Caravan suspension
Submitted: Friday, Apr 16, 2004 at 20:42
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Geofff
I am new to caravanning after having had a Koala camper trailer for the last 15 years. I have just purchased an old (25 YO) Capricorn 14" Pop-top which I tow with a Pajero. Stabilizer bars are fitted. (I think that's what they are called.)
The Pajero is stock standard - no fancy springs, etc.
I have noticed that the van is down at the back when loaded despite moving much of the the internal gear to the front of the van. Related to this, I would like to have a bit more ground clearance and I notice that
the springs are located under the axle.
Questions -
Is it expensive/legal/advisable/possible to place
the springs on top of the axle thus increasing the clearance?
To fix the level problem, is obtaining a lower towbar tongue the way to go or are there other suggestions?
Any advice would be appreciated....................
Geoff
Reply By: Crackles - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 17:49
Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 17:49
Geoff. I swapped my springs above the axle on a 6x4 trailer and it really jacked it up probably more than you need for the van. It will lift it the thickness of the axle &
the springs which may be as much as 10 to 12 cm. The better option for the van would be reseting
the springs or longer shackels. I'd suggest jacking the van up at the back till it's level (while on the car) then measuring how much you lifted it at the axle. You will then know how much you would need to reset
the springs by. If it looks too high & unstable go for a lower tow hitch. If you have room in the wheel arches, bigger tyres will jack it up a few cm too. Just a couple of options to look at. Cheers, Craig...................
AnswerID:
54694
Follow Up By: William - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 19:40
Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 19:40
"I'd suggest jacking the van up at the back till it's level (while on the car)"
that is the dumbest most stupid idiotic advice anybody could give
are you crazy?
FollowupID:
316385
Follow Up By: Crackles - Sunday, Apr 18, 2004 at 20:21
Sunday, Apr 18, 2004 at 20:21
Sorry William, I'm not shure that you understood the reasons. By using a couple of trolley jacks to level the van you get to safely see exactly what the ride height will look like without modifying anything. `There is alot of mucking around to swap
the springs over only to find it's too high. Anyway what was your suggestion??????
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