jamorgan3777
Appleton Wisconsin
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Joined: 01/21/2008
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Well, after the trials (almost entirely weather related) with our shake out run (single night at local park) we went on our first "real" trip with our new TT. Happy to report that we could not have asked for better performance from the trailer and that we all had a wonderful time. Was a great way to spend mothers day weekend (two mothers/three generations on board for the weekend). We went to George Wyth state park in Waterloo IA for 4 days/3 nights. Here are the specs for information purposes.
Total round trip miles: 640 (one way distance 310 plus some running around when there)
Average cost of gas: $3.648/gal
Fuel Economy: 9.0mpg out (neutral wind to slight tail wind), 7.6mpg back (strong side/head winds). See signature for TV details.
Average speed: 62mph (a few 70mph down hills and a few 50mph up hills getting to/from the mississippi river)
Water useage: 35 gal (out of 35gal capacity)
Tank usage: 2/3 black, 2/3 grey
Equalizer: did really well. Still loud as heck when making corners, but I think it really helped with the strong side winds. On the way home they were 30-40mph blowing at 90 degrees to the trailer for the entire trip. Zero to very light sway.
All the systems seemed to work well, heater ran most every night and kept the trailer warm. Rained one day, no leaks to report. Internal humidity was less of an issue with slightly warmer temps during. Did run into a few more "must haves" for the next trip.
10" DO to go with the 12"
DO table
Lynx levelers
Wider mirrors
10gal water jug for refill without moving the trailer
Thanks to everyone for the help and advice. One more question though. The biggest problem with the trip was cement paved interstate. Every line cut in the cement would cause a bounce in the cab that was really annoying. Those who live in MN/IA/WI know what I am talking about. I initally thought it was my setup, but on any other road surface asphalt, older paved road, anything else, at same speed, the ride was smooth and even. On concrete interstate, it was bouncing like a jackhammer. Any suggestions? I tried more/less tongue weight and that did nothing. Slower/faster 10mph did nothing either. Only thing that altered it in any way was changing surface.
2003 Chevy Silverado Z71 5.8L V-8 3.73
2007 Jayco JayFeather EXP 29A
1972 DH
1974 DW
2000 DD
2001 DD
2003 DD
2005 Rosie the high$ wonder-mutt 
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Fantastic, we're so glad you had a very successful maiden voyage in your new Jayco! Just think about all the trips you'll be taking in the future! Happy RVing and safe travels.
Chuck & Terry
2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S
2006 Ford F250 Lariat CC 4x2 PSD
DFW/Central Texas Rally - Fall 2008
Chuck and Terry's Pilgrim Adventures
North Texas Camping Association
Lone Star Dutch Oven Society
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Sounds like a great time!
jamorgan3777 wrote:10" DO to go with the 12"
DO table
What is "DO"?
Don't know what to say about the concrete roads, just something to be aware of I guess.
_________________________________________________________
2000 F-250 SD 7.3liter, 3.73 rear,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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jamorgan3777
Appleton Wisconsin
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Joined: 01/21/2008
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DO=Dutch Oven...sorry about that....
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ruth_anne_b
Central Florida
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Joined: 03/15/2004
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It's a wonderful thing when it all works the way it's supposed to.
Ruth anne Baker
ruth_anne_b@cfl.rr.com
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ringhand
Minnesota
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Joined: 04/13/2006
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I have the same problem with the expansion joints in the road. In my Expy it is basically annoying, and the kid in the back seat seems to feel it the most. The noise is irratating also. When I was towing a popup with my minivan the bounce got so bad it was dangerous if I didn't slow down to 50. Speed change seems to help some. I just purchased new tires and I'm hoping that will help this year. I'll let you know what I find out.
Glad to hear your liking the 29A. We love ours. We had it out about 8 times last year and didn't have a single problem. I have it at the dealer now to repair a few little things, but nothing major. I just figured I might as well make use of the warranty.
Tow yours over to warrens wisconsin and try out the Jelly Stone there. Your kids will love it.
2007 Jayco Jay Feather 29A
2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer (5.4L w/ Tow Pkg)
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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It's kinda rare to hear any bad stuff about Jayco's!  Very nice! Hope you continue to have a wonerful time with your new Jayco! Love the way you broke down your trip into number for us! Good luck!
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