We are just embarking on our round Australia trip, we have been caravaners for many years but always with smaller vans,(pop tops 16' vans) we have purchased a Jayco Heritage 25' 2005 and pulling it with a petrol Jeep Grand Cherokee 2003, we have heard so many scary tales of the larger caravans being unstable in high winds, and passing trucks whilst out on the road, we have a weight distribution hitch to make sure that it is more stable, and will make sure that the weight is distributed correctly on the van, but wondered if anyone out there has had any problems with this van.
Thanks a lot
jimricho said
07:19 AM Jun 28, 2011
Hi Victon2 and welcome to the forum
There's another recent thread on this that was started a few days ago, You probably missed it as there's been a number of other topics come in since and it's starting to get buried down the list.
by going to the topic or clicking on the above underlined link.
You should get some useful information there but feel free to ask more questions either there or here.
cheers,
Jim
_wombat_ said
08:15 AM Jun 28, 2011
victon2
Most vans are stable these days especially with the hitch fitted, we do not overtake many trucks it is usually them overtaking us, enjoy your trip and safe traveling
KayJay said
12:08 PM Jun 28, 2011
Welcome to the forum Victon2. We currently tow a 25ft Jayco Sterling with a Jeep Commander and in the past have towed a 25ft Heritage, with hitch fitted, without any dramas. Simply exercise care when overtaking a truck or being overtaken by one and keep your speed down, particularly in windy conditions. We would very rarely travel over 90kph even in the best of conditions. Hope you enjoy your travels and stay safe. Kevin & Jan
victon2 said
12:20 PM Jun 28, 2011
Thanks a lot, will keep all of these suggestions in mind, and let you know just how we are going when we are on the trip, it has made us feel just a little better towing a larger van
All the best
Vicky and Tony
jimricho said
04:52 PM Jun 28, 2011
I find 90 - 95 a comfortable towing speed (GPS checked). It's only a small rig as you can see in my avatar. It equates to about 2000 rpm which seems to be a "sweet spot" for towing. There's not a lot to be gained in the way of fuel economy travelling much below 90. Could be a different story with a large van in a strong headwind I guess.
-- Edited by jimricho on Tuesday 28th of June 2011 04:55:37 PM
signwilson said
05:40 PM Jun 28, 2011
You should not have any trouble with the Jayco as was said most vans do not cause much trouble. But you should check your cars tow weights especially ball weight. V8 jeeps are only 2,900kg braked.
We are just embarking on our round Australia trip, we have been caravaners for many years but always with smaller vans,(pop tops 16' vans) we have purchased a Jayco Heritage 25' 2005 and pulling it with a petrol Jeep Grand Cherokee 2003, we have heard so many scary tales of the larger caravans being unstable in high winds, and passing trucks whilst out on the road, we have a weight distribution hitch to make sure that it is more stable, and will make sure that the weight is distributed correctly on the van, but wondered if anyone out there has had any problems with this van.
Thanks a lot
Hi Victon2 and welcome to the forum
There's another recent thread on this that was started a few days ago, You probably missed it as there's been a number of other topics come in since and it's starting to get buried down the list.
Check out "SHOULD I BUY A JAYCO HERITAGE WITH ENSUITE"
by going to the topic or clicking on the above underlined link.
You should get some useful information there but feel free to ask more questions either there or here.
cheers,
Jim
Most vans are stable these days especially with the hitch fitted, we do not overtake many trucks it is usually them overtaking us, enjoy your trip and safe traveling
We currently tow a 25ft Jayco Sterling with a Jeep Commander and in the past have towed a 25ft Heritage, with hitch fitted, without any dramas. Simply exercise care when overtaking a truck or being overtaken by one and keep your speed down, particularly in windy conditions. We would very rarely travel over 90kph even in the best of conditions. Hope you enjoy your travels and stay safe. Kevin & Jan
Thanks a lot, will keep all of these suggestions in mind, and let you know just how we are going when we are on the trip, it has made us feel just a little better towing a larger van
All the best
Vicky and Tony
I find 90 - 95 a comfortable towing speed (GPS checked). It's only a small rig as you can see in my avatar. It equates to about 2000 rpm which seems to be a "sweet spot" for towing. There's not a lot to be gained in the way of fuel economy travelling much below 90. Could be a different story with a large van in a strong headwind I guess.
-- Edited by jimricho on Tuesday 28th of June 2011 04:55:37 PM