MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gunna Do on August 18, 2010, 05:43:25 PM
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With all the differant campers on the market now, I thought a poll to indicate what people have selected would be interesting.
Now remember this is not a "Which suspension is best?" poll, and please only vote if you own a camper, and not what you would like.
I have included a range of suspension which I could think of at the time, so if there is another type please post that up and I will add it to the list.
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This should be an interesting poll Gunna Do,
Was just thinking about T Van and their MC2 suspension(I think thats what its called), would that be rubber independant ???
:cheers:
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I'll try and work out the name of the suspension you are talking about or use MC2. But the rubber suspension I was thinking about was the AL-KO type.
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Independant Asymmetric Link (MC2) was what I came up with mate.
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nice work mate,
MC2 looks much easier to write..
:cheers:
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That MC2 suspension is the only independent system worth having in my opinion.
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This has worked bloody well. I found the supplier of the suspension used by Camprite trailers and fitted my own.
It is caled the Gaffa by Martins Trailer parts and they manufacture them for Camprite and used to make them for Pioneer campers as well.
Camprite do modify them slightly to use double coil springs one inside the other and say it has a better ride but it seems to work well on mine as is. Camprite also fit longer Rancho shocks.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5068.jpg)
The little shocks that came with this lasted only a few rough outback trips. So I have coppied Camprite and used a longer shock. For me the choice was easy as I have fitted the rear shocks from my Patrol so it is compatable and I carry a spare which can fit the car or trailer.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5074.jpg)
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Simpicity used by Jayco, for me it was just part of the package deal at the time.
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Well I'm a huge supporter of coil suspension (MCS or otherwise...!) Tows smoothly, absorbs the bumps really well and tracks perfectly. I wouldn't know I've got a trailer behind me if it wasn't for the extra fuel consumption.
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7 leafs with shocks on our Cape York.
Tows fine and bounces fine...
Bill and Morag
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9 leaf rebounds on our Redback, tows well, simple, easy to fix and tough.
Baz.
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On these with commodore rear coils and monroe gas shocks, total cost $220 inc stub axles ;D
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Ours came with independent and having owned the major three ( leaf, alco rubber & coils ) the coils do ride a lot smoother, things simply stay where you put them and don't bounce around. But having said that, all three types have never let us down or required any out of the ordinary maintenance. I don't think it's so much a matter of reliability but rather a question of personal choice.
Cheers
jk
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Cmon Gaz, where is the dual axle independant coil,
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Cmon Gaz, where is the dual axle independant coil,
Sorry Paul, I must have missed this one at the start of the month.
Now would that be, dual solid axle leaf sprung (load sharing or non-load sharing)?
Or is there another type, perhaps dual solid axle coil sprung (load sharing or non-load sharing)?
Or fully independant dual axle?
Perhaps a pic might help me classify this one.
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Coil suspension, tows well.
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TrackTrailer MC2 SUspension on TrackTrailer Desert Eagle:
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb258/markeaust/Toyota%20and%20Eagle%20Camper/MDE_1872.jpg)
;D ;D
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very happy with the ride of my Alko rubber independant.....
Stevo
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TrackTrailer MC2 SUspension on TrackTrailer Desert Eagle:
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb258/markeaust/Toyota%20and%20Eagle%20Camper/MDE_1872.jpg)
;D ;D
That right there is the best trailer suspension design on the market. If I was going to use anything but quality rebound leaves, it would be that.
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The tryed and true Solid Axle Leaf for me, can be fixed nearly anywhere if required.
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That right there is the best trailer suspension design on the market. If I was going to use anything but quality rebound leaves, it would be that.
Thanks Joff,
It took a while to figure it all out, but it is fantastic.
BTW... love the truck, very similar to mine, but you have a few more ponies under the hood and I'm contemplating a similar mod....
CHeers,
Mark
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Al-Ko for the swagman.
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My Camprite has indepentant with twin coil springs each side.
It rides great and would be surprised if it ever lets me down.
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Beam with leafs here. :cup:
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tandem roller rocker
:cheers:
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Poll modified to include tandem roller rocker suspension for your vote Brett.
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Poll modified to include tandem roller rocker suspension for your vote Brett.
Got a tandem roller setup on our Coota............can I change my vote...........??
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Got a tandem roller setup on our Coota............can I change my vote...........??
Is there a "Remove Vote" option on your poll screen? I have a few different options on mine because I started the Poll. Last time I tried to do something like that I cleared all the votes. Let me know, and if you haven't perhaps a Moderator may be able to help out.
