nybushwacker
Washingtonville, NY
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Joined: 04/08/2012
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Hi. I am new to RVing. Just put a deposit on a Jayco 21J that has a Gross Vechile Weight of 4300lbs. I have a 2005 Chevy 1500 series 4wd with an 8ft bed. I am wondering if there are any concerns towing this size trailer with my truck. If you have any recommmendations please share.
Thanks.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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That's a pretty small trailer that probably seems very large right now. Should be no issues at all if you've got a good brake controller and hitched properly.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
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shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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Just be sure to get a good WD hitch with built in sway control. I use a Reese Dual Cam but hear the Equalizer will do a good job also. Good luck, John
2003 4X4 F350,CC,SB,Lariat,7.3L diesel, 139,000 miles
2004 Coachmen 278 RKS Fifth-Wheel
Reese 15K slider hitch
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Should be no issues with towing that light weight trailer with your truck.
I don't see where the bed length is a concern in this situation. If anything, the increased wheelbase length from the longer bed will help stabilize the truck and help keep the trailer from wagging the truck's tail end in a sway event.
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Tankcar
Santee, California USA
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Joined: 09/22/2004
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Hi,
How high is your 4x4? Your coupling requirement may give you some problem!
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nybushwacker
Washingtonville, NY
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Tankcar- The truck is completely stock. No lift on it at all. Hoping that is ok. The previous owner towed it with a Chevy Tahoe which looks to be about the same height.
I was concerned that with the 8ft bed I might need something to stiffen the rear end of the truck so it didn't sag.
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shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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nybushwacker wrote:Tankcar- The truck is completely stock. No lift on it at all. Hoping that is ok. The previous owner towed it with a Chevy Tahoe which looks to be about the same height.
I was concerned that with the 8ft bed I might need something to stiffen the rear end of the truck so it didn't sag.
That's what the WD hitch is for.
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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If the hitch ball is at the wrong height, it is a very simple procedure to get another ball mount with the correct amount of drop height to lower the ball so the trailer is level. Or, you can get an adjustable height shank and ball mount and set it at the right height.
No issue with the long bed affecting the suspension. I doubt you will even need a weight distributing hitch with that trailer's likely less than 500 lb tongue weight.
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Allegheny N F Camper
Pennsylvania
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You'll be fine I towed my old 22ft TT with my Trailblazer
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camperforlife
Midwest
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I tow a 30' 5900lb trailer with a very similar '04 GMC with no issues what-so-ever. If your truck has the 3.73 rear end your towing capacity should be in the neighborhood of 7200 lbs.
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