Thread: CAMPER TRAILER VS HEAVILY LOADED 110

I'd go for a Series Rear Spring. Prob even a LWB spring with the heavy helper leaf, so you can load the trailer up and still have a soft ride, but the heavy leaf is there if needed. With a multi leaf spring you then have the option of removing leaves to suit the weight you are carrying. Wou can use all std off the shelf bushes etc, and we all know what a flogging a Land Rover spring will take before it breaks. I am planning a trailer build to go behind the 101 in the not too distant future and will use 101 springs.. They match the tow vehicle and ride like a coiler with a bit of weight on board. The key thing then is to have decent shockers that suit leaves. Again, just my opinion, but certainly the way I'd go.

We've had no problems with our leaf spring Aussieswag. Independent might give better articulation in some situations, but it hasn't been an issue for us.

Sent from my D1 using overweight hamsters.

My impression has always been that IS main advantage is stability over corrugations, and not stepping sideways, particularly on really rough corners, where a skipping trailer could unbalance the car.

I must admit I have NO experience in towing solid axle trailers on corrugations, but in 8 years of towing my camp'o'matic it has never skipped sideways.

I have been in many situations where not skipping is very important such as approaching a very rough grid.

I have also seen many solid axle trailers broken,with broken main leaves, centre bolts, shackles,u bolts. I have never personally seen a broken IS. Maybe the leafs were under specified but who knows?

I don't think articulation is at all important for a trailer as long as the coupling can rotate.

Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by Sitec

Independent Suspension on a 'single axle' trailer is an expensive gimmic IMO... Your trailer is effectively a tripod.. The tow point and each wheel. It would have a purpose of a twin axle trailer but serves no purpose on a single axle trailer. The trailer chassis has to be beefed up so much to carry the suspension arms etc, the wheels have to be tracked, the list goes on. Save you're money and buy a rigid axle trailer with decent length springs that have some flex, and not the short thick solid 'Off Road Springs. Just my opinion having re welded several I.S trailers.

IMHO independent suspension on a trailer is brilliant. I have owned a Tvan with independent suspension and a kanga camper with Alko torsion bars. I have also towed extensively with leaf sprung trailers. The Tvan stuck like poo to a blanket in every single situation: fast dirt, slow articulation, sand, big ruts etc - you name it. Springs were never as good and Alko torsion bar is an abomination. The kanga spent more time in the air than on the road, stepped out on corrugations, was shocking in ruts, you had to skulk drag it through sand etc. My wife and I joked that the Kanga was named after the suspension! And yes, I tried different tyre pressures, weights in the trailer, driving slower, faster etc. All I ever had to do with the Tvan in comparison was tow it and only drop pressures on sand. The suspension soaked everything else up with aplomb. Left my laptop on the bed going along some rutted tracks in Tassie. Was still there at days end. That would never have happened in the Kanga.

In real world use, you almost forget you are towing a properly set up independent trailer in nearly all instances. At least I knew the Kanga was behind though I suppose as on nearly every road surface except bitumen and graded dirt it would appear in one mirror.... And then the other. And repeat

I am more able to see the benefits of IS on a heavy caravan or larger trailer but on a 500-700kg trailer I cannot see it actually being very independent in operation.

Anyway i dont have IS on the front two axles so why on the towed one?!

I have towed many trailers (not campers) but horse boxes, car trailers and large plant trailers. My patriot with IS is beautiful to tow compared to anything before, its quite scary because with the electric brakes set correctly it is like its not there. Did 140km on corrugations 3 weeks ago, again, smooth as silk.

To answer your question, yes we have bought a camper trailer and have just sold it due to reasons you suggest. I don't believe people when they say "you don't know it's there" or "it will go anywhere your vehicle will". Ours was good camper, a Trak Shak at about 700kg loaded, but you notice it when the going gets rough, fuel economy suffers, parking in town is a pain, and stopping half way up a snotty hill becomes fun no matter how good you are at reversing a trailer.

Everyone has different needs but for us we like the freedom to explore any track to find remote campsites off the main tourist routes.

I am now about to start building a slip on camper for the back of our 130 which hopefully will be not too heavy (using composites), sleep our family of five with plenty of room, be quick to set up, and be able to detach from vehicle quickly thanks to the air suspension. Will post details when under way if anyone interested.
Cheers,
Andrew.

Originally Posted by voltron

I have been looking at some camper trailers out of curiosity and some of the offroad ones are very nice and simple making life a little bit easier when out camping. I don't really need one as my 110 has got all the accessories I need, but the simplicity a trailer provides is definately a bonus.

I have a bit of an issue with towing which is why I dont like the idea of a trailer, but I am not sure if towing a trailer is any less safe then a vehicle that is carrying all that extra weight in gear and accessories. I like the freedom not having a trailer provides but you don't get the simplicity with having a car full of gear and setting up a tent etc.

Has anyone bought a hard floor camper trailer or something similar and not really enjoyed the experience because of the towing factor? It is a large fincancial outlay compared to a tent to realise you didnt like it.

Cheers

Originally Posted by taylorslandy

........

I am now about to start building a slip on camper for the back of our 130 which hopefully will be not too heavy (using composites), sleep our family of five with plenty of room, be quick to set up, and be able to detach from vehicle quickly thanks to the air suspension. Will post details when under way if anyone interested.
Cheers,
Andrew.

I look forward to reading about Andrew