Upgrading TV Shocks (Sienna XLV)

jpcjtrtj · Oct 13, 2008, 10:01 PM

We're relatively new to pop ups having bought ours in May (2003 Coleman Carmel). We've loved it and the good news is that we got about 24 days in this summer/fall and have 2 more before we have to close it up til April (We're fair weather folks). Every time we go over a big bump or a large dip with the Sienna loaded for a trip, we manage to drag the tow hitch and make that really cool SCKRETCH noise.. I've read on these forums that upgrading the shocks can give us a better ride and allow us to manage the grinding issue a little better. Anyone have any thoughts about this? Where's the best place for shocks? What kind are we looking for? Will this really help this issue? What else can we do? Thanks for your insights thus far, especially that buying the memory foam materess topper (That was spot on!!!!) :confused:

dkutz · Oct 13, 2008, 10:44 PM

Quote from: jpcjtrtjWe're relatively new to pop ups having bought ours in May (2003 Coleman Carmel). We've loved it and the good news is that we got about 24 days in this summer/fall and have 2 more before we have to close it up til April (We're fair weather folks). Every time we go over a big bump or a large dip with the Sienna loaded for a trip, we manage to drag the tow hitch and make that really cool SCKRETCH noise.. I've read on these forums that upgrading the shocks can give us a better ride and allow us to manage the grinding issue a little better. Anyone have any thoughts about this? Where's the best place for shocks? What kind are we looking for? Will this really help this issue? What else can we do? Thanks for your insights thus far, especially that buying the memory foam materess topper (That was spot on!!!!) :confused:

I would skip the shocks. We installed air bags on our sienna they work great, and won't effect ride when not in use. Check this site

//www.siennaclub.org search for airbags. Lots of info on there. You will also need a rise on your hitch if you don't already.

Good luck

Dray · Oct 16, 2008, 08:47 AM

I tow with a minivan too. A 2004 Honda Odyssey. I had the same problem you're having. I got a weight distribution hitch and it is working well to take the weight off the rear of my TV. I still haven't been able to get it perfect but with a little more adjusting I'll get there.

TheViking · Oct 16, 2008, 10:51 AM

As much as this pains me.......i have to agree with Dkutz. Airbags are the only way to go. They will level you out and improve the ride. If you need shocks, I would recommend Bilsteins. Great shock and provides a very smooth ride.

dkutz · Oct 16, 2008, 10:58 AM

Quote from: TheVikingAs much as this pains me.......i have to agree with Dkutz. Airbags are the only way to go. They will level you out and improve the ride. If you need shocks, I would recommend Bilsteins. Great shock and provides a very smooth ride.

I will mark my Calendar!!

jpcjtrtj · Oct 17, 2008, 09:38 PM

Thanks for the info. Airlift 1000s on the way. My buddy said he could help me put em in (since I'm one of those good lawyers but bad mechanics and he's a good mechanic, but we won't say what kind a lawyer. . . ). Hopefully they'll be here for the last camping trip of the season 10/31.

dkutz · Oct 17, 2008, 11:00 PM

Quote from: jpcjtrtjThanks for the info. Airlift 1000s on the way. My buddy said he could help me put em in (since I'm one of those good lawyers but bad mechanics and he's a good mechanic, but we won't say what kind a lawyer. . . ). Hopefully they'll be here for the last camping trip of the season 10/31.

Good choice, they are great and not too hard to install. Soap water on the bags to install. Hardest part is finding a place to attach the hoses. Check the sienna owners site for tips on installation....
GOod luck.

Remember to keep like 5 pounds in when not in use, I inflate to 30psi BEFORE I load up the car and trailer...

fallsrider · Oct 21, 2008, 11:03 PM

I'm with dkutz on the AirLifts. I, too, pump them up to 30 psi before loading the van and hitching the pup. I deflate to 5-10 psi after unloading back home. I installed my valve in the cargo area, over on the left side up under the recessed storage area. I didn't use two valves. I ran both bags to one valve. It points down inside that recessed area, and is very easy to reach standing on the ground at the back. And with the 12-volt port just in front of this location, it is easy to plug my little air compressor in to inflate the bags.

You'll love the AirLifts. Just make sure your hitch weight does not exceed 200 lbs. since you're not using a WDH. That's Toyota's specifications. I'm not familiar with how big a Carmel is.

dkutz · Oct 21, 2008, 11:16 PM

Quote from: fallsriderI'm with dkutz on the AirLifts. I, too, pump them up to 30 psi before loading the van and hitching the pup. I deflate to 5-10 psi after unloading back home. I installed my valve in the cargo area, over on the left side up under the recessed storage area. I didn't use two valves. I ran both bags to one valve. It points down inside that recessed area, and is very easy to reach standing on the ground at the back. And with the 12-volt port just in front of this location, it is easy to plug my little air compressor in to inflate the bags.

You'll love the AirLifts. Just make sure your hitch weight does not exceed 200 lbs. since you're not using a WDH. That's Toyota's specifications. I'm not familiar with how big a Carmel is.

I put my valve on the black plastic strip just below the bumper and just above the hitch. Only one valve. Love the airlifts. They worked out great!

jpcjtrtj · Oct 22, 2008, 12:14 AM

Ok, I actually went out and weighed the darn thing. 320 pounds on the hitch with the battery forward and a second propane tank (Yikes!!!). It drops to about 260 when I took off the extra tank and moved the battery closer to the body. The Toyota owner's manual for the all wheel drive says I can tow up to 3500 pound and that 9-12% of the total trailer weight should be on the hitch not to exceed 350 pounds without a weight distributing hitch. I'm figuring we've got about 2500 pounds when you add up the trailer (1900#) and the junk in it; so I'm heavy on the hitch weight but within the total hitch tollerances. On the way too camping I notice the weight. On the way home, it's easy as pie to drive. Any thoughts?

fallsrider · Oct 22, 2008, 12:32 AM

What year Sienna do you have? My '04 manual says not to exceed 200 lbs. hitch weight without a WDH. 350 lbs. is the total hitch weight not to exceed under any circumstances.

Maybe they've changed that since '04.

Dray · Oct 22, 2008, 08:25 AM

Quote from: jpcjtrtjOn the way too camping I notice the weight. On the way home, it's easy as pie to drive. Any thoughts?

Travel with the water tank empty and fill up when you arrive at the cg.

TheViking · Oct 22, 2008, 11:15 AM

When I had my Tundra, I had the fill valve coming through one of the License plate holes. You could hardly tell it was there and easy to fill.

jpcjtrtj · Oct 22, 2008, 09:01 PM

It's a 2006. I definitely notice the difference between a water tank full and one that's empty. I try to empty before we leave the campground.

The airlifts are supposed to arrive today and I'm hoping to sucker my friends into helping me install them sunday morning.

TheViQueen · Oct 23, 2008, 12:18 AM

Quote from: jpcjtrtjIt's a 2006. I definitely notice the difference between a water tank full and one that's empty. I try to empty before we leave the campground.

The airlifts are supposed to arrive today and I'm hoping to sucker my friends into helping me install them sunday morning.

Tjey are easy to install. Took about an hour & 1/2 total

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Upgrading TV Shocks (Sienna XLV)