hitch question

[drtumolo]

I just picked up a "new to me" Jayco Eagle 322RLOK and have a hitch question. The tongue weight of the new camper is listed at 1260#. My tow vehicle is a 2020 Ram 2500 with a equalizer hitch. My current hitch is a 1000# rated load bars and I am leaving for Nashville from PA next friday. Local rv shop said it isnt ideal but should be ok. Thought? Should I try to find a heavier hitch and install it quick?

 

[skids-JAY]

Too many variables. Do some research or read the specs from the sticker on the trailer. Batteries, one or two. Travel with water? Is so what is the capacity. Propane tanks? One or two. etc...

 

[drtumolo]

I know many variables. I based tongue weight on factory specs. One battery, plan to tow with water (75gal).

 

[skids-JAY]

I know many variables. I based tongue weight on factory specs. One battery, plan to tow with water (75gal).

Water weighs over 8 lbs/gal and 75 gallons will result in 600 extra lbs. Probably 2/3 of that will be carried on the ball, depending on the trailer's dimensions. Do you really want an additional 400 lbs on the ball. You had better check on the truck's receiver capacity also.

 

[drtumolo]

My payload is 2972# so I am within spec even with water.

 

[CAG-JAY]

My payload is 2972# so I am within spec even with water.

In spec with what? Your payload weight is not the question as I read what you posted. The question is the tongue weight and you are over from the beginning so the answer to your original question is "yes" you need a different hitch with higher tow weight rating.



If you are looking for a "qualified" answer call the hitch manufacturer and ask them. They are the experts not a bunch of people on a Web forum.

 

[mrmom]

IMO, you are already 250 lbs over weight on the receiver before you have added any gear. If it were me, I would be looking for a receiver with a higher rating to tow a rig that size. My 1500 Suburban has a hitch rating of 100 ibs with a weight distribution setup, I would have thought that a 2500 truck would have a beefier hitch setup.

 

[drtumolo]

My misunderstanding on what was asked about water. Yes I am aware I am over the equalizer rating and am now looking for an alternative I can get NOW. I am going to go look at an Hensley hitch later today and hopefully that will solve my problem.

 

[drtumolo]

Does anyone here happen to know hitch coupler height on this camper. Where it is parked currently is uneven ground so very difficult to get an accurate measurement.

 

[craigav]

I would check the hitch setup you have now for more details, but what I suspect is that the hitch itself is likely rated for a much higher load and the "equalizer bars" are designed for ~1000 lbs tongue weight in regards to equalization. What that would mean (and you should check your hitch mfg documentation) is that your setup is safe and not in danger of the hitch breaking, but that the equalization bars will not equalize all of the load that stronger bars would (ie 12,000 bars).

This is likely what the dealer was saying isn't ideal, but this scenario (if I am understanding everything correctly) is not as concerning as if the hitch itself was being loaded for a heavier weight than it is rated for. ~CA

 

[drtumolo]

I already checked and the heavier load bars will not fit the current hitch head.

 

[drtumolo]

Trying to measure the coupler height in my uneven driveway shows the coupling about 29” when camper is parallel with the ground. I went to a gas station with the truck to get a measurement on hitch height and that is 24.5”. Does the camper coupling height sound about right? That is the measurement I am unsure about due to the uneven driveway surface.

 

[drtumolo]

An update on the eagle. Jayco customer service told me my hitch height is 26.5". For the short term I decided to use another equalizer hitch. I am picking up a 1400/14000# equalizer today and hopefully get that installed tonight and adjusted tomorrow.

 

[drtumolo]

Update on the hitch install for my RAM 2500 / Jayco eagle 322RLOK. I ended up with an Equalizer 1400/14000 lb hitch. I towed the camper to a flat parking lot to do the adjustments. First adjustment I got @ 55% of my weight distibuted back to the front axle. After talking to Equalizers customer service they recommended that I raise the L brackets one hole. (7 washers already installed) I now have @ 85% of the load back on the front axle. I asked about the spring bars not being level after raising the L brackets and he told me "in a perfect world the should be but ok if not".
Here are the numbers
Truck receiver height 24.5"
Camper coupler height (top) 29"
Unhitched truck front fender height 41 & 3/8
Hitched no weight distribution 42.25
Weight distribution bars engaged 41 7 7/16

 

[Taftcoach]

Safe travels!

 

[drtumolo]

thank you

 

[videoarizona]

Better. That install was done correctly. Good to hear.

Just had a friend who's Ford dealer installed their hitch and didn't they even bother to measure the hitch height of the trailer or truck. End result is the truck ball is 4 inches higher than the trailer hitch. No wonder her trunion bars were not mating correctly!

You will be happy with your tow now.

 

[Nitehawk]

My misunderstanding on what was asked about water. Yes I am aware I am over the equalizer rating and am now looking for an alternative I can get NOW. I am going to go look at an Hensley hitch later today and hopefully that will solve my problem.

I have Hensley hitch and would not trade it for anything but remember that the Hensley is a very heavy hitch ( and expensive) but to me worth it.
The height is measured beside the wheels, take it from the ground to the middle of the frame. Also you will need to now the dimension of A frame at the front , and whether it is a "C" channel or square tube , if you call them ask to speak to Terri. he was really helpful, but remember the hitch is heavy and is added to your hitch weight