I am seriously considering a Jayco Octane Super Lite 161. I don't really plan to have a lot of "toys" other than bicycles or possibly a kayak, but I like a lot of things about the toyhauler concept in general:*versatile space that could be configured several ways depending on who is travelling--just me, me and a companion, me and grandkids, me and adult kid/spouse/grandkids. Haven't found anything else in a reasonable size that is so versatile.*large fresh water and holding tank capacity*7' interior heightAnd the Super Lite 161 is well within the limits of my towing capacity---on the Sequoia I'm buying next week. Tow rating on the Sequoia is 7300, cargo capacity approx 1300. Sticking with 80% of the tow capacity will put the trailer weight at 5700, and that is 1300 lb above the trailer dry weight. At 5700 lb trailer, I will be at 700-750 lb tongue weight, leaving 550 of the Sequoia's cargo capacity available. And I seriously don't expect to load 1300 more lb on the trailer. I travel light and expect anyone with me to do the same. Does anyone see a problem with the weights?Is it reasonable to ask a dealer to order a trailer without the rear sofa/beds? I would prefer my own setup with some lightweight frames, possibly some bunks as needed.I am tall, my grandkids will be way too big for comfort in a traditional TT bunk in just a few years. We are a 99th percentile family in height, which is nice sometimes, but makes a lot of RV features just NOT comfortable.No I likely wouldn't tow with a full tank of water. Yes I know I need a good WDH properly set up.My nearest Jayco dealer has a good rep and that is one reason I would like to stick with Jayco. All constructive input appreciated!

im not the weight police but my opinion is you have plenty of truck for that trailer.If I were to order a trailer I wouldn't hesitate to ask to have items added or deleted. when we bought ours I opted to not have the "party deck" option as it was just something taking up garage space that I wouldn't use.

1jeep wrote:im not the weight police but my opinion is you have plenty of truck for that trailer.If I were to order a trailer I wouldn't hesitate to ask to have items added or deleted. when we bought ours I opted to not have the "party deck" option as it was just something taking up garage space that I wouldn't use.Thanks for the tip on the "party deck". I didn't know there was such a thing, LOL.

most of the larger 5th wheel toy haulers have an option so you can leave the rear ramp open, then it can be turned into a patio with railings and such. I looked at as extra **** to haul around nor have I ever left my ramp door open.

Just coming in to say I think you'll be fine with that set up. My in laws tow a travel trailer of a similar size/weight with their Sequoia and it does just fine.On the bunks, what size come with it? Ours has really large bunks... about queen size, so plenty of room for an adult-size person. But if you really don't want them, I don't see anything wrong with asking to have them deleted. If for some reason you can't, it's easy enough to not use them. In our old bumper pull hauler, we never used the garage bed once, it just stayed stowed up at the top.

There is a queen bed stowed at the top, and 2 folding sofas. I would have to look at one to see if they would be useful. I'm thinking in terms of 2 twin extra longs to start with. Those could be pushed together for a king bed if desired. I could add up to 2 more twins, bunk-style, and still have space for a kid in a sleeping bag or a folding cot.I've towed a slightly lighter trailer with the older 4.8L Sequoia and it did just fine.

Jayco Octane Super Lite 161 | Good Sam Community

otrfun
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2017
coolmom42 wrote:
I am seriously considering a Jayco Octane Super Lite 161 . . . . And the Super Lite 161 is well within the limits of my towing capacity---on the Sequoia I'm buying next week. Tow rating on the Sequoia is 7300, cargo capacity approx 1300. Sticking with 80% of the tow capacity will put the trailer weight at 5700, and that is 1300 lb above the trailer dry weight. At 5700 lb trailer, I will be at 700-750 lb tongue weight, leaving 550 of the Sequoia's cargo capacity available.

And I seriously don't expect to load 1300 more lb on the trailer. I travel light and expect anyone with me to do the same.

Does anyone see a problem with the weights? . . . .
Your math looks good. The big unknown is whether the trailer's dry weight is accurate. Your Sequia's capacities don't leave you much room for a miscalculation.

Through the years I've seen these 161's advertised from 3,900 to 4,500 lbs. dry. I almost purchased one a few years ago. This unit had a sticker on the side that said the empty dry weight was 4,198 lbs. The seller had it CAT scaled (with batteries and full propane) and it scaled in at 4,800 lbs. empty.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2017
^^^Good point!
JAC1982
Explorer
Aug 10, 2017
It's nice to lower it when you're cleaning up too. We open ours up and use a leaf blower to clean it out after every trip.

And for your kayak :)
coolmom42
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
JAC1982 wrote:
I can do the ramp by myself very easily. My biggest issue is sometimes reaching the lock/latches because I'm only 5'3" :) But that Jayco isn't as tall as ours.

Well I am 5'10". Maybe that will help. Will check it out when I shop.

Actually it won't HAVE to be lowered most of the time. I may start taking a bicycle, though.
JAC1982
Explorer
Aug 10, 2017
I can do the ramp by myself very easily. My biggest issue is sometimes reaching the lock/latches because I'm only 5'3" :) But that Jayco isn't as tall as ours.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
1jeep wrote:
most of the larger 5th wheel toy haulers have an option so you can leave the rear ramp open, then it can be turned into a patio with railings and such. I looked at as extra **** to haul around nor have I ever left my ramp door open.

I can see leaving the ramp door open in fine weather but not at night. a lot of the places I plan to go are prime black bear country. Don't want to invite them, smaller critters, or 2-legged pests inside.

How hard is it to put the ramp up and down? This one is labelled as "spring assist."
coolmom42
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
There is a queen bed stowed at the top, and 2 folding sofas. I would have to look at one to see if they would be useful. I'm thinking in terms of 2 twin extra longs to start with. Those could be pushed together for a king bed if desired. I could add up to 2 more twins, bunk-style, and still have space for a kid in a sleeping bag or a folding cot.

I've towed a slightly lighter trailer with the older 4.8L Sequoia and it did just fine.
JAC1982
Explorer
Aug 10, 2017
Just coming in to say I think you'll be fine with that set up. My in laws tow a travel trailer of a similar size/weight with their Sequoia and it does just fine.

On the bunks, what size come with it? Ours has really large bunks... about queen size, so plenty of room for an adult-size person. But if you really don't want them, I don't see anything wrong with asking to have them deleted. If for some reason you can't, it's easy enough to not use them. In our old bumper pull hauler, we never used the garage bed once, it just stayed stowed up at the top.
1jeep
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
most of the larger 5th wheel toy haulers have an option so you can leave the rear ramp open, then it can be turned into a patio with railings and such. I looked at as extra **** to haul around nor have I ever left my ramp door open.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
1jeep wrote:
im not the weight police but my opinion is you have plenty of truck for that trailer.

If I were to order a trailer I wouldn't hesitate to ask to have items added or deleted. when we bought ours I opted to not have the "party deck" option as it was just something taking up garage space that I wouldn't use.

Thanks for the tip on the "party deck". I didn't know there was such a thing, LOL.

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