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Is there a "Remove Vote" option on your poll screen? I have a few different options on mine because I started the Poll. Last time I tried to do something like that I cleared all the votes. Let me know, and if you haven't perhaps a Moderator may be able to help out.
I don't see any options at all. Now that I've already voted, I just get the poll results.
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Thanks Gunna Do
:cheers:
Brett B
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I don't see any options at all. Now that I've already voted, I just get the poll results.
Geoff, I'll send a PM to a moderator and see what they can do.
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Geoff, I'll send a PM to a moderator and see what they can do.
Thanks GD :cheers:
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Geoff, I'll send a PM to a moderator and see what they can do.
Poll options edited to allow voters to change their vote. :cheers:
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Poll options edited to allow voters to change their vote. :cheers:
Thanks Snow :cheers:
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Solid axle with leaf springs. Not much say when you buy mid eightys preloved CTs, that are small enough for the Subie.
Beigewagon.
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Vehicle Components independent with air bags.
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Modified A frame chassis, 2t axle, 2.1t springs and a set of shocks added under the 87 Jayco Swan.
The shocks made a big difference to the roll Touche use to get at about 100kph.
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Solid axle with leaf springs.
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solid axle with rebound leafsprings. If it goes wrong then i can most likey put a band aid on it and fix it somewhere down the local mech. :cheers:
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great question but too many answers ... does it make a huge difference i.e the load of or type of trailer, i will eventually make a frame for my tub off my vehicle ( has tray now ) and it is the biggest decision which way to go with the suspension.We intend to do all hwy, track and 4wd type terrains .... looking fwd to and will take onboard all comments except "your shout" ;D, cheers
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great question but too many answers ... does it make a huge difference i.e the load of or type of trailer, i will eventually make a frame for my tub off my vehicle ( has tray now ) and it is the biggest decision which way to go with the suspension.We intend to do all hwy, track and 4wd type terrains .... looking fwd to and will take onboard all comments except "your shout" ;D, cheers
For a DIY, leaf spring set up are often the cheapest, and easiest to get the parts to do. BUT I have found it is not all that simple to set it up for the weight of trailer, height, size of tyres, type of terrain etc.
You do need some expert advice / guesswork to get it about right.
For this reason on the last rebuild of my trailer I fitted a "Gaffa" independent trailing arm coil spring unit. Martins Trailer parts make them for Campright trailers and Pioneer. It is easy to upgrade to heavier or taller or lower springs, change the stub axle height for bigger wheels and more ground clearance etc. I did change the shocks to take bigger ones from my Patrol. It came as one complete unit all ready to bolt or weld to the chassis. Many options for springs, axles, brakes wheels etc.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5068.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5066.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_3781.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_3778.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_3776.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5070.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5074-1.jpg)
If I was ever going to build another offroad and highway trailer, I will be using the same suspension for ease of fitting and upgrades.
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Sorry Paul, I must have missed this one at the start of the month.
Now would that be, dual solid axle leaf sprung (load sharing or non-load sharing)?
Or is there another type, perhaps dual solid axle coil sprung (load sharing or non-load sharing)?
Or fully independant dual axle?
Perhaps a pic might help me classify this one.
Sorry Gary, Only just read this. Here you go.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c321/TOY80ST/Four%20Wheel%20Drive/Ultimate%20Trailer/SANY0176.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c321/TOY80ST/Four%20Wheel%20Drive/Ultimate%20Trailer/SANY0175.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c321/TOY80ST/Four%20Wheel%20Drive/Ultimate%20Trailer/SANY0177.jpg)
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I don't have a camper or van , but i do haul a slide on so the suspension had to be adjusted to suit that.
7 leaf springs, firestone ( pedders) airbags and foam assisted shockies all round without them we'd be swaying all over road. when the campers not on board just lower the air pressures to around 5 - 10 psi and its back to normal road condition use.
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I am still building then trailer, and was thinking independent, but now I am convinced to use independent and coils.
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Made my own independent/coils/shocks... Just need better shocks now.
(http://www.mixmetalworx.com/images/camper/sus_in.jpg)
(http://www.mixmetalworx.com/images/camper/CT_71.jpg)
(http://www.mixmetalworx.com/images/camper/CT_72.jpg)
Mick
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There is another type of suspension - one missing from your list.
It’s the MS Series suspension as fitted on the Vista RV and the Vista TVK.
It’s an independent asymmetric link system, similar to the MC2 as fitted on Track products.
The difference is the single forward link (as fitted on the MC2) is replaced with a double parallel link system on the MS Series.
The double parallel link eliminates the axle steer than can be generated under extreme conditions by the single link system.
