RE: Another Weight Distribution Question

[PopupSgt]

 I have searched the forum and have read all I can read w/o exploding[:@].  I know that wdh are the #1 method to distribute the weight of the rv to distribute the weight to the front of the TV.  
 But here is my dilemma, I have a Jayco 14SO that lower s the rear end of my Safari more than I like & would like the TV level during pulling and to close to the ground for me.  
 The problems is the Jayco has the surge brake system, I have emailed numerous times to reese but NO response on what they mfg for surge brake systems.  
 So what is my solution then?  Do I install the air bag system or Load Leveling Shocks made by monroe?, I know that from reading air shocks are out of the question.  We are talking about 300# s of tongue weight but by the time you add the 3 rugrats & the dog the weight starts adding.  I have read that a mfg makes a wdh for surge systems but it s extremely expensive.
 I would be interested in hearing some constructive inputs so that I can install what I need and be ready for the Eastern Rally.  Thanks in advance.

[mike4947]

 PopupSgt
Reese & Drawtite can t help you. There s only one company that makes WD hitches compatable with surge brakes. I went through this with a Rockwood equipped with surge brakes years ago. Of course with my senile memory and disorganized favorites I can t find the company name or link. The good news is unlike Rockwood/Flagstaff Jayco does allow WD hitches with their PU s. You might want to message them throught they website: http://www.jaycorv.com/ and ask for the manufacturer if no one replies with it here.

[mrflinders]

 PopupSgt
We had a similar problem with our Astro.  I should have just gotten a WDH for it (my Coleman Tacoma has electric brakes), but I didn t.  I installed Air Lift Air Bags on the rear end, and I have been happy with the results.
 
 The air bags eliminated the rear sag and the " wiggle"  caused by the rear end bobbing up and down on the freeway.  The car feels way more stable now.  However, if you have a problem with sway, the air bags will not help that very much.  However, I have never experienced a problem with sway on my setup, with or without the air bags.  The air bags have a pressure range of 10-100 lbs, and I find I need to fill them to about 35psi to keep the van level when towing the trailer.  During normal driving (not towing), the bags can be deflated down to 10psi so that the car rides normally.
 
 You can read more about air lift air bags at http://www.airliftcompany.com/
 
 They have an application chart online.  if you have any questions on the installation, please feel free to drop me an email directly at randy@flindersfamily.com
 
 Stay away from air shocks (Monroe) - your shock mounts were not intended to carry weight on a continuous basis and the overall handling of the van during normal driving will be adversly affected.
 
 Cheers!

[wssfetch]

 PopupSgt
Air bags installed on my Astro stopped the sag when PU is hitched.  Also very helpful when Astro is fully loaded even without the trailer hitched up.  Since they are adjustable it is fairly easy to add or release air depending on the load.
 
 Well worth the cost!

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
Thanks for all of the great advice you guys gave me.  I ordered the air bags which are Air Lift brand from a dealer at a substantial savings.  I ll have them this weekend and let you guys know how the installation goes.  I didn t order the electric pump system but the interesting thing about if you install the electric pump system the air bags have a lifetime warranty with the system where as only (1) year w/o the system.  Guess I ll think about it but the dad burn system is expensive, more than the air bags cost.  Again thanks for all of the advice.