Any recommendations from you all on this. I am considering trading in my PU for a Jayco Jay Feather EXP 254 (GVWR 5,900 and UVW 4,520) and currently have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (Max tow 6,000). Dealer is including an Equal-i-zer WD hitch with the deal.
Does this sound safe to you safety conscious towers or should I plan that I will need to get a new TV prior to getting the camper.
So you know it will be towing me, wife, 2 young kiddos and maybe a dog with gear.
I'm going to pickup my new Jay feather 254 on Monday march 10th with my 05 Pathfinder. I'll let you know how it pulls, I'm also using the same hitch as you with a P3 brake controller.
I've practiced pulled a similar sized trailer on flat road and the Pathfinder does extremely well, not sure about hills though.
I'll email you an update when I get back from picking up my 2008 254.
It will be a load, no doubt. If you are going to stay fairly close home i'd say you are OK. Remember, load the trailer NOT the TV. If you are planning a trip anywhere with mountains you will be going slow. BTW don't even consider towing without sway control.
sardis wrote: I'm going to pickup my new Jay feather 254 on Monday march 10th with my 05 Pathfinder. I'll let you know how it pulls, I'm also using the same hitch as you with a P3 brake controller.
I've practiced pulled a similar sized trailer on flat road and the Pathfinder does extremely well, not sure about hills though.
I'll email you an update when I get back from picking up my 2008 254.
How was the trip? I am looking at the same unit for my 09 Tacoma DC LB (6500 pound TC). I noticed from another post that you bought it form RV direct. How was the drive down there? Was it worth it? Did they treat you well? Any trouble with the import process? I see that you are in Sardis, I am over in Langley.
The short answer is more truck or less trailer. Having been the route of a small SUV as a tow vehicle, I will not do it again. Your max tow rating is based on an unloaded truck. So for every pound you add over the BASE model curb weight, you reduce the towing capacity. As a general rule of thumb without wei9ghing the loaded tow vehicel, you need to get a trailer that is no more than 80% of the 6000# maximum or in your case 4800#, Your empty trailer is already listed as 4520# and that does not include optional items.
So once the trailer and truck are loaded, you will most likely be well over the trucks rating.
Another issue is an SUV is inheriently unstable dur to the short wheel base and high center of gravity. A 25' plus trailer is a bit much for the vehicle.
I can pretty much guarantee that you will be looking for a larger truck within a year...or give up and sell the trailer.
This may sound harsh, but, I've been there and done that.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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