Trek1

Is anyone towing this 5th wheel trailer? I am looking for a new four seasons trailer, and this one looks like the perfect fit...except for the hitch weight. Most of my towing experience has been limited to ball hitch trailers, so any feedback would be much appreciated.

tsigwing

what is your payload capacity?

Trek1

My GVWR is 7,000, and payload 1557.

The specs on the Jayco Eagle HT 23.5RBS are; unloaded weight 6320, and dry hitch weight 1240.

tsigwing

Your going to be over your payload capacity.

DieselDawg

I know they call it The Half Ton Hero...but if you load anything in your truck besides yourself...or much in the trailer you are gonna be overweight most likely


http://www.jayco.com/tools/archive/2...gle-ht/235rbs/


Now ... could you tow it ... safely??? Man, that is a tuff one!!!

Trek1

Thanks for the feedback. The kids have left the nest, so the wife and I travel light these days. Lot's of factors to look at still before making a final decision.

RobertP

I'd say u would prolly be fine just pack towards the rear of the camper heck moving spare to rear of camper will give u another 100 lbs of pay load, and moving the jack and tools is another 30-40 lbs but I'd not be worried about the payload your are defiantly close but u should be fine as camper weight is low, also remeber the payload is based off of a p rated tire defiantly put atleast a 6 ply or heavier on it and u will be fine

Trek1

Yep, I had planned on upgrading the tires, and could also run with a less than full fuel tank.

11screw50

P-rated tires are not the lowest rated component of the truck, in fact, they generally are rated higher than the springs, axles and wheels.

Even though the stock tires are not the weak link, I'd upgrade for a stiffer sidewall anyway. As for running with a less than full fuel tank, half a tank will save you 113lb. but do you really want to limit yourself to 18 gallons of fuel at probably 9-10 mpg?

Also, how much does a 5th wheel hitch itself weigh? Gotta be 100+ lb.

RobertP

The 9.75 rear end is defiantly heavier than the p rated tires, the same rear end is used e350 super duty vans, I've been working on these trucks since new in 04 the rear end is super heavyduty, take a look at a 8.8 used in a mustang people race the crap outta them they hold up fine, the 9.75 is way stronger as the bearings are over twice as big, the springs are setup for a good ride, add roadmaster active suspension and your good to go, as it does not effect the ride and drastically improved handling