Towing our 28’ Jayco

lldolls wrote:
We have a 2009 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab, we purchased a 28’ 2016 Jayco Jayflight BHBE. The tow weight on our truck is 9800lb and the camper weight is 6540.

Forget about that 9800 lb tow capacity. That number doesn't include any passengers, aftermarket accessories (bed cap, bed cover / liner, etc), or any kind of cargo in the truck. As you add these things to the truck, it's available payload and it's tow capacity are reduced, pound for pound. Most cases, you'll run out of payload before you get close to the max tow capacity.

The 6540 is advertised dry weight. The advertised hitch weight was 660 lbs. That was when the trailer left the factory. That number doesn't include propane, possibly a battery, or any dealer installed options. It gain at least 100 lbs at the dealership. Most of that went directly on the tongue. It's GVWR is 9250.

Using average camping load numbers (dishes, pots and pans, bedding, camp chairs, BBQ, water, groceries, etc) of 800 - 1000 lbs and average hitch / tongue weight 12.5 percent, your real numbers on the trailer would be more like 75 - 7700 lbs with 925 - 960 lb hitch weight.

Things you should check:

1. What is the trailer's loaded weight? If it is close to it's GVWR, that could be a stretch for your truck.

2. What is loaded hitch / tongue weight?

3. What is your weight distributing hitch rated for? If it is rated for less than 1000 lbs, it's not heavy enough.

4. Is WDH set up properly? Including ball height?

5. Check tire / loading sticker (on drivers door post) for "max occupant / cargo capacity" (AKA payload). This is what your truck is rated to carry. It includes any aftermarket accessories, people, pets, and cargo. Your tongue / hitch weight and the weight of your WD hitch equipment count as cargo weight in the truck. Is your payload high enough for everything and everybody in or on the truck?

6. Is truck's suspension (shocks, springs, etc) system in good condition?

Getting actual weights and payload number, may surprise you. The weights add up really fast, and as they are adding up, your available payload and towing capacity are dropping at the same speed. If you're using unloaded weights, or just guessing on loaded weight, it's easy to not get the WDH right. If the truck is being loaded past it's payload / GVWR, that could also explain some of the unpleasant towing.