Jim
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/justjim/Vista-suspension-2-web.jpg)
Double parallel link
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/justjim/Vista-suspension-3.jpg)
Vista before the mud of the desert
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/justjim/Vista-22-web.jpg)
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There is another type of suspension - one missing from your list.
Now added to the list for your voting pleasure
GG
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GG..
Thanks for adding the MS Series suspension to the list..
I believe it’s important to list it, as it is such a good suspension and probably competes with 'Tracks' MC2 suspension as the best in the world.
My problem now is..
As the (capitalistic) owner of both a camper and a crossover - with different suspensions - I guess I can only have one vote?
I’ve voted in the ‘Independent Coil’ listing for my camper (it has a Sugarglider Independent coil spring suspension)..So I guess two votes is out of the question?
If need be can I take out the vote I’ve made and at least get one vote up for the MS Series Suspension, as fitted on the Vista?
I know there’s at least one other Vista owner on this forum.. I should find him again and give him a prod to vote here..
Jim
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GG..
My problem now is..
As the (capitalistic) owner of both a camper and a crossover - with different suspensions - I guess I can only have one vote?
I’ve voted in the ‘Independent Coil’ listing for my camper (it has a Sugarglider Independent coil spring suspension)..So I guess two votes is out of the question?
For those that are lucky enough to have a number of campers with differnet types of suspension set up you can now add 2 votes. If you have already voted remove your original vote and then the 2 vote option should appear
GG
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I've got MC2 suspension under my track trailer which I am building my own camper on:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Psimpson7/Track%20trailer/IMG_6650s.jpg)
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interesting read ( insert thinking smiley face here ) ;D
another one for the Solid Axle Leaf
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Hi boys and girls, I have a desert edge with independant rubber and i wouldn't p..s on it if it was on fire. You need to have it fully loaded to work properly otherwise it bounces around too much and recks your gear inside.
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Hi boys and girls, I have a desert edge with independant rubber and i wouldn't p..s on it if it was on fire. You need to have it fully loaded to work properly otherwise it bounces around too much and recks your gear inside.
Raptor, it is interesting that you say that as I was looking at at the rubber trailing arm independant suspension ALKO or Martins Trailer Parts WA to replace my boat trailer springs and even the salesman told me that it is only good at the design load. If it is either too light it will bounce and too heavy it sags. Pitty because they look like a neat simple idea.
I put a new axle and leaf springs on the boat trailer as it was the cheap reliable option.
On my camper trailer I replaced the long suffering leaf springs with a coil spring independant trailing arm set up from Martins Trailer Parts WA. The coils are progressive rate so it rides well if loaded or empty.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5068.jpg)
The short blue shocks that came with it were crap, so I up-graded to Patrol rear shocks and it has been fantastic whether loaded heavily or lightly loaded and on the beach, on rough corrugated outback tracks or rough hilly tracks, or even going fast on the highway.
It tacks really well, does not wander or waggle its tail and takes the hard bouncing of corrugations.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_3783.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff353/geordie4x4/Camper%20Trailer/DSC_5074-1.jpg)
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I think the rubber suspension would be good for a boat trailer for the rust and maintenance side of things but yes , for it to ride properly it needs to be loaded to its rating. I'm looking at another camper this weekend and if I dont purchase it I will be doing a cruisemaster conversion.
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The mechanic I bought my 8o's Jayco Dove from had replaced the old suspension with leaf...just not sure if it's independant or solid... ??? Haven't looked underneath at the chassis either...I know, should have done that before I bought it...my knees just won't co-operate! :'(
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Our runs on a 45mm solid square axle running parallel bearings 10" electric brakes and 7 leaf slipper springs with Teflon wear pads for the slipper to slide on. It had 5 leafs on it previously but it was bottoming out so i have just upgraded. I run the slipper set up as it has minimal moving parts and if i happen to brake a spring i can get one from any Auto Shop or trailer place as they are all the same length.
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Hey Guys,
Have ordered a CC with independent coils, so that will be my vote. I'm hoping this will work well with the weight of the trailer as the rebound leafs I understand can jump a little with a heavy trailer. I will have to wait and see a suppose.
Any thoughts?
1HDT
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didnt realise there was so many options and combinations
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Alko rebound leaf with Alko shocks. Solid axle.
Cheers, Mike.
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(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546011_10150830595105886_1177795378_n.jpg)
Independant coils
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my complete has independent coil tows very well
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Our Sunset offroad camper runs solid axle leaf suspension
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Independent coils with trailing arms fitted to mine. But in my opinion any of the suspension with shockies must have limiting straps fitted.
Get airbourne to many times and the shocks top out and eventually snap in half.
