Where to Start

[F350guy-JAY]

Been a member for a while now but not active lately. We sold our 2020 Pinnacle last fall and traded our F350 for an F150 pretty much thinking we were done with the rv life after 40 plus years. Now we are not so sure. I know we are done with the bigger stuff so no regrets selling the Pinnacle and getting the F150. We've been toying with the idea of getting a smaller travel trailer for our several trips to Branson, 225 miles one way, and some local lake camping. We are done with the long trips.

We had such good luck with our Pinnacle that I thought I would look at some Jayco's. We haven't seen anything in person yet but kind of like the Feather models in maybe the 28 foot range. The listed weights are around 6K which I know will vary when loaded. Our truck is a 2024 King Ranch hybrid with the tow/haul package and 3.73 gearing. It pulls my 3500 lb bass boat without breaking a sweat but my concern with a travel trailer is my payload, which is only 1310 pounds. It does have a 10,800 tow rating.

So, am I being overly optimistic on towing that size trailer? Also, any suggestions for a particular model that might work? The main thing we want is theater seating and a closed off bedroom. I'm an early riser and the wife not so much. We are in no hurry to do anything. There is an rv show in Tulsa at the end of the month we are planning to go to and look. My preference is probably used so should I steer of the Covid years? Thanks.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I owned a hybrid F 150, 2021 and I will say that it was a disappointment. I was towing the 23 RB , dry weight around 4500 lbs and when we loaded it up was around 6500 lbs on the cat scales.
I dealt with the shifting on and off and the transmission was crap. Ford could not get the parts and we had been aggravated enough with waiting. It finally went out on my at 23000 miles, plus of minus.

While I had the 3.5 eco boost engine in it with the 3.73 , I did not have the suspension , which it sounds like you are lite on with just the 10,800 capacity too dealing with the hybrid and step down tow package. Look at your window sticker, if you still have it and see what its showing for the tow package or max tow package.

If I recall correctly your equipment weighs more than the standard non-hybrid trucks. So you loose some towing ability and capacity.

We upgraded to the 2023 Max tow package, straight 3.5 eco boost, 3.55, 14,200 and now with the 29 rl, dry weight rating at 7089 lbs we do fantastic in the foothills with it lightly loaded. Of course in a strong head wind the mileage drops to around 8.9 to 9. Speed has not been a problem. The wallet sometimes is though. But no one ever said that this sport was a free ride. LOL

But overall we are averaging around 10 mpg at 60 to 62 mph on the interstate. The back roads we see around 11.5 to 12 at 45 to 55 mph.

We have not attempted the Rockies yet. So my thoughts would be that you are probably pushing the envelope with the 28 Jayfeather, all things considered if you intend on doing higher elevations loaded up.

 

[F350guy-JAY]

I owned a hybrid F 150, 2021 and I will say that it was a disappointment. I was towing the 23 RB , dry weight around 4500 lbs and when we loaded it up was around 6500 lbs on the cat scales.
I dealt with the shifting on and off and the transmission was crap. Ford could not get the parts and we had been aggravated enough with waiting. It finally went out on my at 23000 miles, plus of minus.

While I had the 3.5 eco boost engine in it with the 3.73 , I did not have the suspension , which it sounds like you are lite on with just the 10,800 capacity too dealing with the hybrid and step down tow package. Look at your window sticker, if you still have it and see what its showing for the tow package or max tow package.

The 24RL in the Jay Feather was the floor plan we thought might work.

The 24RL in the Jay Feather was the floor plan we thought might work.

The 24RL in the Jay Feather was the floorplan we thought might work.

If I recall correctly your equipment weighs more than the standard non-hybrid trucks. So you loose some towing ability and capacity.

