Hi there. New to the travel trailer world, although not without experience (rentals, used the in-laws, lots of time pulling trailers in general). I've spent a LOT of time here over the last few days lurking, and I was hoping this community could check my math, and then possibly help with some recommendations.

We bought a 2018 Jayco 25bh. 6750 GVWR - 5606lbs from the factory (including propane), maximum cargo load of 1144 lbs. We got a screaming deal, and this is basically the perfect layout for us as a family with two kids.

Currently driving a 2015 3.5L Ecoboost Lariat. Max tow package, 3.55 rear axle. Truck details found here - http://inventory.signatureautos.com/...exas/37930858/ (old listing, but it has all the packages listed which is nice). It's a great truck, but the higher-end trim has reduced my payload to 1577lbs - that's from the yellow sticker on the door panel.

Doing the math ... 1577 - 200 driver - 100 WDH - 877 (13% of max possible trailer weight) only leaves me with 400lbs of payload and we haven't counted my wife or kids yet. That also isn't specifically counting the running boards, hard-plastic tonneau cover, or bed liner as after-market parts.

Towing the TT home in the wind on Wednesday here in Texas was an adventure. I never felt unsafe, but I was being pushed around the road quite a bit, even with the four-point hitch/sway (I don't know the brand tbh)/ Plus, we got 6.6 MPG - I know double-digits isn't likely, but sub-7 seems sort of brutal. No gear lockouts so I was likely using the turbos too much, that's something I want to play with next time we tow. Putting all this together, I think it's just a bad match of trailer and truck.

For various reasons, I'd REALLY like to stay in the F150 form factor. The truck needs to be my daily driver, and we've got a steep, looping driveway that would be pretty challenging for a 250 to get down. Thus, I'm thinking that I need to track down a Maxtow HDPP XLT to really give me the stability I need. Without going way overboard, I'd like to make this setup as stable as possible; we're looking forward to years of use as a family.

I know it's a huge, open-ended question, but ... any other advice I should consider? I learned about the 3P/Hensley hitches from research on this site, and that's probably something else I'll invest in. What else should we consider?

This place is awesome, I'm glad I found it. Thanks!

 

This thread might be useful.

 

Thanks, it does. A few details I pulled out of that thread that are definitely relevant:
1. The HDPP package requires the longer wheel-base box/body. That actually makes parking in my driveway harder, not easier.
2. The '18 and '19 XLT with the MaxTow package and 3.5L EB might bump the payload up to ~1700-1800, which would probably handle what I need (esp on stiffer 18" tires), while letting me keep the smaller box size.

Thanks!

 

Finding a used hdpp will be tough, I tried. Search tools don't readily find them. You are at max, you could consider downgrading from a Lariat, I see people getting close to 1900# payloads with XLT etc. If you like the bling (trust me, I get it) something must give. That said, You are at the high end, but your numbers might still be doable. Are you sure you have that wdh dialed in perfectly? Often times Dealers do a lousy job. Next, are you towing with minimal water?. And lastly, are you keeping it around 65-70 mph? Just a bit over 70, besides the tires not being spec'd for it, I start to get really lousy towing mpg, and wind starts really adding negatively to the mix.

 

Not sure how difficult it would be to find a used truck with the packages you desire, but my limited understanding is towing comes down to the things you already mentioned.

Payload
GCVWR
Gear Ratio
Engine
Brake Controller
Reinforcement Hitch Class

I don't know enough to know if all those things add up to certain packages or not. I do know that things like brake controllers can be added and gears can be changed. However payload is what it is, when my friend was looking for a truck I suggested focusing on a certain engine with a certain payload and gears. Brake controller was added.

 

Probably need to actually weigh your setup and see what actual weights are.

If you are talking about getting pushed sideways and/or the trailer wiggling two-three times at a decreasing amplitude under certain conditions that's normal. To much sail area for the weight of the combination. This even effects semis when lightly loaded.

If you are having an increasing amplitude to the wiggle and having to apply trailer brake and/or slow down to regain control that's sway and is not normal.
Don't be surprised if your weights are not what you expect. My travel trailer tongue is 14.6% loaded and I've seen new unloaded trailers that were under 11%. I also don't believe most trailer manufacturers actually weigh their trailers and instead just calculate the weights and it's been my experience they don't usually overestimate the weight.

People need to understand the J2807 test is run with 10% tongue weight + 300 lb in occupants + 70 lb hitch in trucks which have the options with at least a 33% market penetration. That likely means a XLT 302A trim with few other options. That's
1900 lb payload 53A and 1825 lb payload 53C for a Screw 4x4.







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Yeah, I love the truck as a daily driver, but I don't need the creature comforts. I vastly prefer to be able to reliably and safely take my family across the open road.

Your other questions are well-placed. No, there's absolutely no guarantee the hitch is set up right. The dealer didn't do it, I did, and I need to get it looked at by someone who can teach me what to look for. That's possibly a project for this weekend. Towing this last week was definitely without water, as will most of our trips (state parks mostly, rv-hookups almost always), so the *actual* tongue weight should be under that 877 max. As to speed, my absolute max comfort speed is about 63, and closer to 60 is even better. But even at those speeds, the side-to-side was noticeable.

I'm building up to a short-term plan, and I'd love input on it. I need to dial in the hitch, and test-tow again. My lariat is on the 20" wheels - does anyone have recs for "stiffer" tires? Or maybe going back to 18" with load-rated tires would make a difference? Lastly, I bet I'd really feel the benefit of a 3P hitch. Despite the price, it's a whole lot cheaper than a new truck.

 

It was "normal" and not sway - never needed the trailer brake. But it was a frequent (granted, it was REALLY windy, 25-30 mph gusts).

How do I do a weigh-in on a scale? Forgive that VERY newbie question, I've literally never used / been to one. Can someone type out a "scales for dummies" quick post to get me started? I'd love to go figure out these numbers.

 

The wind was likely a huge factor on your recent trip, plus accounting for the low MPG.

You should find the brand and model of the hitch you have, and find the instructions for adjusting. You should measure the distance from the front fender to the ground BEFORE hooking anything up, then hook up everything but the tension adjustment, then see how much the measurement changed. Some instructions tell you to recover 1/2 of the distance during your adjustment.

You should also visit a CAT scale fully loaded, with your family, and some time to spare. Gas up, then hit the scale. Get the following weights:

1) Truck alone.
2) Truck with trailer, no bars.
3) Truck with trailer with hitch properly setup.

You will see between #2 and #3 how much weight you took off the back axle and sent forward to the front axle, or rear to the trailer. If that, and your fender measurements, aren't right, adjust again.

 

How To Weigh – CAT Scale


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