Purchasing first TT, need opinions on model and tow help
*** edited to say: with help here, we understand how the weights work better and our limits with the tongue weight. The Jayflight is not an option and the White Hawk may even push the limits. Still have questions as you read on in the posts, but wanted to address this for those trying to help us!
We are looking at the Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE vs. the lighter weight WhiteHawk Ultralight 28DSBH. We are brand new to this market and would appreciate some help - not attached to a sales person! We liked the overall look and amenities of the heavier, Jay Flight but we concerned about towing, pushing too close to the tow limits. We have:
2012 Ford Expedition EL with a class IV upgraded tow package (max loaded trailer weight of 8700 lbs and a hitch receiver weight capacity of 890 lbs.
The Jay Flight has a unloaded weight of 6430 lbs and a dry hitch weight of 665 lbs.
Here are out thoughts -- even loaded, the TT should be under the capacity, based on estimates we found reading to factor in about 400 lbs of assorted "stuff" - pots, pans, bikes, another generous 200 lbs for 4 bikes and potentially up to 86 gallons (700 lbs) of water. Bringing our grand total to just over 7700 lbs, still below the max loaded trailer weight of 8700 lbs.
We plan to mostly camp at designated sites so we BELIEVE you travel with no water but are not positive yet which affects the weight quite a bit.
Our question is that we have not towed a lot and is this too close to the tow limits to make for a reasonable ride. Also, the sales person told us that the heavier trailer would actually have a smooter ride and would be his preference because the Jay Flight is "stick and tin" construction vs. the White Hawk Aluminum and fiberglass. He basically said if we can tow it, get this model. We have gotten mixed "opinions" based on the sales person and the model they are pushing! We need some unbiased help please.
Does anyone have this model and would care to chime in as well - is this a good one or should we move on to another model/brand all together? Any advice, resources we should read, etc. as we try to learn more for such a big purchase would be much appreciated.
We are looking at the Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE vs. the lighter weight WhiteHawk Ultralight 28DSBH. We are brand new to this market and would appreciate some help - not attached to a sales person! We liked the overall look and amenities of the heavier, Jay Flight but we concerned about towing, pushing too close to the tow limits. We have:
2012 Ford Expedition EL with a class IV upgraded tow package (max loaded trailer weight of 8700 lbs and a hitch receiver weight capacity of 890 lbs.
The Jay Flight has a unloaded weight of 6430 lbs and a dry hitch weight of 665 lbs.
Here are out thoughts -- even loaded, the TT should be under the capacity, based on estimates we found reading to factor in about 400 lbs of assorted "stuff" - pots, pans, bikes, another generous 200 lbs for 4 bikes and potentially up to 86 gallons (700 lbs) of water. Bringing our grand total to just over 7700 lbs, still below the max loaded trailer weight of 8700 lbs.
We plan to mostly camp at designated sites so we BELIEVE you travel with no water but are not positive yet which affects the weight quite a bit.
Our question is that we have not towed a lot and is this too close to the tow limits to make for a reasonable ride. Also, the sales person told us that the heavier trailer would actually have a smooter ride and would be his preference because the Jay Flight is "stick and tin" construction vs. the White Hawk Aluminum and fiberglass. He basically said if we can tow it, get this model. We have gotten mixed "opinions" based on the sales person and the model they are pushing! We need some unbiased help please.
Does anyone have this model and would care to chime in as well - is this a good one or should we move on to another model/brand all together? Any advice, resources we should read, etc. as we try to learn more for such a big purchase would be much appreciated.
