RE: New Jayco Purchase

[Joe Buskirk]

 After attending 2 RV shows, I have pretty much decided on a Jayco 10SG.  As an owner of a 1987 J806 Jayco, I have been satisifed with the local dealer and the Jayco products.  I do have some naive questions that a newbie would have, I would appreciate any input:
 1.  Surge brakes are standard on this model.  I had two conflicting pieces of information while at  a recent RV show concerning this.  One dealer indicated that while backing up and as long as I was not trying to back up a hill I would not have to release the surge brake mechanism.  The other dealer indicated that I would have to release the mechanism.  
 2. I am considering the A/C option but is worth the investment?  
 
 

[tlhdoc]

 Joe Buskirk
I have never towed with surge brakes.  I like the electric brakes I have.  I can apply the trailer brakes to stop sway if I have to.  If you use the same tow vehicle all the time, I think the electric brakes are the way to go.  If you use different vehicles then it might be easier to use the surge brakes.
 
 If you don t like hot weather and would like to extend your camping season in to the warmer weather get the air conditioner.   You do camp where there is electricity?

[hbfc6]

 Joe Buskirk
AC is worth it.

[wssfetch]

 Joe Buskirk
Joe, congratulations on the new camper!  Can t help you with the surge brakes as my little wee Jayco has no brakes at all!  But I think you ll find that an AC will be well worth the extra money.  You will be much more comfortable camping in the hot humid months of summer and you ll need it if you decide to come farther south on any camping trips.  If you have a heat strip installed in the AC you ll be able to use that for cool, damp conditions to take the chill off without firing up the furnace.  I find it is very helpful in drying things out a bit when we get home from camping in rain.
 
 You ll have to post pics of the new camper for us to all drool over!

[HersheyGirl]

 Joe Buskirk
I have surge brakes on my 1207 J and I love them.  I have not had any problem with backing up and I have yet to release the mechanisim. Have fun with your new baby.[8D][8D][8D]

[jawilson]

 Joe Buskirk
Depending upon the pitch of the hill you might have to release them. Surge brakes work by utilizing front dive in order to modulate braking. The theory is that the more the front of the trailer is diving down, or shifting it s weight forward, the more you ll need brakes. As the pitch of the trailer goes down, for whatever reason, the brakes get applied. If you re backing up a hill, and the nose of the trailer is starting to get lower then the rear, the surge brakes will most likely assume this is a braking condition and apply themselves.