Thread: Caravan suspension systems.

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

yea,, but unless the shocks are vertical I cant see the point, you only get a small percentage of actual arm movement.

Actually it doesn't really effect the arm movement having shocks mounted on a angle but what it does do as the shocks compress over a bump the shock angle increases and the dampening action is greatly reduced making the shocks not work as well.
There are a few different trailing arm /coil Spring / air bag suspension systems out there and some have vertically mounted shocks which work best. Most common ones have angled shocks though, do they still work ok? From all reports from owners yes they do but I'd still prefer vertically mounted shocks given a choice.

Andrew,
I consider caravan and trailer suspension just like I consider vehicle suspension. The harder the suspension the harder the ride and vibration. I have managed to retain quite light springs on my RR, and have a much better ride than others with heavy duty springs. My camper had a VC leaf spring suspension, and after discussion with them they supplied lighter springs. (I added soft bump stops also, but no evidence they were ever used) The result reduced the vibration in camper quite a bit. Next time I'd pay the extra for airbag suspension (which can be quite soft) which I think would mean the caravan could be lighter construction, hence towing less weight etc etc.

Hello Andy,

We have Vehicles Components Cruisemaster Coil Independent Single Axial 2500kg on our Lifestyle Camper Trailer AT12.
I have been very happy with it.

Have a look at this type.
Trailer Suspensions | Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

yea,, but unless the shocks are vertical I cant see the point, you only get a small percentage of actual arm movement.

Most of the designs are restricted in movement because they are under a flat floor. This probably means that longer or more vertically orientated shocks will only fit, if the van is relatively high on the suspension.

Originally Posted by TerryO

Actually it doesn't really effect the arm movement having shocks mounted on a angle but what it does do as the shocks compress over a bump the shock angle increases and the dampening action is greatly reduced making the shocks not work as well.

isnt that what I said?
At the top of the arm travel(over the biggest bump) the shocks travel least/buggar all.
Better?

and Admiral I reckon its just being cheap/lazy. My Golf has 4 steel shock towers through the floor, none leak or are in positions that cause any concern.

but its oh so sexy having bright red twin shocks(that do **** all) on display.

I'm not too concerned with van shocks that have less effect the more the suspension compresses as they're mostly to dampen little movements anyway. I fitted my van's shocks vertical but by my current estimation need not have and therefore need not have protruded below the axle.