towing a jayco swan camper trailer

Submitted: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 21:04

ThreadID: 22665 Views:7004 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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lenni

Hi. I have read a couple of posts about towing caravans and unfortunate incidents that can happen!
I was wondering if anyone had any good advice on towing a 1982 jayco swan behind a discovery tdi 1995. We have checked all the basics, however intend to travel to Darwin and back to NSW.
Are there any tips that would make towing safer from anyone who has had experience towing an older jayco swan?
Regards Lenni

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Reply By: muzzgit (WA) - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 23:31

Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 23:31

Lenni. Make sure it has brakes if it weighs over 750 KG once loaded.

When loading it with camping gear, food, wood etc; aim to have the weight over the axle slightly to the front.

Make sure the tyres are good, not old and been sitting out in the weather for years. Grease your bearings, and don't drive too fast.

LOL

Have fun.

Cheers,

Muzz

AnswerID: 109732

Follow Up By: BLUEBAG53 - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 23:42

Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 23:42

Just before crossing the border to depart NSW chuck a uueee, and reverse over the border, this way Bob CARR wont slug with a departure tax! Enjoy your trip! Stay safe.

FollowupID: 366308

Follow Up By: lenni - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:01

Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:01

Thanks for the advise. It is really helpful.
regards lenni

FollowupID: 366458

Reply By: John - Qld - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 08:11

Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 08:11

Check your towball weight - assuming it's OK is where trouble starts. Been there done that.

AnswerID: 109757

Follow Up By: lenni - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:02

Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:02

Thanks John.
regrds lenni

FollowupID: 366459

Reply By: pjchris - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 10:04

Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 10:04

Towed a Swan behind a 3l NH Paj for several years without any Weight distributing hitch. The ball weight of a Swan is only about 100-120 kg and is about the same as putting a load of gear or two people in the kiddie seats in the back.

Having said that, we tended to load our stuff in the van, so the back of the car was generally almost empty. Sway has so much to do with ball weight AND the way you load your van.

Never had any problems with sway.

We added a WDH when we traded up to an Expanda van with a 200 kg+ ball weight and added the optional anti-sway unit as well.

Interestingly, we were told by the Caravan place that fitted the brake controller to the car (Not the van dealer) that the correct way to stop sway is to accelerate AND apply the caravan brakes with the brake controller at the same time. This tends to pull the rig straight and dampen the sway.

A better idea, of course, is to load your van and set up the rig so it doesn't occur in the first place.

Better safe than sorry. If I were doing it now I would get a WDH for the Swan, and if travelling in outback areas with Road Trains etc, probably get the anti-sway kit as well.

Peter

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AnswerID: 109783

Follow Up By: lenni - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:00

Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 20:00

Thanks for your comments, they are very helpful.
I might sound very ignorant, hwever could you describe a WDH? How does it work ? How much are they?
regards lenni

FollowupID: 366457

Reply By: Peter W - Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 18:35

Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 18:35

Hi Lenni,
Not sure if you got all the info you needed on the subject raised.
Check out http://haymanreese.com.au/consumer/products/wdh/ for more technical info and a phone call to a local dealer should advise on price.
I tow a 2002 Jayco Outback Eagle with a 1985 Prado without difficulty and I agree with Muzz and Peter above in that the way you load is the key.
Good luck.

Peter W
"Life is not a Rehearsal"

AnswerID: 110670