Possible Trade-Up - Opinions Please and Thanks!

DooDahDay

Advanced Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2016
Messages
31
Location
Troutville
Looking at 2 possible new trailers. Main questions/concerns focus on towing. Amenities between the TTs are more about preference (not that I would ignore valuable insight if offered).
Ford says my TV can pull the Chrysler Building to Salt Lake City. The ability of an engine to pull a big trailer has little relevance to the ability of a truck to stop and control a big trailer. This is where I'm seeking advice and am grateful for the many smart & experienced folks on this forum.

TV: 2017 F150 2.7L twin turbo EcoBoost w/Tow pkg | 18" rims | 2,024 lbs max load.

Current TT: 2016 Jayco 23RB (No slides)
Total Length 27'2" Ft | Dry: 4,370 lbs | GVWR: 6,500 lbs | TW: 505 lbs

DW has spoken - first choice:
2023 Jayco White Hawk 27RB (1 slide - full living space)
Total length 32'10" | Dry 6,735 lbs | GVWR 8,200 lbs | TW: 845 lbs

I like this TT after one walk-thru. Compared to our narrow TT, the extra wide living area is...wow. Lot's of nice extras, as well. If we could afford an F250 (or 3/4 Ram, Chevy, etc), this would be a no-brainer.

Assume we'll step up from a smarmy round bar to an Andersen or Equal-i-zer wdh.
Is this new TT too much?
What are the top issues to consider, safety-wise...and are there work-arounds that would mitigate issues?

Our 2nd choice is a 2023 Jay Flight 247RBS...I have no major concerns with this one.

Many Thanks - Mark
 
Looking at 2 possible new trailers. Main questions/concerns focus on towing. Amenities between the TTs are more about preference (not that I would ignore valuable insight if offered).
Ford says my TV can pull the Chrysler Building to Salt Lake City. The ability of an engine to pull a big trailer has little relevance to the ability of a truck to stop and control a big trailer. This is where I'm seeking advice and am grateful for the many smart & experienced folks on this forum.

TV: 2017 F150 2.7L twin turbo EcoBoost w/Tow pkg | 18" rims | 2,024 lbs max load.

Current TT: 2016 Jayco 23RB (No slides)
Total Length 27'2" Ft | Dry: 4,370 lbs | GVWR: 6,500 lbs | TW: 505 lbs

DW has spoken - first choice:
2023 Jayco White Hawk 27RB (1 slide - full living space)
Total length 32'10" | Dry 6,735 lbs | GVWR 8,200 lbs | TW: 845 lbs

I like this TT after one walk-thru. Compared to our narrow TT, the extra wide living area is...wow. Lot's of nice extras, as well. If we could afford an F250 (or 3/4 Ram, Chevy, etc), this would be a no-brainer.

Assume we'll step up from a smarmy round bar to an Andersen or Equal-i-zer wdh.
Is this new TT too much?
What are the top issues to consider, safety-wise...and are there work-arounds that would mitigate issues?

Our 2nd choice is a 2023 Jay Flight 247RBS...I have no major concerns with this one.

Many Thanks - Mark

I would be skeptical of the actual tongue weight. Rarely are manufacturers accurate with this number. It’s almost always higher especially after you load it with stuff.

I would first check the hitch on your truck. Assuming it’s a class 4 (and not a class 3) the class 4 has a max tongue weight of 1000 lbs. You will no doubt be pushing the limit if not over the limit.

As for the truck it’s not enough in my opinion for that 32’ travel trailer. It’s been estimated that towing a travel trailer with a half ton truck equates to about 20% more weight than towing a conventional low boy trailer of equal weight so an 8k lb TT is more like towing a 10k lb low boy trailer. The way that longer trailer will push your truck around on the road usually results in a white knuckle grip and a tense driving experience. Stopping can be a concern as well but it’s more the handling ability of the truck for me.

I have pulled a 32’ TT with a 2008 F150 and it wasn’t fun. At one point I hit a stretch of road with some dips in a curve and almost lost it and wasn’t going fast. That was the last time I tried to pull a TT that big with that truck.

I also pulled at 27’ TT (7200 lbs) with a 2017 F150 (3.5 Eco) with tow package. Even that TT would push me around on the road in winds over about 12 mph. I didn’t have a good WD hitch though and that does make a difference. For me this size would be the limit for an F150.

In terms of the equalizer WD hitch I think it would work well for either of those options.
 
