the need to really push the gas, but it kept a steady pace. I kept the speed to 55-60. We'll see how it feels once I put some weight in the truck and camper. I don't pack heavy, but I do have a few heavy items.

I bought those custom snap on mirrors by Snap & Zap, that seemed to give me the rearview range I require. My husband is like "Go have tow mirrors put on!" I told him that's an expensive option that I'll consider after I'm done spending other money on initial 'after buying new camper' purchases. We'll see how these work for me this season.

I bought the truck first, then intended on buying a camper that matched up to it. I was looking at somewhat smaller units initially, then realized my actual tow capability 'bump,' so went with (a little larger) Jay Feather '2022 left-over' at a nicely discounted price.

If I ever intend to drag the camper up and down the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, I might think my truck could struggle. but, for the (relatively) flat highways of CT/RI/MA, where I'll be going over the next couple years, (until I retire) it'll do me just fine.

I have the snap zat mirrors and love them.
And yes much cheaper than 1000+ to add factory ones

 

[JFlightRisk]

Your F150 has 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Unheard of HP in the V8's of years past that towed larger campers. It'll do just fine. You have the right attitude on backing her up onto a site. You'll feel more confident after a few trips. Sometimes I surprise myself and get ours in on the first try, other times I have to jockey a couple times, depending on the campground.

X3 on the Snap & Zap mirrors. They may not stick out as far as some other brands and styles, but they sure stay put on the truck.

Had a set of Milenco mirrors for our last Tundra that had single wall mirror shells, but the F150 is double wall shells, and they wouldn't stay firmly clamped at highway speed. Had the driver's mirror blow off once when a big dump truck went past us.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Your F150 has 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Unheard of HP in the V8's of years past that towed larger campers. It'll do just fine. You have the right attitude on backing her up onto a site. You'll feel more confident after a few trips. Sometimes I surprise myself and get ours in on the first try, other times I have to jockey a couple times, depending on the campground.

X3 on the Snap & Zap mirrors. They may not stick out as far as some other brands and styles, but they sure stay put on the truck.

Had a set of Milenco mirrors for our last Tundra that had single wall mirror shells, but the F150 is double wall shells, and they wouldn't stay firmly clamped at highway speed. Had the driver's mirror blow off once when a big dump truck went past us.

I love my truck! I had 5 Subaru Outbacks...the most recent being a 2022 Touring, with the tow package. I thought I'd find myself a camper a bit bigger than my pop-up, then reality hit and I realized it was not going to do the job for anything I was considering. So, I let the fully decked out Outback go and bought the 2023 XL F150. I was physically sick for a few days, knowing all those cool bells and whistles of my Outback were all traded for a lower trim level Ford. I'm a gadget person, I love my 'stuff.' It took me a couple weeks and some real time in the truck, but realized how much actually comes with that XL and a few add on packages. Aside from active cruise control and a front camera (which I LOVED...it was for rock climbing) my Ford feels great. I love no carpet. I love the interior. The display is plenty big without going to the next tier, 11" I love that I have to climb up into it and I LOVE the color.

My husband and I had a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie with the HEMI, etc, etc. back in 2008. He drove it most of the time and honestly, I wasn't a fan. We didn't have a camper then and we didn't really pull anything. When the gas prices went berserk we parked it for 2 years, then sold it eventually. BUT this Ford? Oh no. I shopped for this truck. This is MY truck. He doesn't touch it.

As far as the Zap mirrors; I read reviews that complained they 'buzzed' and vibrated. I went for weeks never having the issue then one day it happened. It takes a perfect scenario of wind, angle of attack and speed to make it happen, on either side. It's only happened a couple of times.

My first trip is on Memorial Day. Lol. I picked a doosie of a date for my first time going into a campground.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

By accident I ended up with a 2023 F150 with a nice
tow package set-up, when I went shopping specifically for the smaller 2.7 EcoBoost engine. The only thing I don’t have are the OEM tow mirrors.