Then you need to get the tools out !!! Always fun when you're away from home.....
Chris
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Shocks laid back at 45 degrees have to do 40% more work for the same result than do shocks that are set vertical. For every 10kg of up or down push or pull from a 45 degree shock, you get the same amount of unwanted front and rear directed load on the suspension and 14 kilos of load along the shock itself.
More work for the shock and more load on its bushes for no nett result. That's why they are a lousy idea. I guess that's why pretty much every decent 4WD you see has its shocks close to vertical.
For better of for worse, for my current build I am using a hollow beam axle with Landcruiser trailing arms, pan hard rod, 9 inch air bags and two vertical Landcruiser shockers each side. Load rating will be 3,000 kg on road and 2,000 kg off road.
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43589-1/Disk+detail.JPG)
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43565-1/Tr+Arm+prox+end.JPG)
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43575-1/Overview_001.JPG)
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9leaf springs and solid axle..
But i would like to try air suspension later on..
Happy to stick with leaf for now.. And no shocks dunno why u put shocks on trailers ??
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Shocks laid back at 45 degrees have to do 40% more work for the same result than do shocks that are set vertical. For every 10kg of up or down push or pull from a 45 degree shock, you get the same amount of unwanted front and rear directed load on the suspension and 14 kilos of load along the shock itself.
More work for the shock and more load on its bushes for no nett result. That's why they are a lousy idea. I guess that's why pretty much every decent 4WD you see has its shocks close to vertical.
For better of for worse, for my current build I am using a hollow beam axle with Landcruiser trailing arms, pan hard rod, 9 inch air bags and two vertical Landcruiser shockers each side. Load rating will be 3,000 kg on road and 2,000 kg off road.
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43589-1/Disk+detail.JPG)
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43565-1/Tr+Arm+prox+end.JPG)
(http://gallery.myswag.org/gallery/d/43575-1/Overview_001.JPG)
Keith, from your light yet stiff 'space frame' drawbar, appropriate-sized trailing arms, excellent packaging of your springs/dampers to keep the floor low and minimise wasted space, and your use of a beam axle for overall simplicity, load carrying ability, good tyre wear etc etc.... that is really lovely stuff!
Finish it off my placing the heavy spare low within/under the chassis near the axle centreline and you'll get two Gold Stars!! ;D
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Unfortunately, I had no option but to put the two spares on the swing-out gate at the back. Under the floor will be all water tanks, which will form a structural part of the floor. You can see progress (or lack of it) on My Camper Trailer Build. Thanks for the kind words.
Keith
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Solid Axle Leaf here aswell ,but reading through i think i will upgrade, there goes the budget
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Love the look of that coil sprung tandem.
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Solid axle. Spring over, 1.5 leaf shackle springs. Suzuki Sierra Shocks. F100 Hubs.
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/christover1/IMAG0511Small.jpg) (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/christover1/media/IMAG0511Small.jpg.html)
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Looks like i am going to have to install shocks on my new trailer.. She bounces a little empty.. I will see what happens after a few more bigger tests
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Looks like i am going to have to install shocks on my new trailer.. She bounces a little empty.. I will see what happens after a few more bigger tests
Don't make the mistake of 'checking' suspension when the trailer is empty... the 'ready to travel' (loaded) weight and performance is what matters :)
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Ok thanks. Will do
*******.....PETER......*******
____________________________________________
I am a 2 shed family, one for me and one for living in..
1993 80 series landcruiser
Dual movement hip
Love the high country
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Is there somewhere that i can buy independant suspension kits.. In vic or online?.
Tapa Tapa talker
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Is there somewhere that i can buy independant suspension kits.. In vic or online?.
Tapa Tapa talker
http://www.couplemate.com.au/index1.html?c641.html&1 (http://www.couplemate.com.au/index1.html?c641.html&1)
http://www.couplemate.com.au/index1.html?c641.html&1 (http://www.couplemate.com.au/index1.html?c641.html&1)
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Currently have original leaf slipper springs on my 1980 jayco dove. Tossing up about changing to eye rebound leafs or an alko torsion style setup....any advice??
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Shackle springs and add shocks could be another option.
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Shackle springs and add shocks could be another option.
Is it worth the hassle of adding shocks or will a decent rebound leaf offer a similar end result?
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Depends on what you want to achieve.
And intended use, what space you have underneath etc.
Shocks are needed if you opt for a softly sprung shackle spring(or coils).
Rebound spring is the easiest option.
I like the alko rubber for simplicity.
Dampening is kind of built in with alko.
PS. Just my opinions, I am no mechanic.