In the first place, it has a small 6 cylinder. Turbo or not, it is still a 6 cylinder. I would NOT attempt to pull 32' of trailer with a 1/2 ton truck, regardless of the engine. A 1/2 ton truck just doesn't have enough "lead in its pencil" to comfortably and safely pull that much trailer. You need a smaller trailer or at least a 3/4 ton truck. Bottom line, how much is the safety of yourself and family worth?
 
Looking at 2 possible new trailers. Main questions/concerns focus on towing. Amenities between the TTs are more about preference (not that I would ignore valuable insight if offered).
Ford says my TV can pull the Chrysler Building to Salt Lake City. The ability of an engine to pull a big trailer has little relevance to the ability of a truck to stop and control a big trailer. This is where I'm seeking advice and am grateful for the many smart & experienced folks on this forum.

TV: 2017 F150 2.7L twin turbo EcoBoost w/Tow pkg | 18" rims | 2,024 lbs max load.

Current TT: 2016 Jayco 23RB (No slides)
Total Length 27'2" Ft | Dry: 4,370 lbs | GVWR: 6,500 lbs | TW: 505 lbs

DW has spoken - first choice:
2023 Jayco White Hawk 27RB (1 slide - full living space)
Total length 32'10" | Dry 6,735 lbs | GVWR 8,200 lbs | TW: 845 lbs

I like this TT after one walk-thru. Compared to our narrow TT, the extra wide living area is...wow. Lot's of nice extras, as well. If we could afford an F250 (or 3/4 Ram, Chevy, etc), this would be a no-brainer.

Assume we'll step up from a smarmy round bar to an Andersen or Equal-i-zer wdh.
Is this new TT too much?
What are the top issues to consider, safety-wise...and are there work-arounds that would mitigate issues?

Our 2nd choice is a 2023 Jay Flight 247RBS...I have no major concerns with this one.

Many Thanks - Mark


There are so many "Can I Tow This?" calculators on the Internet that you can plug data in to and come up with some ideas that there is no way I would be asking people on Web sites if it would work for me.



You are going to follow the advice of some people who basically, might have a clue, but then really might not and trust your truck, rig and life on that?



Sorry but going on-line and asking for advice leaves you hanging when things crash.
 
Okay, I will say that a 3.5 eco Boost, rigged with maximum tow package option is your best selection for the 1/2 ton vehicle, even with the crew cab. Look up the variety of ratings, which are really just numbers created by Ford.

I have the same camper that you have now, owned two of the same, just different year after selling the first one and love it with no slides. The second option that gives you more room is the 265 RLS , which weighs less.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2022-Jayco-Jay+Flight+SLX+265RLS-5027194913

The next one on my list is the 24RL, which has a great kitchen in it. Plus when you travel you, the door is right across from the bathroom without any problems with the slide restricting access.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2022-Jayco-Jay+Feather+24RL-5016035769

Of course these two models are not the White Hawk models.

By the way take a look at your actual package on your current truck. If you don't have the window sticker, your local dealer can pull your spec from your vin number. If its just a class iV hitch feature, your towing capacity is severally reduced. With the 18" wheels, I suspect that your GVW rating is on the lower side. The Max Tow package carries the 20" tires for the 3.5 eco boost truck anyway.
 
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Looking at 2 possible new trailers. Main questions/concerns focus on towing. Amenities between the TTs are more about preference (not that I would ignore valuable insight if offered).
Ford says my TV can pull the Chrysler Building to Salt Lake City. The ability of an engine to pull a big trailer has little relevance to the ability of a truck to stop and control a big trailer. This is where I'm seeking advice and am grateful for the many smart & experienced folks on this forum.

TV: 2017 F150 2.7L twin turbo EcoBoost w/Tow pkg | 18" rims | 2,024 lbs max load.

Current TT: 2016 Jayco 23RB (No slides)
Total Length 27'2" Ft | Dry: 4,370 lbs | GVWR: 6,500 lbs | TW: 505 lbs

DW has spoken - first choice:
2023 Jayco White Hawk 27RB (1 slide - full living space)
Total length 32'10" | Dry 6,735 lbs | GVWR 8,200 lbs | TW: 845 lbs

I like this TT after one walk-thru. Compared to our narrow TT, the extra wide living area is...wow. Lot's of nice extras, as well. If we could afford an F250 (or 3/4 Ram, Chevy, etc), this would be a no-brainer.

Assume we'll step up from a smarmy round bar to an Andersen or Equal-i-zer wdh.
Is this new TT too much?
What are the top issues to consider, safety-wise...and are there work-arounds that would mitigate issues?

Our 2nd choice is a 2023 Jay Flight 247RBS...I have no major concerns with this one.

