Jayco 261BHS

[Rebeldad88]

So we have been looking at Travel Trailers and found the 25 Jayco 261bhs we can get for 26k out the door. Seems like a good deal from looking around.

My concern is it too much for my truck.

The dryweight is right at 6k on the 261
Hitch dry is 705 so maybe 900 loaded.
it's 30'

I have a 21 Ram Rebel Crew Cab 5.7 3.92 gears. Upgraded cargomax springs in the rear which are 35% over factory.
1580 payload
Max tow of 11,880.

We would pack light just worried about that 30' and a 1500. We would be doing a lot of local trips but were central Alabama. Would like to take it to the smokies some and of course down to the beach.

 

[bow-man]

I have the same 261BHS, and tow with 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 Laramie 5.7. I have no issues pulling with my truck, and have the stock factory springs/shocks. I use the Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch. I did have to change my shank from a down to an up to raise the ball an additional level.

We don't pack heavy, and pulled from it up I77 to Fancy Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of weeks ago. It was about an hour long trip. Used the tow/haul mode and had no issues pulling. Was very windy, but felt none of the wind while we were towing.

I think my max tow is 8900.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

The numbers look okay. But day end and day out you probably will need to learn some possible limitations. But for the occasional trip out of your area, plan accordingly. Going down a mountain hill , breaking and stopping quickly does come into play .

 

[Rebeldad88]

I have the same 261BHS, and tow with 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 Laramie 5.7. I have no issues pulling with my truck, and have the stock factory springs/shocks. I use the Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch. I did have to change my shank from a down to an up to raise the ball an additional level.

We don't pack heavy, and pulled from it up I77 to Fancy Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of weeks ago. It was about an hour long trip. Used the tow/haul mode and had no issues pulling. Was very windy, but felt none of the wind while we were towing.

I think my max tow is 8900.

With the 1500 it didn't feel like the tail was wagging the dog?

The numbers look okay. But day end and day out you probably will need to learn some possible limitations. But for the occasional trip out of your area, plan accordingly. Going down a mountain hill , breaking and stopping quickly does come into play .

I feel this unit maybe on the verge due to payload but doable, especially since we would pack light. We looked at a Sonic 220vbh and there is a Jayco Jay flight 21mb I think.

We just worry with 2 small kids and a dog we would run out of room fast. And we go to the beach for 4 to 5 days we don't wanna be cramped.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

It sounds like the inside space is important to you. Take into consideration how you will be using the camper, mainly campgrounds with amenities to entertain your small kids, or more state parks with more sparse camping. If you feel that you are concerned that you are going too big, but you are just wanting a dry place to sleep, go smaller and go more and further with peace of mind.

Also dealing with your truck, are you at a point that you have a lot of miles on it and think that within the next year you may consider upgrading? You certainly do not need a 250 or a 3/4 ton for that camper unless you will be doing more extended time and further trips out west. But the F 150 packages with the max tow equipment with the eco boost will do a good job for that 26 BH fully loaded.

 

[Rebeldad88]

It sounds like the inside space is important to you. Take into consideration how you will be using the camper, mainly campgrounds with amenities to entertain your small kids, or more state parks with more sparse camping. If you feel that you are concerned that you are going too big, but you are just wanting a dry place to sleep, go smaller and go more and further with peace of mind.

Also dealing with your truck, are you at a point that you have a lot of miles on it and think that within the next year you may consider upgrading? You certainly do not need a 250 or a 3/4 ton for that camper unless you will be doing more extended time and further trips out west. But the F 150 packages with the max tow equipment with the eco boost will do a good job for that 26 BH fully loaded.

So right now I have a Vehicle allowance for work, but 2500's are excluded we can ask for permission but it has to be approved. Basically we buy what we want and as long as it meets a certain criteria they pay us an additional $750 a month.

My truck will need to be replaced in about 2 years. My idea is us starting small trips with this camper and truck, and then when I upgrade get either a f-150 or Silverado 1500 with the baby Duramax, unless I could persuade them to let me have a 2500. Mainly for fuel reason they don't let us have one they pay for our gas used for work mileage but I would give that up lol.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

That mini Duramax is the ticket and has worked fantastic for a friend with a similar TT. He has covered thousands of miles across the country and to the keys and loves the power and the fuel economy when not towing. You have answered your own question, IMO with your follow up.. Accept what the current truck will do and the area in which you fell comfortable with after putting some miles with the larger camper while looking between the time you feel comfortable in upgrading Enjoy

 

[bow-man]

With the 1500 it didn't feel like the tail was wagging the dog?
...
We just worry with 2 small kids and a dog we would run out of room fast. And we go to the beach for 4 to 5 days we don't wanna be cramped.

With a good weight distribution hitch, I've not noticed any sway. You did not indicate if you are using a weight distribution hitch, I would say is a requirement for towing.

Our camper houses me, my wife, and 2x 50lb dogs. Things got a little tight on our last camping trip as the weather was cold and windy. So they stayed in except when needing a potty break.

 

[Rebeldad88]

With a good weight distribution hitch, I've not noticed any sway. You did not indicate if you are using a weight distribution hitch, I would say is a requirement for towing.

Our camper houses me, my wife, and 2x 50lb dogs. Things got a little tight on our last camping trip as the weather was cold and windy. So they stayed in except when needing a potty break.

Oh yeah we will be adding a weight distribution hitch.

It will be me, my wife, a 2 year old and 4 year old and 1 dog. That's why I don't think there is absolutely anyway we can go smaller.


I'm eager to see how the springs help, there suppose to be 35% added. From most ram forums i've seen people use them a camper this size won't hardly squat the truck and they really firm up the rear.

 

[bow-man]

When I put my camper on my 1500, the rear dropped over 2", front went up an inch. After connecting weight distribution bars, the front went back to original height and rear was only down .5" from original height.

 

[bow-man]

Here's how my truck and camper are sitting.