We recently purchased a Dec. 2015 Jayco Journey and today I noticed a problem with the towball weights on the VIN plate.
The empty ball weight is stated as 104Kg but the max ball weight is stated as 152Kg. The 48Kg appears to be 10% of the payload.
I contacted the dealer about the problem and it seems Jayco stipulated the weights in an attempt to stop over loading but realised the problem it created and now state the max ball weight as N/A. The dealer is now requesting a new VIN plate for our van.
If anyone else has a new model Jayco they may wish to check the stated weights.
We recently purchased a Dec. 2015 Jayco Journey and today I noticed a problem with the towball weights on the VIN plate.
The empty ball weight is stated as 104Kg but the max ball weight is stated as 152Kg. The 48Kg appears to be 10% of the payload.
I contacted the dealer about the problem and it seems Jayco stipulated the weights in an attempt to stop over loading but realised the problem it created and now state the max ball weight as N/A. The dealer is now requesting a new VIN plate for our van.
If anyone else has a new model Jayco they may wish to check the stated weights.
Sorry, but I can't see the problem?
Based on safety I think there should be an empty and maximum ball weight. Based on the van length, axel design and placement, strength of the draw bar and TARE weight an owner should correctly balance their van with most of the load weight as close as possible to the axels, and NOT at the front or rear (one of the major causes of uncontrollable sway and crashes).
Single axel vans (with unmodified chassis and suspensions) are only permitted to load up 300kg and dual axels 400kg.
As approx. 10% of van weight, with a little + and - for design differences, is supposed to weigh down on the tow ball, then 48kg gives you plenty of wiggle room at 480kg loading.
Your 104kg empty ball weight suggests that your van has a TARE of between 950kg and 1100kg. Am I wrong?
Hi Bob. Irrespective of the weights and loading, its a worry that Jayco have decided to issue you a new VIN plate with "N/A" as the ball weight.
I would imagine that breaches various vehicle regs and road laws and you will be the one with the problem if a picky cop or the "scalies" pull you over on the road - not Jayco.
Don't know the rego details for vehicles in Tassie, but in WA if you change the VIN plate, it must be weighed empty and full, put over the pits, brakes tested and tyre type checked. You cant just change the VIN plate. Might pay to check with your Dept of Transport to see what the story is, especially the "N/A" on the ball weight
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Not many manufacturers state a maximum ball weight for their vans. The tug has a maximum ball rating which must not be exceeded.
The empty ball weight on the compliance plate is the measured weight for a dry and empty van....useless information because nobody tows a dry empty van around Australia. The rule of thumb for ball weight of a loaded van is 10% of the ATM, however there is only one way to know the exact ball weight of a loaded van.........weigh it.
I have to say it surprised me when Jayco decided to set maximum ball ratings.
