Air shocks or Not

[Calvin]

Can someone please let me know if I added air shocks to the rear of my van it would help when attaching the pup?  Now I know a lot of you dont like the idea of using a mini van for pulling a pup but that is all I have.  I have a 97 Grand Caravan without towing package.  So far I have added a class 3 Reese hitch, 6,000lb. capacity ball, trans cooler and larger battery.  I was told that if my van has ABS brakes I cant install the air shocks I have, they are Hi-Jackers made especially for my van. Please any help will be greatly appreciated.
Calvin

[mike4947]

Never heard any prohibitions on using air shocks with ABS brakes, BUT, air shocks should be the very last option when towing. They transfer any weight to the shock mounts that are not designed for it.
First option would be a WD hitch if the trailer allows it. In fact IIRC Mopar recommends using on to keep the weight on the front driving wheels.
Next would be Timbrens or Air/Lifts. They won't transfer weight back to the front axle but they do raise the rear to get rid of sag and at least keep the weight on the springs/suspension where it should be.
Leave the air shocks for folks that can't buy tire/wheels that fit in the wheel wells without rubbing.

[Calvin]

Hi, and thanks for your quick responce. I went to the web page that sells the Timbrins and looked them over good idea.  Tomorrow guess I will order a set of them looks like they should solve my problem.  Thanks again Mike and have a good one.
Calvin

[mike4947]

To add Calvin, if the spacing doesn't come out to the specs Tinbren is really good about replacing the rubber elements with a different height.

[tlhdoc]

I used Timbren rubber springs on my Windstar and a friend uses them on their Caravan.  They work very well at keeping the back end of the TV up.  They do give you a bounce in the back end though.

[AustinBoston]

I definitely agree with Mike about the air shocks.  Shock mounts are designed to absorb spring rebound, not hold excess weight, but that is what air shocks to.

With some vehicles, the ABS works in part by sensing vertical travel in the rear end.  Adding air shocks (or air bags) can interfere with proper ABS function.  Airbags can usually be bled down to the point where it is mute (IIRC, most havew them at 10 PSI when not towing).

I don't know if a weight distributing (a.k.a. equalizing) hitch can be used with the '97 caravan, and you didn't tell us what trailer you have (some trailers don't allow WDH's).  If you can, that's the way to go.  But if you really NEED a WDH, then the trailer is almost certanly too big for your caravan.

I don't usually say this, but if everything else checks out and all you really need is to deal with a little rear end sag, then the airbag route may be your best bet.

Austin