Forum Discussion

9one1_'s avatar
9one1_
Explorer
Jan 16, 2017

Jayco 28.5 RSTS

We are looking closely at the Jayco 28.5 RSTS and have some concerns about the weights. We will be towing with our 2016 Ram 2500 4x4 crew cab with the 6.4 Hemi and 3.73. Max tow for the truck is 12600ish and my payload is around 2800.

https://www.jayco.com/products/fifth-wheels/2017-eagle-ht-fifth-wheels/285rsts/

Trailer GVWR 9995
Dry hitch. 1520
CCC. 1590 which doesn't seem like enough.

Full water load is 357lbs which would leave a max of around 1234lbs for everything else. Not sure that will be enough. We are about 6-7 years away from full-timing if all goes well and I think a 5'er will be easier to tow especially in boondocking situations.

What do you all think?

As far as the truck goes we are keeping it and getting the lifetime warranty which you can't get through Chrysler with a Cummins.

We do like this set up as well but the closest dealer is in PA and we are in NH.

http://northwoodmfg.com/arctic-fox-2/arctic-fox-25y/
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 17, 2017
    tim1970 wrote:
    MFL wrote:
    You would have no problem towing/carrying the Jayco FW. However, I would not be happy with the 1,590 CCC. This tells me that the trailer suspension is too light duty, likely only 4,400 lbs axles. These axles will also have smaller brake drums/shoes. If it had the 5,200 lb axle upgrade option, you'd have way more CCC, with larger/better brakes.

    Jerry


    Just curious, how could it only have 4400 lb axles, if the GVWR is 9995?


    This is quite common with RVs. In this case the manufacturer would be allowing for about 2,000 lbs of the 9,995 lb GVWR to be carried on the hitch. The 4,400 lb axles, would be adequate, with the low CCC.

    Jerry
  • tim1970's avatar
    tim1970
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2017
    MFL wrote:
    You would have no problem towing/carrying the Jayco FW. However, I would not be happy with the 1,590 CCC. This tells me that the trailer suspension is too light duty, likely only 4,400 lbs axles. These axles will also have smaller brake drums/shoes. If it had the 5,200 lb axle upgrade option, you'd have way more CCC, with larger/better brakes.

    Jerry


    Just curious, how could it only have 4400 lb axles, if the GVWR is 9995?
  • caseyhoward's avatar
    caseyhoward
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2017
    Personally I would go with the Arctic fox if I were you. I would also look at another Northwood product its a Nash 26N just as good a quality but a little less expensive. When you put Northwood up against Jayco you'll see the difference in quality in the Northwood product.
  • Likes_to_tow's avatar
    Likes_to_tow
    Nomad
    Jan 16, 2017
    My experience with manufactures and their "published tow weight and height" is one of question and doubt. Our new Grand Design 27RL had a slip of paper in the document envelope that stated it's weight was 800 lbs more than was stated in the brochure. Height was also taller than stated. It's also amazing how much weight you add by packing food and clothing. Plus what ever you put in the basement storage. Water is very heavy and we always travel with empty holding tanks except for maybe 10 gallons for flushing toilet or emergency water. When you are packed for a trip, stop by a truck stop and weigh you rig, you will be shocked!!
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 16, 2017
    You would have no problem towing/carrying the Jayco FW. However, I would not be happy with the 1,590 CCC. This tells me that the trailer suspension is too light duty, likely only 4,400 lbs axles. These axles will also have smaller brake drums/shoes. If it had the 5,200 lb axle upgrade option, you'd have way more CCC, with larger/better brakes.

    Jerry
  • starcraft69's avatar
    starcraft69
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2017
    I tow the same rig with a 2500HD silverado. I think my max tow is 10200. I have no problem we have done over 15000 miles and 7%-9% grades to 8000' elev. I have tembrens, Rancho 9000 and put a larger trans cooler. I don't think you will have a problem at all. With all that said next truck will be a diesel for the power to climb out west here and the new engine brakes for going down the other side.

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