First road trip with the jayco

[Tyandkate]

Hi all, we are preparing to leave in the morning from Austin, TX. For Orlando FL. I've had my bearings serviced and tires inflated to max cold air psi. Aswell as had my hitch set up by the dealer for my new pick up. I'm pulling a 2006 Jayco feather lite 26' with a gvwr of 6000 Ibs with my 2015 Chevy Silverado Dbl Cab V8 with a towing capacity of 9500 Ibs any handy tips or advice would be greatly appreciated

[myredracer]

You're off on the trip already but a couple of things come to mind.

Never trust a dealer to set up a WDH. Read the sticky in the towing forum and learn how to do it yourself. If you don't have a friction sway bar, that would be a good idea to control sway.

How old are the tires? ST tires should be replaced at around 7 years age at most and some recommend 5 years regardless of how good they look. If you don't know the history on them, you should think about replacing them sooner than later. I'd check the psi occasionally while on the trip.

Road trips are always fun, so have fun...

[Tyandkate]

Hannibal wrote:
Glad you arrived safely and got all set up for two weeks of fun! Sounds like the trip went well.

Thanks so much!

[Hannibal]

Glad you arrived safely and got all set up for two weeks of fun! Sounds like the trip went well.

[Tyandkate]

Well started my morning out yesterday to the site of a damaged truck. (The neighbor backed in to me) be still drivable so we took off and will deal with damage when we get home. Stopped last night just over the Florida line and Made it to Orlando this afternoon already set up at the camp site and now enjoying some views! Winds were ruff on us yesterday in Louisiana and Mississippi and yes the long bridge was a ruff one! But nothing we couldn't handle! Ready to enjoy two weeks of camping!

[fireman41]

Jay Pat wrote:
Watch out for a rough stretch of I 10 about 50 miles into Louisiana. It's a very long bridge over water.
I had to slow down to 50 mph to eliminate the very rough ride. I also, turned on the 4 way flashers for the duration.
Same thing coming back.....
Safe travels!
Pat

You can say that again.
Im an over the road driver that runs in a team operation and there is no good sleep to be had on that road.

[bobndot]

Yes, all will work in the trailer because it all runs off the trailer battery.
I was referring to the TV alternator being able to charge the trailer battery while driving.
I think the GM manual refers to the following 2015 and 2016 models:
I was told there is only hot 12v. power from the TV to the TT while the truck headlights are on ....or the tow haul mode is selected. IF NOT..you are not charging the trailer battery.

I would assume that the TT will not draw off both the TV and the TT batteries while the rig is ' parked and hitched up ' because the 7 way charge wire is dead while the combo is parked.

Trailers will draw 12v power from the trailer battery when you are not using the trailer (when it is parked).
Fridge circuit board, while running on gas can draw about an amp per hr., gas detectors, 12v stereos and TV's as well as some model ceiling exhaust fans , all draw power while in stand-by mode. At the end of a day, they all ad up.

[Tyandkate]

bobndot wrote:
Maybe someone with a 2015 or 2016 Chevy can verify the following:
I was told the 2015 Silverado must be in tow mode or have the lights on in order to charge the TT battery while driving.
Otherwise the 7 way will not be hot to supply power to charge.

I'm guessing that 7-way plug will also be dead when you park , so the truck battery won't die while the TT is hooked up to the truck for extended periods.

I thought it was a little odd and something I didn't know, but there is a thread on it .

Mine charges when connected just like I can use the lights in the camper even the water pump with the truck turned off mines a 15'

[bobndot]

Maybe someone with a 2015 or 2016 Chevy can verify the following:
I was told the 2015 Silverado must be in tow mode or have the lights on in order to charge the TT battery while driving.
Otherwise the 7 way will not be hot to supply power to charge.

I'm guessing that 7-way plug will also be dead when you park , so the truck battery won't die while the TT is hooked up to the truck for extended periods.

I thought it was a little odd and something I didn't know, but there is a thread on it .

[Tyandkate]

Wanderlost wrote:
Ty, by the end of this trip you'll be an experienced hand, too. Enjoy the trip and keep us posted.

Thanks a lot 🙂

[Wanderlost]

Ty, by the end of this trip you'll be an experienced hand, too. Enjoy the trip and keep us posted.

[Tyandkate]

Thanks so much y'all! I'm only 24 and embraced the camper life from my first pop up! I really Appreciate the advice of more experienced than myself

[dyb]

Ditto Jay

[Jay_Pat]

Watch out for a rough stretch of I 10 about 50 miles into Louisiana. It's a very long bridge over water.
I had to slow down to 50 mph to eliminate the very rough ride. I also, turned on the 4 way flashers for the duration.
Same thing coming back.....
Safe travels!
Pat

[opnspaces]

#1 Enjoy your trip.

otherwise
Take it slow and enjoy the drive.
Keep at least 1/3 tank of fresh water so you can use the bathroom if needed.
take pictures and post them here. 🙂
I always do a walk around before driving away after any stop where you leave the rig unattended. Make sure the tires look good and check to make sure the hitch up still looks good and nobody pulled your hitch pin or emergency breakaway cable while you were away from the vehicle.