Thread: Caravan design

I have to say, the air suspension available makes life so much easier for the van itself as well as having the advantage of levelling on sloping sites & lowering to get it in the garage.

While I considered self leveling suspension controls during my build, I opted for the KISS principle & settled on 2 up/down air toggle switches, a 5l tank & a cheapie compressor & pressure switch. My suspension needs to run with a clearance of 70mm from the bump stops which translates into 4 fingers between the top of the tyre & the underside of the mudguard. You only have to adjust it once a day or less if the camps are level. I have 2 schraeder valves plumbed in so if my van compressor dies I can pump the bags with any outside source of air.

In the 35k Km we have done which has included a trip to the Birdsville races & many dirt road kms, nothing has broken or come loose in the van. The microwave still works & the TV has not fallen off its mountings. All eggs have survived & no drinks cans have exploded. We don't pack the fridge any different to the fridge at home. The van is stable & I have never had a wobbly moment even on the long downhill sweeping curves which upset some rigs.

Anyone shopping for a van should IMHO have dual shocked air suspension right on top of the list if possible especially if venturing off the blacktop.

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That's an impressive rig, although a bit big for us. Great build though, well done.