Many Thanks - Mark

FIRST: DW has good taste. The WH 27RB was my 'dream choice' when TT shopping. I have a 2023 Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Crew Max with max tow package (20" wheels, trailer brake etc etc)

I knew when I was shopping the 'dream trailer' was not only out of $$ range, but also out of my tow range, which made it an easy 'pass.' On to other choice I went and settle in on the Jay Feather 22RB. Still has that awesome sized rear bath HUGE vanity, just less seating.

Since I went with a '22 left-over, I didn't have the choice of recliners OR U dinette and had to settle for the U dinette. It's fine. I'll recline outside at the beach in the beautiful sun or under the awning in the shade in my zero gravity and be totally happy.

On that note. Your wife might find a different trailer with some of the perks of that big one she's been eyeing.

Also...Jay Feather has a new floorpan out for '24.
The 23RK ...and man, oh man, does it hit the marks for me...you know, the one who wanted both reclining and dinette-ing but didn't want the trailer too long or too 'spensive. This one actually comes in at an MSRP less than my floorpan, yet it's a tad longer.

I sure wish THIS floorpan was on the lot when I was looking...

https://www.jayco.com/rvs/travel-trailers/2024-jay-feather/23rk/
 
The 23RK does have a nice layout. The rear kitchen feature really checks the boxes for us. You can come in and out of the back door with supplies with a counter to sit it on without making lots of steps with the big counter. You can cook outside with access to some supplies inside without more steps. But the big slide creates a pause for me. The added weight and extra length just screams trouble and leaks down the road, especially if it has the cable setup. The Jayco site is showing 53 and change, MSRP but does not offer 30 lb tanks as standard equipment. That's being cheap. If we were to ever upgrade, the 24RL is just about the right mix and compromise.
 
The 23RK does have a nice layout. The rear kitchen feature really checks the boxes for us. You can come in and out of the back door with supplies with a counter to sit it on without making lots of steps with the big counter. You can cook outside with access to some supplies inside without more steps. But the big slide creates a pause for me. The added weight and extra length just screams trouble and leaks down the road, especially if it has the cable setup. The Jayco site is showing 53 and change, MSRP but does not offer 30 lb tanks as standard equipment. That's being cheap. If we were to ever upgrade, the 24RL is just about the right mix and compromise.

"the cable set-up?" I'd imagine thats a through the frame R&P slide. Meh...maintain it the best you can, cross your fingers and go for it. Even the tiniest slide can potentially leak.

Love that end wall, end to end kitchen AND you get a dinette AND 2 recliners DIRECTLY across from your TV. THIS is would have what I'd have chosen if it existed when I was shopping.

As far as MSRP...I only used that number to gauge the fact that it looks as if my model number is priced HIGHER yet the 23RK has more seating and a super cool layout and it is 3 feet longer..yes a bit heavier, but still towable.

Tanks must be included. No way they aren't included. :(
 
I appreciate all of the responses and agree with CAG's correct observation that asking strangers online for advice in this type of decision seems nuts.
Jerry's insight about towing a travel trailer vs low boy makes perfect sense and the visualization of his real life experience simply made it easier to explain the*issue to my*wife.
Not only did I get stories of real experiences, but in many cases those experiences involved similar equipment to ours, as well as some excellent suggestions for possible alternative*TTs to look at.* All of it has helped to disappoint my wife in a more caring manner. I didn't just say "no it can't be done." Y'all helped explain why. So again, thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge and experience. This is why input from strangers on a forum where folks share similar interests, experiences and equipment can be useful.*
 
I appreciate all of the responses and agree with CAG's correct observation that asking strangers online for advice in this type of decision seems nuts.
Jerry's insight about towing a travel trailer vs low boy makes perfect sense and the visualization of his real life experience simply made it easier to explain the*issue to my*wife.
Not only did I get stories of real experiences, but in many cases those experiences involved similar equipment to ours, as well as some excellent suggestions for possible alternative*TTs to look at.* All of it has helped to disappoint my wife in a more caring manner. I didn't just say "no it can't be done." Y'all helped explain why. So again, thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge and experience. This is why input from strangers on a forum where folks share similar interests, experiences and equipment can be useful.*


YOU TELL YOUR WIFE I FEEL HER PAIN. NO MATTER, WHATEVER YOU END UP WITH; SHE’S GOING TO LOVE IT. :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
Congrats on doing your due diligence. I believe you've gotten some good, useful information. I won't repeat what's been said. Forgive me if I missed this. You are pushing every important envelope. I see no ten to 15% margins that make for safer trips and fewer white knuckle miles. Safe travels.
 

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