RE: Dangerous new 2003 Jayco

[PopupSgt]

 
Greeting site,
 I purchased my 2003 Jayco 14SO w/ surge brake system about 1 month ago.  Since the time we ve had little things go wrong like anyone would have.  But on coming back from the Hillsville rally we lost brakes on it due to one of the brake hydralic lines had broken due to poor design by Dexter Axle[>:].  Well after frying the brakes on my tv then getting the camper to the dealer due to they wouldn t p/u the camper from my residence.  I get a call today that it s ready so go there & all of the things that are broken are repaired & I was assured that the brake system was all fixed & no more problems.
 Well driving home (80 miles from dealer) we stop at an intersection which about 2 miles from our house & the camper won t stop &  pushed the TV thru the intersection & jack knifes us.  We get home & check the hydralic reservoir & of course it is empty, then I feel around the axles for the brakes lines & the rear one on the passenger side has broken which is the same axle that broke last time except it was the drivers side.
 We are totally scared to death now of this rv and asking what we can do.  I have called the dealership & told them we want our money back or something due to we believe it now has be come a safety issue for me and my family.  I am gonna try either one idea of all my money back or the entire surge system torn out & electric brakes to replace.  
 I wanted to get a sense from fellow PUT supporters on what I should do[]
 
 Thanks in Advance.

[HersheyGirl]

 PopupSgt
Oh my Gosh, this is just terrible!  I have not hear of problems like this with Jayco, but that really doesn t mean anything.  I would want my money back too.  This is a big time safty issue and I would be scared to death of that camper too.  And that is one big camper to have this happen to.  I wish you the best and hope that it all gets settled to your satisfaction.  So glad that no one got hurt.

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
HersheyGirl,
 Thanks I can tell you I am still shaking from the even & the DW is still in tears.  It was like you are driving merrily along then all of a sudden you can t stop & everyone is screaming.  We missed another van by inches due to I swerved to the right to miss it.  We are I know right now terribly emotional due to nothing like this has ever happened to us before & even worse heck it s twice the brakes system has failed us[>:].

[tlhdoc]

 PopupSgt
Oh my gosh!  That must have been so scary.  I am so glad that no one was hurt!  I don t think they will give you all of your money back, so I would push for having electric brakes installed.  If you do go electric you want to get a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.  Just a quick story.  I had one brake not working in May.  Took it to the dealer and had it checked.  They said there wasn t anything wrong with it.  I know it didn t work.  Pick up the trailer and leave on a trip to the Catskill Mt. of New York, 250 miles from home and guess what.  No brakes at all.  Kathybrj s DH fixed them at the campground so I had brakes to go home with.  The dealer then fixed them.  It is not unusual for the brake lines on the Coleman trailer to get cut between the frame and a U bolt on the springs.[:@]

[wahoonc]

 PopupSgt
I think a certified letter to Jayco with carbon copies to the dealer, the state DOT, state attorney generals office, and the Better Business bureau would be in order. I would REFUSE to move the trailer myself! They have roll back trucks, have the dealer come get it AND pay for the towing! Why did the trailer come with surge brakes and not electric? State Law? or just the way the dealer orders them? I much prefer electric.
 Glad to hear that everyone is okay!
 
 Aaron[]

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
Thanks Aaron,
 The trailer came with surge brake system from the dealer, seems this is the only way the dealer buys his campers.  I will start compiling information to send out letters to the sources that you have indicated.  I know the dealer has said they will come & get it tomorrow on flat bed.

[SactoCampers]

 PopupSgt
PopupSgt,
 
 Can the dealership switch the braking system from surge to electric. That might save a lot of headacheson both sides. Or at least an axle swap for one with electric brakes. I would think that no dealer would want to have to buy back or exchange a new popup. Perhaps the axle swap or brake system changeis an option(?). I haven t heard of anything like that with electric brakes.
 

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
SactoCampers,
 All I want to do is have the entire system removed & electric to replace it.  I have totally lost faith in the hydraulic system.  I have emailed Dexter Axle if this can be done or not.  This would be easier for both sides I think.

[birol]

 PopupSgt
Popupsgt,
 
 Sorry to hear that the brakes failed on you once again. That is one humongous PU to not have brakes working, very scary. I am glad nothing really bad happened.
 
 I don t think anything less than electrical brakes should make you a happy camper. I would make a  really big issue ouf ot it if it happened to me.
 
 I think you deserve to have electrical brakes, or a full refund with no depreciation deducted.

[aw738]

 PopupSgt
Just as wahoonc said take this to someone or several people in authority. Especially the attorney general, thats one thing you pay taxes for.

[brainpause]

 PopupSgt
I guess I would shoot for the electrics too, although I m willing to bet they won t do it. They will probably just say the hydraulic brakes need fixing.
 
 I would be raising some Cain myself. You might also remind the dealership that you spend time online with LOTS of other campers, who will know the outcome of the story, GOOD or BAD. There is strength in numbers.
 
 Glad all of you are OK, and I hope this works out.
 
 Larry

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
I have sent an email to Jayco & to Ohio s state attorney general for help.  I m unsure if they will replace the brake system either but I ll try what ever I need to raise a stink to try & get them to do the swap.  Probably futile but worth a shot.

[aw738]

 PopupSgt
give em h--- by the way do you like your airlift?

[YellowXterra]

 PopupSgt
I understand its broke and needs fixed, but do you have enough of a TV to handle a camper that size? I have towed a 10 Coleman with my Xterra and can stop on a dime with out using the electric brakes. Now I tow a Coleman 12 foot box with a full size custom van and really don t need trailer brakes as it will haul to a stop just the same. I use the electric brakes just to save ware and tear on my TV but if they go out its not a real safety concern.

[PopupSgt]

 PopupSgt
aw738,
 I really like the airlift system.  It took quite a while to install the system but works real nice on lifting the van to ride height plus takes some the side to side motion when towing.