I tried slipper springs, rebound springs, then tried shackle springs with shocks.
Suited my needs, but your needs could differ, of course.
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Depends on what you want to achieve.
And intended use, what space you have underneath etc.
Shocks are needed if you opt for a softly sprung shackle spring(or coils).
Rebound spring is the easiest option.
I like the alko rubber for simplicity.
Dampening is kind of built in with alko.
PS. Just my opinions, I am no mechanic.
I tried slipper springs, rebound springs, then tried shackle springs with shocks.
Suited my needs, but your needs could differ, of course.
I appreciate your opinion. I have been swaying towards the alko torsion axle as I have a mate pulling one off a boat trailer...however am concerned that I believe they are not a serviceable item.
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I don't think there is much that can go wrong on the alko set up.
If it is free or cheap, and the right ride height and track width for you, it is worth a try.
Can always change it out if you hate it.
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It's interesting that the industry keep pushing independent suspension systems, yet 60% of us are running solid axle leaf setups!
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7 leaf Al-Ko.
45mm square.
Parallel bearings.
:cheers:
Rod.......
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Hi boys and girls, I have a desert edge with independant rubber and i wouldn't p..s on it if it was on fire. You need to have it fully loaded to work properly otherwise it bounces around too much and recks your gear inside.
Hi guys (and ladies) first post for me. I've been a member for awhile and been busy doing a lot of reading/research as I'm about to build a camper, well modify and renovate an old cub I have. I've found it very helpful for info and advice Tx, great site. In fact one reason I've taken so long to get started is, every time I read a topic I see another great idea I'd like to incorporate.
I have the independent rubber suspension on my work trailer and it works really well (because it's pretty well loaded all the time) so when I built a box trailer to cart a load of fire wood etc, I used the same suspension and found the same problem Raptor describes. I realised they have no progressive loading and so if you have it set up take a load, anything below that they are useless, in fact I usually carry large drums of water in mine if empty simply to stop it bouncing all over the place at speed. I wouldn't write them off though as the other trailer works well.
Cheers
Bob
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Shocks with leaf springs definitely make a difference over rebound springs.
Our grain feeder trailer is on the fourth set of suspension. First was slipper which wore through the slip pads and chassis and bounced everywhere. Second was rebound springs which were better but it still bounced around. We changed again when we decided to fit bigger tyres when we had to start getting over more rocky area. It now has land cruiser shackle springs and large bore shocks. I'm really surprised how well it sits over some rough terrain.
My 2c, if you're going to the effort of re mounting springs, add shocks as well.
Sent from somewhere I wish I wasn't, using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
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G'day Lounge Lizards!
I have retrofitted cruise-master independent suspension on my 2004 Jayco Hawk Off-road camper.
PS, i will start my camper trailer thread soon.
Regards,
RLI
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Al-ko independent on my new (old ) dingo offroad camper trailer, cant really comment on the ride or handling apart from towing it from Moe to St Helena via Noojee/ Yarra Junction. Towed nicely just the same, i wasnt specifically after independent suspension but happy to have it if it works.
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1500Kg Gaffa under my Downunder Camper. Was a breeze across the Old Cork Rd & the Loop Track at Kroombit Tops.
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running on twin shock independent trailing arm with coil spring! tows like a dream over everything I've hit so far.
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I am interested in building up trailer with asymmetric trailing link suspension / MC2. Does anyone know if there are any kits out there for this?
I can't seem to find much. Trak told me they'd sell me a Mate Chassis for $7-8k....don't know if that's good value or not?
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Trackabout Safari SV with the independent suspension.
Greg
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Need to re vote or vote more than once as I have a new toy 8)
yogi
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Im glad to see leaf springs still hanging in there :cup:
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Im running independant trailing arm, air bags and twin Rancho RS9000's.
Van rides like a dream over all surfaces, and I can drop height and level van with it on setting up camp.
Wouldnt have anything else if I had to start again.
Cheers Glen
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Square 45mm axle with leaf slippers.Added shock absorbers for Gunbarrel Hwy trip but never gave a problem without them on the Gibb,Tanami Rd etc.Tows straight and I never see the camper bounce.
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New Breakaway came with Vehicle Components independent.
BUT .... I would be happy with Alko rebound leaf. NO shocks needed although it doesn't really make things worse.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Could the mods add a "Tandem Air Bag" option please?
:cheers:
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Could the mods add a "Tandem Air Bag" option please?
:cheers:
Done bud, is it here yet ;D
GG
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Done bud, is it here yet ;D
Not yet GG, but it is progressing. Still a couple of weeks away....
Thanks for adding to the list.
:cheers: