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Jchavez · 12-11-2019, 11:35 AM

I'm looking to buy a travel trailer to live in full time. I drive a 2015 Ram 1500 4X4 v8 with a max tow of about 8300lbs.

I'm looking at 2 models
JayFeather 24RL- GVWR 6500
JayFeather 25RB- GVWR 7000

Would I be able to tow either one or should I look lighter?

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Old-Biscuit · 12-11-2019, 11:58 AM

I'm looking at 2 models
JayFeather 24RL- GVWR 6500
* Dry weight ---5285
Dry Tongue----- 584
12% tongue-----780# wet tongue weight

JayFeather 25RB- GVWR 7000
* Dry weight-----5515
Dry tongue------- 585
11% tongue....... 770# wet tongue

Should be able to handle either one

csuder99 · 12-11-2019, 12:08 PM

In terms of weight the truck can pull either one, two issues however:

The trailer is longer and weighs as much or more than the truck. That's always a bad combination for stability. Think tail wagging the dog. It's doable but requires a better hitch system and care setting it up.

The Jayfeather trailers are not made for full timing. To make a 30ft trailer within a 7k GVWR limit they have to save weight in many places, e.g. insulation, size of the beams etc. You might not be happy with it in the long run.

tuffr2 · 12-11-2019, 12:10 PM

You are ok with either trailer. Get a WD hitch and you are good to go. Expect mpg to be 9 - 11.

You might get tired of that engine drone towing.

Itchytoe · 12-11-2019, 12:32 PM

I agree with the previous posters. That truck should handle either one, but you will need a decent hitch so that the tail doesn't wag the dog. Your weights are fine. The size of the trailer is what would worry me more than anything else. A 30 foot travel trailer is about the limit of what I'd consider pulling with a half ton truck, regardless of weight. You won't be doing 80 mph down the interstate with that set up. 65-70 is more like it.

The light trailers aren't ideal for full timing, but you can work with them. Just keep in mind that those 90 degree days are going to be hot even inside the trailer. Your AC simply won't be able to cool it enough. Your furnace will do fine in the winter, but sub freezing temps might still freeze water lines with the furnace going. There won't be much insulation to keep them warm. If you follow the weather and stay between 40 and 85 degrees, you'll be fine. The downside to following the weather is that you'll do more towing with a maxed out truck and trailer combo. That can be exhausting.

sanda · 12-11-2019, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

I'm looking at 2 models
JayFeather 24RL- GVWR 6500
* Dry weight ---5285
Dry Tongue----- 584
12% tongue-----780# wet tongue weight

JayFeather 25RB- GVWR 7000
* Dry weight-----5515
Dry tongue------- 585
11% tongue....... 770# wet tongue

Should be able to handle either one

Just so you know I purchased two new jayfeathers, 2006 and 2008. They were both pretty bad. Very poor quality. Had 28 defects on the 2006 within the warranty period. The 2008 had the frame ripped out from under it. Because of their light weight they are cheaply made and not up to a lot of use.

Old-Biscuit · 12-11-2019, 03:12 PM

Full Timing....,

Very FEW RVs are MADE for FTng

Folks have FTd in TC, TT's, FW, MHs (ABC) etc

Folks have FTd in winter/summer temps

FTng is about doing it-----------and making concessions

If you want to FT in a POP-UP----go for it.

tuffr2 · 12-11-2019, 05:43 PM

Slim Potatohead full times in a A-Liner fold out A frame trailer. Those things are not insulated at all. He even camps in the snow. Check him out on YouTube to see some crazy camping.

Jchavez · 12-11-2019, 07:07 PM

Thanks for the input. I'm definitely looking to add a wd hitch, new suspension, and other modifications that will help with the tow. Still haven't purchased anything but seeing what tt will work best for us.

ttavasc · 12-12-2019, 01:21 PM

I'd also double-check your available payload on your door sticker. My '14 RAM 1500 had about the same tow rating but only about 1100 payload which which left very little for tongue weight. I believe the '15 RAM 1500's did get a 100lb GVWR increase from 6800 to 6900, but I never saw any on the dealer lots back then with much more than 12-1300 payload.