Hello

[williamjim]

Hello everybody, new in this forum and want to ask for advice. I've been tent camping for a number of years now and I think is time to jump into the trailer world. I drive a Toyota Highlander that can tow up to 5000lbs. I'm looking for the right trailer for my family and I really like the Jayco Jayflight SLX224BH. Its floorplan and gadgets are exactly what we're looking for in a trailer. the only problem is its weight. The dry weight is 4500lbs. my question is, would I be ok to tow that trailer with my highlander or should I look for something lighter?, I'd really appreciate all your advice and comments.... thank you

[WinnieView]

You may want to also post your question here;

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/

[rk911]

imo you need either a bigger truck or a lighter trailer.

[momdoc]

Welcome to the forum. YOu are joining a good group of folks here.

Personally I would get a bigger truck or a smaller trailer. If your fresh water tank held 50 gallons you would be at your limit before adding a tool, camp chair, a pot or a pan, a morsel of food, a stitch of clothes, plates, cups etc.

Good luck

[williamjim]

thanks for the reply, I have another question then, aren't you supposed to tow your trailer dry? that's what I was told, so I would have 500lbs to carry all my stuff.....again, that's what they told me at the Jayco dealership.

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by williamjim

thanks for the reply, I have another question then, aren't you supposed to tow your trailer dry? that's what I was told, so I would have 500lbs to carry all my stuff.....again, that's what they told me at the Jayco dealership.

What the dry wieght is, is no propane, no fresh water, no battery/s, so that being said I think you have too much trailer for your current truck. 500lbs is going to add up fast when you fill your fresh water tank, propane, wife’s shoe collection and some tools.

Also, I personally always travel with a full freshwater tank

[williamjim]

oh ok, thanks for the explanation

[rider77]

Originally Posted by williamjim

thanks for the reply, I have another question then, aren't you supposed to tow your trailer dry? that's what I was told, so I would have 500lbs to carry all my stuff.....again, that's what they told me at the Jayco dealership.

“Dry” is the absence of any cargo, supplies, propane, things like that. Basically as the unit sits for sale on the lot. It’s not necessary meaning the freshwater storage in general.
That’s way too much trailer for that vehicle. Either come down considerably in trailer size or trade your car in on something more substantial.
That 5000 lbs, is likely the marketing number. Have you verified actual towing capacity with the weights listed on the vehicle?
Remember, your not only towing the weight, but your towing a giant wind sale. Your vehicle is the anchor for said sale. Matched wrong and you will have a miserable towing experience.
See here what happens when the trailer decides to sway a bit-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=miE3MOcqn7E

[MtCamper]

To be honest, it depends on where you live and how far you plan to go to camp. Here in NW Montana I see folks overloaded all the time. They usually go 30-50 miles and that's it. If you can do the same you will get by but your travel will not be fun or relaxing. From the previous posts you now what dry weight means. Now you need to learn GCWR. That's the total weight of everything moving down the road. Everything. I think you would be surprised to actually take the empty camper and loaded Highlander over the scales. Don't forget the dog and bikes for the kids. If you plan to keep the Highlander, you might be better off looking at a pop-up. JMHO.

[G.G.]

And, don't believe what the salesman tells you at the dealership. They would sell you a trailer that's too heavy in a heartbeat.

[keymastr]

Take your family in your truck to a truck stop with a C.A.T. scale and spend $10 getting it weighed. You can get the free cat scale app for your phone and see how to vids on youtube to learn to use it. Really simple.

Take that weight and subtract it from the gross vehicle weight rating from your door sticker,(not a manual or online chart, the door sticker is for YOUR vehicle). What is left is the amount of weight left for tongue weight that a trailer will apply to your truck.

That trailer has a gross weight,(loaded for use), of 5500 pounds. The real world tongue weight for that will be 650 pounds plus 100 pounds for the hitch. So your truck must have enough capacity to carry an additional 750 pounds after your family is in it. I doubt you have that. Some folks make that work by taking a separate vehicle for the family but honestly if you are that close to your maximum it will be a struggle.

Bottom line is that midsize SUVs are designed to carry people but are poor at towing large trailers. I would either find a trailer that grosses 3500 pounds or get a better suited tow vehicle.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I'm not a TT guy so can't help with that question. Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!