โMay-25-2018 05:12 AM
โMay-25-2018 01:21 PM
โMay-25-2018 11:45 AM
โMay-25-2018 10:32 AM
โMay-25-2018 09:53 AM
The max towing capacity of our truck is 10,300 lbs. We have sway bars and a distribution bar. We are considering an air ride system. The max load on the Jayco trailer is 9500 lbs fully loaded. Thereโs not much chance we will load it with that much stuff but despite that I want to consider the possibility. The unloaded weight of the Jayco trailer 8300 lbs.
โMay-25-2018 08:20 AM
myredracer wrote:
FWIW, KZ owner here... Of the two, go with the Jayco.
First thing is - inspect both frames closely. KZ uses a frame that has I-beams made from 3 pieces of sheet steel welded together. This type of frame is much more flexible than the more common one-piece beams and can lead to issues. Jayco uses a Norco/BAL frame which is far superior and stronger.
The Connect has a cargo carrying capacity of 1390 lbs and the Whitehawk is 1725 lbs. The Whitehawk has a higher GVWR for about the same length of TT. The difference in the frame is a big factor in this. A CCC of 1390 lbs is on the low side and you could very well use it all when fully loaded for camping and it's possible you could even be over the GVWR if you don't weigh the TT and watch what you add (a full holding tank could even put you over the GVWR).
Look at the tires. Whitehawk has Goodyear tires (should be the new Endurance) while the Connect will have an off-brand unknown quality Ch*nese brand. KZ used to offer an upgrade to LRD Goodyear Marathons (which we have) but don't see that offered now. Also look at the load capacity rating of the tires. The Endurance tires most likely have a high load rating compared to the TT GVWR while the Connect likely has tires that are loaded up much closer to their load capacity rating. (You want as much reserve load capacity rating as possible to reduce the risk of a blowout.)
Another thing to possibly look at is the rating of the axles. I think you'd want 4400 lb axles on the Connect and maybe 5200 lbs on the Whitehawk. Axles loaded up closed to their ratings are more susceptible to bending & damage.
The Whitehawk has a few features I like better such as an easier to see TV from the seating due to the angle it's mounted at, walk-in shower and larger pantry. A MAJOR drawback in both of those TTs is the lack of a wardrobe closet. Where are you going to hang jackets and store misc. camping stuff & misc. supplies?
Why not look at a Spree S333BHK? Other than the kitchen island & slide, I'd say it's closer to a Whitehawk than a Connect in features. A Connect & Spree are the same basic TT and the Spree is the more upscale version with more features and the Connect is a more stripped down version (reflected in it's lower GVWR too).
Something often not considered is the "quality" of the dealer. There aren't many good ones out there that know how to properly make repairs and do warranty repairs and that don't argue about warranty work or try to avoid it altogether. Our KZ dealer was a disaster.
โMay-25-2018 08:11 AM
โMay-25-2018 08:01 AM
โMay-25-2018 08:00 AM
rbpru wrote:
What is the max cargo limit on your truck and the loaded tongue weight of the TT. Just because you can pull it, does not mean you can carry the weight without exceedingly the max cargo or axle rating limit.
Our TT gained 1200 lbs. and 300 lbs. of tongue weight over the listed dry TT and tongue weight.
We mixed out our F-150.
Good luck
โMay-25-2018 07:33 AM
rbpru wrote:
What is the max cargo limit on your truck and the loaded tongue weight of the TT. Just because you can pull it, does not mean you can carry the weight without exceedingly the max cargo or axle rating limit.
Our TT gained 1200 lbs. and 300 lbs. of tongue weight over the listed dry TT and tongue weight.
We mixed out our F-150.
Good luck
โMay-25-2018 07:14 AM
โMay-25-2018 06:36 AM
trailer_newbe wrote:
I tow the below trailer with my SR5 and I would not want to go any heavier. Iโve installed the TRD sway bar, Bilstein shocks, and Firestone air bags.
โMay-25-2018 05:17 AM