We upgraded to the 2023 Max tow package, straight 3.5 eco boost, 3.55, 14,200 and now with the 29 rl, dry weight rating at 7089 lbs we do fantastic in the foothills with it lightly loaded. Of course in a strong head wind the mileage drops to around 8.9 to 9. Speed has not been a problem. The wallet sometimes is though. But no one ever said that this sport was a free ride. LOL

But overall we are averaging around 10 mpg at 60 to 62 mph on the interstate. The back roads we see around 11.5 to 12 at 45 to 55 mph.

We have not attempted the Rockies yet. So my thoughts would be that you are probably pushing the envelope with the 28 Jayfeather, all things considered if you intend on doing higher elevations loaded up.

We will hopefully find something that will work and maybe scale back the size. Like I said we don't plan on anymore long trips. We're just looking for something that will be comfortable for a week or two at a time. When I bought the F150 I was only concerned with it pulling my bass boat. I got the hybrid because it was a free option and I can use the built in generator. I will say it is a dream to drive around town compared the F350 long bed diesel I traded for it.

I looked at the sticker and it does have the tow/haul package, 53T, which includes upgraded rear axle, brake controller, trailer sway control, hitch assist, pro trailer back up, tow/haul transmission selection, etc. The powertrain has the same ratings as the non hybrid version as far as I can tell except for the added weight of the hybrid stuff reducing the payload. It does have the 7400# GVWR package but I couldn't find what that includes. The max tow would have increased the tow capacity from 10,800 to 11,200 so only a 400 pound gain.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

Do you have the crew cab or the extended cab? If you have the crew cab, is it a 145" wheel base or a 160" ? Do you have 18" or 20 " tires? I am trying to figure out the difference. We also have the 36 gallon tank. That is a big advantage for us from the 26 gallon tank.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

 

[Jayhawk 29]

As it relates to the new 28 Jay Feathers, depending on the layout of course and whether Jayco takes it upon itself to change tank sizes from its listed capacity on their webpage, there is a decrease from 40 gallons to 30 gallons for the black water tanks. That to me has been the shortcomings for the new models, mine included. We had the 40 gallons and we boondock a lot.

 

[F350guy-JAY]

Do you have the crew cab or the extended cab? If you have the crew cab, is it a 145" wheel base or a 160" ? Do you have 18" or 20 " tires? I am trying to figure out the difference. We also have the 36 gallon tank. That is a big advantage for us from the 26 gallon tank.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

It's the 145" crew cab. From what I could find the fuel tank is 30 gallons. The tires are 20" wheels. The models of the Jay Feather I think might work is either the 23RK or 24RL.

 

[F350guy-JAY]

As it relates to the new 28 Jay Feathers, depending on the layout of course and whether Jayco takes it upon itself to change tank sizes from its listed capacity on their webpage, there is a decrease from 40 gallons to 30 gallons for the black water tanks. That to me has been the shortcomings for the new models, mine included. We had the 40 gallons and we boondock a lot.

I see that. Not great but we don't boondock, ever. When I said the 28' length I was looking at the overall length for the 2 models I mentioned above.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

Of the two models, the RL is better when traveling, with the bathroom straight in the door. And with the slide in you can still make something to eat in the kitchen. It has a nice counter too. It also has the outside storage in the rear curbside. I also think there are more storage cabinets .

 

[F350guy-JAY]

Of the two models, the RL is better when traveling, with the bathroom straight in the door. And with the slide in you can still make something to eat in the kitchen. It has a nice counter too. It also has the outside storage in the rear curbside.

The RL is within my truck specs but I know brochure weights and actual weights can vary, a lot. When we had our Pinnacle the listed pin weight was less than 2500 pounds but actual was 3120. Of course that was with a washer/dryer added to the front closet along with clothes and everything else for a month long trip to the mountains. The trick for us is in the downsizing. We got rid of most of the stuff we carried in the Pinnacle when we sold it, most of which we never used. If we do wind up with something we have the opportunity to be more efficient in our selection of stuff.

