Community Forums

Marshalone · 05-02-2021, 10:29 AM

I am running a 2018 38 ft. Jayco Precept 36T. It has the J-ride system. I have been looking at the ads for this liquid spring system and wonder if anyone has had it installed, how expensive was it and most importantly was it worth the cost. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who has experience with this system. Happy camping.

mymyst · 05-04-2021, 07:38 AM

No personal experience, but I've chatted with some fellow RV's who looked at it pretty strong....they indicated it was an $18-20k install. OUCH! Good payment towards a diesel pusher with air bags!!

Indy Glenn · 05-04-2021, 07:52 AM

I have the LS system on my 2017 Newmar.

It works as designed. Definitely takes the sway and body roll away.

The back end of our rig rides smooth and quiet, no squeaks.

Our reason of course was the handling of the rig. I am able to take 2 lane road curves now at speed, no need to slow down.

As far as expense, I hesitate to mention a cost, the $18 to $20K price listed is high. I had mine installed at the LS factory, I am not sure what independent installers are charging - it is very labor intensive to install.

They now have an LS system for the front end - then the above mentioned price would be more realistic for front & rear.

My view - If you use your rig for summer vacations, and weekend trips, not sure this would be worth the expense. If you use your rig for extensive trips and long drives - it would definitely help your comfort level.

Good luck.

BTW - contact the factory direct. They will give costs and you can go from there. If you are in Central Indiana or can make it there, they gove factory tours.....the place is amazing.

g

arcaguy · 05-04-2021, 08:52 AM

I was looking at purchasing a rig with liquid springs so I did a little investigating. The cost was reported by the seller to be $12,000. Take it for what it is worth. Just be aware that the system uses a computer to balance the load. I called liquid spring and asked about replacement boards, I was told they could ship them in 24-48 hours depending on whether or not they had one programmed for your vehicle. The tech also reported that they didn't have a lot of problems with them. The coach wound up being sold to someone else so i didn't go any further but frankly it seems like it's a pretty complicated system. When it works it probably works fine. If it has issues it may take a while to get them fixed. Good luck.

Jabber Jaw · 05-08-2021, 08:43 AM

"Liquid Spring" suspension is very impressive!

That said, I have a 2020 Newmar Canyon Star on a 26,000GVWR Ford F-53 chassis. While at Newmar to pick it up, I had the local Ford Dealer install Koni shocks, a Saf-T-Plus steering stabilizer, an Ultra-Trac rear track bar, & front Sumo springs. These made a huge improvement in the ride & handling characteristics of the "stock" chassis. Yes, I did test drive it in stock condition; 165 miles, & had the Newmar tech scratching his head, as to why!

While at the Tampa Super RV Show, Liquid Spring had a Tiffin coach, same chassis & length, with the Liquid Spring rear suspension installed. I was able to take it for a "test drive", and it was impressive to say the least. Drove it in all "Three" of the selectable modes; and each has its' advantages.

I would highly recommend "Liquid Spring" suspension, though it is expensive, but will provide the closest thing to "air-ride" suspension which is on a "DP"!

No, I didn't pull the trigger to spend the money required, because were I to have it done, I would do front & rear too! And having just bought & moved into an RV garage home in St. Augustine Fl, I do not feel like spending that amount of money, until I recover from purchasing & furnishing the new house!

Yes, it's a long post, but for those that are serious about improving the ride & handling of their coach....an independent opinion should help in making the final decision!

And I most likely will have Liquid Spring suspension installed on my coach next year!

Good Luck to all, & enjoy your RV.....that's the bottom line!

Indy Glenn · 05-09-2021, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabber Jaw

"Liquid Spring" suspension is very impressive!

That said, I have a 2020 Newmar Canyon Star on a 26,000GVWR Ford F-53 chassis. While at Newmar to pick it up, I had the local Ford Dealer install Koni shocks, a Saf-T-Plus steering stabilizer, an Ultra-Trac rear track bar, & front Sumo springs. These made a huge improvement in the ride & handling characteristics of the "stock" chassis. Yes, I did test drive it in stock condition; 165 miles, & had the Newmar tech scratching his head, as to why!

While at the Tampa Super RV Show, Liquid Spring had a Tiffin coach, same chassis & length, with the Liquid Spring rear suspension installed. I was able to take it for a "test drive", and it was impressive to say the least. Drove it in all "Three" of the selectable modes; and each has its' advantages.

I would highly recommend "Liquid Spring" suspension, though it is expensive, but will provide the closest thing to "air-ride" suspension which is on a "DP"!

No, I didn't pull the trigger to spend the money required, because were I to have it done, I would do front & rear too! And having just bought & moved into an RV garage home in St. Augustine Fl, I do not feel like spending that amount of money, until I recover from purchasing & furnishing the new house!

Yes, it's a long post, but for those that are serious about improving the ride & handling of their coach....an independent opinion should help in making the final decision!

And I most likely will have Liquid Spring suspension installed on my coach next year!

Good Luck to all, & enjoy your RV.....that's the bottom line!

Yes - Liquid Springs make quite the difference.

When you are ready to install your LS system - you may want to consider doing the rear first. With Sumos on the front, your rig will ride great - no roll, great handling.

Installing LSs on the front - I would hope it would help with expansion joints and bad roads. I will go another season or two before I consider a front system. I have been using the system on my rig for two years now.

A benefit not mentioned is the ability to raise and lower your rig when going into a situation where your drop down hitch scrapes a road or driveway.

One thing you may want to consider is having it installed at the factory. You most likely spoke to Wayne at the Tampa show, not sure what he suggested about installation. Installation took I believe 3 days and the area of Indiana where the factory is, Lafayette, IN, is a nice area. Not far from Nappanee (100 miles) - if you go to Newmar for warranty work - might be an additional stop.

Good luck,

g

Mike8253 · 05-09-2021, 05:59 AM

Just make sure you understand the weight increase that comes with the LS installation, especially if you are installing front and rear. I don't doubt at all the ride improvements of the LS installation, but you need to be sure you can handle the weight increase. Depending on chassis capability, you could be materially crimping what you typically carry. Just do your homework.

Gumpster808 · 05-09-2021, 08:11 AM

Here is a link to a write up I just posted on our class c.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/writ...ng-535920.html

Not much weight difference overall since the springs, shocks, rite ride air bags, etc are all removed during the install.

Price depends on the coach and what is involved to install. For the rear ours ended up at about 10k.

Indy Glenn · 05-10-2021, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike8253

Just make sure you understand the weight increase that comes with the LS installation, especially if you are installing front and rear. Just do your homework.

Great point.......

The factory told us the rear system adds 400 pounds to the weight of the rig.

Not sure what the front weighs - but just ask the factory.

g