The rear sofa seat belts were a feature that we viewed as a real plus when we decided to purchase our 2017 Pleasure-Way Lexor TS. Unfortunately we quickly found out that they were really just safety restraints for an amusement park ride.  While watching our passenger’s get launched in the air each time the vehicle hit a bump was somewhat entertaining we knew something had to be done.  The rear seat was basically unusable while in motion.

I began researching solutions and came across a system named VB-Air that was in wide use in Europe on the Fiat Ducato.   After quite a bit of discussion with the headquarters in the Netherlands  and the U.S. sales representative I was assured  that the system was compatible with our 2016 RAM Promaster chassis.   I contacted  Advanced RV and scheduled the installation for July of 2017.    Three days before my scheduled visit I received a notice that my appointment had been cancelled. VB Air had visited Advanced RV to train them on the installation. During the training they had discovered a change that RAM had made to the rear axle when the vehicle was modified for North America.   The system was not compatible.

I got back on the phone with the U.S. sales representative and he began working  the problem with the engineering team.   In April of 2018 I was notified that the new kit was ready.  I arrived at Advanced RV in the evening on April 30th and settled down for the night in the parking lot with several Advanced RV owners who had service appointments the following day.

Early the following morning Lexi was on the lift. The installation process was very involved and fun to watch.   The system replaced the rear leaf springs and shocks with a completely new active air suspension system that was designed to  add and release air as needed based on changing road conditions.

After the better part of two days Lexi was back on the ground. The handling difference was stunning.   The vehicle felt planted to the road.  Body sway was greatly reduced and the uncontrolled suspension bounce was gone.

I decided to hang around for Advanced RV’s annual fest that was occurring that weekend.  The fest was a wonderful opportunity to meet the Advanced RV team and some of their vendor representatives .   During one of the breakout sessions  my eyes were opened to the advantages of a 48V house system .  My next project was underway!