 

[Velz]

As others have said, go with the Jay Feather 24RL and your 150 shouldn't have any issues. We downgraded from a 28 Jay Flight and a ¾ ton Duramax and couldn't be happier. (Truck was great, just got tired of jockeying 32' of trailer and tongue.)


My Tahoe pulls the 24RL just fine, so a pickup should be even better for towing/cargo capacities.


As to COVID years, we haven't had any issues with our '22 24RL. YMMV.

 

[Firedawg1964]

JayFeather 225MLS

Been a member for a while now but not active lately. We sold our 2020 Pinnacle last fall and traded our F350 for an F150 pretty much thinking we were done with the rv life after 40 plus years. Now we are not so sure. I know we are done with the bigger stuff so no regrets selling the Pinnacle and getting the F150. We've been toying with the idea of getting a smaller travel trailer for our several trips to Branson, 225 miles one way, and some local lake camping. We are done with the long trips.

We had such good luck with our Pinnacle that I thought I would look at some Jayco's. We haven't seen anything in person yet but kind of like the Feather models in maybe the 28 foot range. The listed weights are around 6K which I know will vary when loaded. Our truck is a 2024 King Ranch hybrid with the tow/haul package and 3.73 gearing. It pulls my 3500 lb bass boat without breaking a sweat but my concern with a travel trailer is my payload, which is only 1310 pounds. It does have a 10,800 tow rating.

So, am I being overly optimistic on towing that size trailer? Also, any suggestions for a particular model that might work? The main thing we want is theater seating and a closed off bedroom. I'm an early riser and the wife not so much. We are in no hurry to do anything. There is an rv show in Tulsa at the end of the month we are planning to go to and look. My preference is probably used so should I steer of the Covid years? Thanks.

Take a look at the 225MLS couples camper - we love ours. Just what you may be looking for.

Dale

 

[JKyle-JAY]

At first read I was optimistic about that 28' Jay Feather and your F150, but then I got to the part where it's a hybrid and despite having tow/hail packages, has a really sad payload rating.

I have the 28' Jay Feather 22rb. Love bathroom roominess and its overall size is really perfect for 2 people. My truck is an F150 XL 2.7 EcoBoost. It's the lowest trim, but it is outfitted with the '2.7L Payload Package' It has a payload rating of 1900 pounds and a tow capacity of 10,100...making it the most economically tow capable 2.7L. The 22rb makes a really nice pairing for the truck.

 

[Poppa404]

I purchased a 2024 Jayco White Hawk about a year ago and it was advertised at about 6,800 lb give or take and as a lightweight camper. I didn't spend enough time looking at the pin weight. I have measured the camper on a scale at a trailer hitch business and found the dry tongue weight to be 1,000 lb. maxing out the capacity on my Titan. I have no problem pulling the trailer but had a problem with squat. I ended up installing Timbrens in place of the factory bump stops which are nothing more than hollow plastic. I also use a load distributing hitch and had to have it readjusted after a couple trips out. It now tows level with little or no sway on the interstate. Just a note to pay attention to the tongue weight or pin weight on the trailer. Our whitehawk seems to have the axles further back causing a heavier front end.

 

[JKyle-JAY]

I purchased a 2024 Jayco White Hawk about a year ago and it was advertised at about 6,800 lb give or take and as a lightweight camper. I didn't spend enough time looking at the pin weight. I have measured the camper on a scale at a trailer hitch business and found the dry tongue weight to be 1,000 lb. maxing out the capacity on my Titan. I have no problem pulling the trailer but had a problem with squat. I ended up installing Timbrens in place of the factory bump stops which are nothing more than hollow plastic. I also use a load distributing hitch and had to have it readjusted after a couple trips out. It now tows level with little or no sway on the interstate. Just a note to pay attention to the tongue weight or pin weight on the trailer. Our whitehawk seems to have the axles further back causing a heavier front end.

Yeah, that dry tongue weight is your starting point. Add a battery or two, 2 FULL tanks of propane, front pass through gear, a heavier mattress (front bedroom) and stuff in your truck bed and that weight goes up quickly. I have the Timbrens and they work really well.