There are several designs that will improve your mirrors for towing. I agree the factory mirrors suck. Depending on your truck's package the 2023 F 150s mirrors can be swapped out with the manual 250 trucks. Do you have the side lights, vehicle warning and camera feature on your current factory truck mirrors? There are nice slide ons too.

https://www.etrailer.com/Towing-Mirrors/Ford/F-150/2023/KS69NQ.html?VehicleID=20237015286

The 250 manual ones with the courtesy lights are plug and play are swap out, four screws and just plug the harness into the matching connector on the mirror.

The 250 tow mirrors are genuine Ford and runs around 800 bucks.? IIRC about a year ago. Let the parts guy at your local dealer confirm your VIN for a change out, if you have the package that corresponds with your features on these mirrors. If you move your mouse over the selected parts, they magnify and you will see the ends. The black cover inside the edge of the door just pops off with ease to access the connectors and plug in.
https://accessories.ford.com/f-150-2021-black-trailer-tow-mirrors

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

There are several designs that will improve your mirrors for towing. I agree the factory mirrors suck. Depending on your truck's package the 2023 F 150s mirrors can be swapped out with the manual 250 trucks. Do you have the side lights, vehicle warning and camera feature on your current factory truck mirrors? There are nice slide ons too.

https://www.etrailer.com/Towing-Mirrors/Ford/F-150/2023/KS69NQ.html?VehicleID=20237015286

The 250 manual ones with the courtesy lights are plug and play are swap out, four screws and just plug the harness into the matching connector on the mirror.

The 250 tow mirrors are genuine Ford and runs around 800 bucks.? IIRC about a year ago. Let the parts guy at your local dealer confirm your VIN for a change out, if you have the package that corresponds with your features on these mirrors. If you move your mouse over the selected parts, they magnify and you will see the ends. The black cover inside the edge of the door just pops off with ease to access the connectors and plug in.
https://accessories.ford.com/f-150-2021-black-trailer-tow-mirrors

JayFLight: I have the ZapSnap mirrors. I did check and yes, I saw those mirrors and figured those Ford OEM you mention would fit my truck...because mine don't have cameras or courtesy lights on them, (but they do have BLIS) which I believe will work with THIS set:
https://accessories.ford.com/f-150-2021-black-trailer-tow-mirrors-2

I told my husband, I'll use the Zap set this season, then maybe next season I'll get the bigger mirrors, if I really feel I need them.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

There is a big difference with those mirrors when wanting to see if someone if following closer behind you than you would like. Towing requires some planning ahead when towing or turning on side roads. If I am planning on changing lanes, for some reason vehicle drivers will suddenly pull out from behind me as I may be planning on changing lanes myself mainly on a interstate at cruising speeds..

Just the slight difference of the larger mirror extended out makes a difference for me and the bride since we do not have any camera on the back of the camper. The bottom fisheye mirrors, even though they are manually adjusted area huge asset for changing lanes and for backing over driveways with ditches on both sides.

Seeing vehicles coming up close and passing or even changing lanes ahead of heavy traffic has given us a new advantage from just the one stock fisheye on the right. I use them when just driving normally. I do fold them in when forced to park in parking lot spaces , keeping others from hitting them when walking or catching their mirrors themselves and harming them when parking along side.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

There is a big difference with those mirrors when wanting to see if someone if following closer behind you than you would like. Towing requires some planning ahead when towing or turning on side roads. If I am planning on changing lanes, for some reason vehicle drivers will suddenly pull out from behind me as I may be planning on changing lanes myself mainly on a interstate at cruising speeds..

Just the slight difference of the larger mirror extended out makes a difference for me and the bride since we do not have any camera on the back of the camper. The bottom fisheye mirrors, even though they are manually adjusted area huge asset for changing lanes and for backing over driveways with ditches on both sides.

Seeing vehicles coming up close and passing or even changing lanes ahead of heavy traffic has given us a new advantage from just the one stock fisheye on the right. I use them when just driving normally. I do fold them in when forced to park in parking lot spaces , keeping others from hitting them when walking or catching their mirrors themselves and harming them when parking along side.

You know...I'll be getting them sooner than later.