Thread: Which rear springs for when I'm touring

Have you considered polyairs, very good for such situations. I run these on our Defender and used to run them on our D2 when loaded up and towing a boat on holidays. I load level on a level surface using a tape measure before setting off and deflate again when we get back.

Be careful not to over inflate them though, we go to a maximum of 25psi and no less than about 8psi.



Erich

Originally Posted by Bundalene

Have you considered polyairs, very good for such situations. I run these on our Defender and used to run them on our D2 when loaded up and towing a boat on holidays. I load level on a level surface using a tape measure before setting off and deflate again when we get back.

Be careful not to over inflate them though, we go to a maximum of 25psi and no less than about 8psi.



Erich

polyair were fitted when I bought the rig...........they were probably 10+ years old when one failed


just not sure if they are worth the price for using them maybe twice a year

Originally Posted by weeds

polyair were fitted when I bought the rig...........they were probably 10+ years old when one failed

just not sure if they are worth the price for using them maybe twice a year

Hmm.

I'm tossing up if I buy a set myself - even if I don't use them that often I like the idea: they do mean I don't need to run stiffer springs for the "every other day minus two times per year"

Hi Weeds,
We recently replaced OMEs + polybags + Bilsteins with Medium terrafirma 2 inch prosport shocks and springs. I kept the polybags in too assuming we would still need them, however fully loaded with the five of us and camper trailer the springs sag perhaps an inch (but the setup is slightly rear tall anyway) and looks and rides perfectly balanced. The only downside is the springs are slightly stiffer. I havent had a need to put any air above the minimum 8psi required into the bags.

I third the Polyairs or Firestones in my case. The heavy duty springs make the ride in a Defender pretty ordinary IMO. Tried Lovells HD, went to a lighter Kings spring but they were still too harsh. Ended up going with 270lb rear springs from LRA with the airbags. Mine is a hardtop and with two wheels hanging of a rear bar, and a full kit of camping gear for two people plus water etc, the rear bags don't need much pressure at all to keep it level.

Best of all it rides real nice with and without a load.

LRA sell a 320lb rear from memory that would be worth considering.

As others have said airbags would be ideal for your needs - either that or just run the softer springs and deal with a bit of sag when loaded. No point pinging of every bump for the rest of the year.

I had 130 helper springs in mine. It still rode fairly well for day to day duties and handled the extra touring weight well

Rob

Originally Posted by tuffrangie

I had 130 helper springs in mine. It still rode fairly well for day to day duties and handled the extra touring weight well

Rob

Yes have thought about doing the 130 set up