 

[Bob Pope]

Been a member for a while now but not active lately. We sold our 2020 Pinnacle last fall and traded our F350 for an F150 pretty much thinking we were done with the rv life after 40 plus years. Now we are not so sure. I know we are done with the bigger stuff so no regrets selling the Pinnacle and getting the F150. We've been toying with the idea of getting a smaller travel trailer for our several trips to Branson, 225 miles one way, and some local lake camping. We are done with the long trips.

We had such good luck with our Pinnacle that I thought I would look at some Jayco's. We haven't seen anything in person yet but kind of like the Feather models in maybe the 28 foot range. The listed weights are around 6K which I know will vary when loaded. Our truck is a 2024 King Ranch hybrid with the tow/haul package and 3.73 gearing. It pulls my 3500 lb bass boat without breaking a sweat but my concern with a travel trailer is my payload, which is only 1310 pounds. It does have a 10,800 tow rating.

So, am I being overly optimistic on towing that size trailer? Also, any suggestions for a particular model that might work? The main thing we want is theater seating and a closed off bedroom. I'm an early riser and the wife not so much. We are in no hurry to do anything. There is an rv show in Tulsa at the end of the month we are planning to go to and look. My preference is probably used so should I steer of the Covid years? Thanks.

Stick with a 250 4x4 Super Duty deisel! Best towing vehicle made! Look for a used 2020 low mileage !

 

[F350guy-JAY]

I've had nothing but diesel trucks for the past 25 years, mostly Ford Super Duty's. Always required for our fifth wheels. We had a 2020 F350 long bed diesel which I traded last spring for a similar 2024 F350 thinking we would be keeping our fifth wheel for a while. Some health issues and the aging process caused us to rethink it after a long trip in September. That's when we decided to sell the fifth wheel. After it sold I traded the F350 even for the F150 KR hybrid. I took a little loss but nothing I couldn't live with. Like I said I'm just thinking we may have a little of the rv life left in us but only if I can find something that works with the new truck and with us. If it doesn't happen we're okay with it.

 

[Bob Pope]

I pulled a 2019 Jayco Jayflight SLX 32' with my 2006 Tundra SR5 with no problem. I ran E rated tires at 80lbs on the truck and premium gas. We covered about 20k miles, some through the Smokie Mountains, in that rig.

 

[MK 2022]

Been a member for a while now but not active lately. We sold our 2020 Pinnacle last fall and traded our F350 for an F150 pretty much thinking we were done with the rv life after 40 plus years. Now we are not so sure. I know we are done with the bigger stuff so no regrets selling the Pinnacle and getting the F150. We've been toying with the idea of getting a smaller travel trailer for our several trips to Branson, 225 miles one way, and some local lake camping. We are done with the long trips.

We had such good luck with our Pinnacle that I thought I would look at some Jayco's. We haven't seen anything in person yet but kind of like the Feather models in maybe the 28 foot range. The listed weights are around 6K which I know will vary when loaded. Our truck is a 2024 King Ranch hybrid with the tow/haul package and 3.73 gearing. It pulls my 3500 lb bass boat without breaking a sweat but my concern with a travel trailer is my payload, which is only 1310 pounds. It does have a 10,800 tow rating.

So, am I being overly optimistic on towing that size trailer? Also, any suggestions for a particular model that might work? The main thing we want is theater seating and a closed off bedroom. I'm an early riser and the wife not so much. We are in no hurry to do anything. There is an rv show in Tulsa at the end of the month we are planning to go to and look. My preference is probably used so should I steer of the Covid years? Thanks.

I have a RAM 1500 Limited with tow package air bags, and everything else. I also have a 2022 Jayfeather 22rb, love it. My Ram tows it without issues and hardly know it is there. We travel with full water tanks as well as 40 lbs of propane. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out.