Suspension

120scruiser (NSW) replied:

Air bags in the rear springs.
Best money you will spend.
Scott Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - neville G (QLD) replied:

Thumbs up for airbags also.
We also have a 100 series cruiser and tow a three ton van with ball weight at 300kg. Carry quite a lot of gear in the cruiser and have airbags installed, at 15psi. the rig sits perfectly level and is great to drive. Best money that we have spent.
Cheers, Nev. Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Rob K (VIC) replied:

Hi Michael t5,

I also have a LC100 manual diesel and have upgraded the suspension to cater for the different trips we undertake either with or without the off-road CT. I've got heavy duty coils which came as part of the 2" lift kit (constant 400kg load rating in the back) and added airbags inside the coils for the extra weight the CT adds to the back when towing. The cruiser is always ready to go with the complete works, hence the 400kg constant rating springs. When I want to take the CT on a trip we just pump up the airbags to level the vehicle and we're set to go.

If you don't have all the usual accessories on the basic rig (ie. bullbar, winch, rear wheel carrier bar, roof rack etc. + trip supplies) then maybe an upgrade the OME suspension with some airbags will meet your requirements. However, if your rig is like mine (always loaded) I'd recommend a suspension upgrade and airbags, but maybe only use the 200kg constant rating springs in the back - the 400kg springs give a harsher ride but maintain better clearance. Your suspension specialist can advise you more on an appropriate set-up. My biggest problem when we go on a trip with the CT is the vehicle's GVM - something you should be aware of when you load the truck up for a trip with the van!

Good luck with your query.

Cheers

Rob K Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Glenys & Ken Taree replied:

Michael,
Air bags are the go, I've used them for 10 years without a problem.Remember to pump them up first before hooking the van on, then dropping the air pressure to level the van. Make sure you work to the manufacturers instructions with air pressure.
Ken. Thumbs UpThanks 0

splits replied:

Michael

Countless people have beefed up their rear suspensions in order to tow heavy vans but unfortunately a few come unstuck in a big way each year. This link http://www.caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/pdf/vehicle_dynamics_complete.pdf contains a lot of information explaining why. If you go down this path then it is vital you understand what you are doing to the suspension design so you can drive in a manner that will hopefully avoid any problems. Thumbs UpThanks 0

Crackles replied:

For a heavy camping setup that lives in the car the majority of the time like a long range tank, storage system & rear bar/wheel carrier, a pair of upgraded coils would be best. If the load is widely variable then air bags are a good compromise. Of course any increase in spring rate should also include suitable shock absorbers to match.
For the van a weight distribution hitch would transfer much of the excess ball weight.
From my observations there are many variables in vehicle & caravan setups as well as the individuals end uses so recommend speaking with a suspension specialist that can suggest a setup to suit your needs not one that suits me.
Cheers Craig............... Thumbs UpThanks 0

snailbait (Blue mntns) replied:

What type of suspension do you have ie Leaf , coil or air bag and read your manual on what can your vehicle can tow
you may have to change the height of the tow hitch.
You may have to use WDH if you are not
Have a look at the HR site and they will show you how to measure all caravans a manufactured to a std height and you tow hitch may not be at that height which gives you the illusion of problems with your vehicle

Terry Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Andrew (WA) replied:

yeah me to...air bags for sure.

Nothing else gives you so many options when it comes to varying the ride height depending on load. And they hold the rear end firm and square with out the wallowing from side to side.

Upgrade your suspension with something decent for sure, but don't be concerned about the load issue. Airbags take out all the guess work. Thumbs UpThanks 0