Coil vs leaf springs on camper trailer

$6000 for a respray?

I agree about suspension, we have a Track Desert Eagle MC2 coil suspension & we use china coffee mugs, never lost one yet, after heaps of High Country & Outback kilometres.
You also see heaps of broken leaf springs in the Outback!

Go the china coffee mug and the "glass" wine glasses. Never broken anything in the Trak Shak in over ten years on some of the worst roads in Oz.

I am on my second set of shockies and bushes. Springs are fine and will last another ten years easily. It is easy to tow and I make very few concessions for the trailer. If the car will go there, so will the trailer. If I am in a hurry, I try not to be but sometimes it happens, I drive fast and the trailer keeps up, following like a faithful puppy.

I debated the coils vs the leaf, Trak Shak offered both at the time, I am glad I spent the extra money. You pay for it once, but you tow it many times.

Duncs

G'day Oldplodder
Yep - mine had those W things on them plus shocks plus too many leaves. Removed W thingies and 2 bottom leaves. Now rides beautifully whereas before it was stiff as with rough as ride.
Cheers from the Moose

I had the choice between leafs & Coils & was told the stud axles break on coils. Therefore I went to leafs.

I ended up breaking 6 of them around Oz 9, 7,6&5 leafs trying to get a better combo. The ones with the W on top appear better but I was sick of my trailer & sold it so I replaced with standard leafs to get it home & sell it.

Willie, see my above post. I'm glad you are having a better run. Must be in the design of the trailer as well.

Hi Rox ,

Yes I guess the suspension design is very important in the outcome . Other factors are load and the way the trailer is driven .

If I had had your problems , I would have sold the barstool as well .

Cheers ,

Willie .

No I am thinking of tents no suspension to break.

Also not many Nat parks were camper trailer friendly??? they just love bollards & make it extra hard for camper trailers even though they are on the increase.

Rox ,

I would not write off campers - I think you got a dud design .

My wife and I ( and kids before they got big ) have been through the whole spectrum of camping accessories from centre pole tents , to a Drifter 6 , to an on-site van at Eucumbene , to a 4WD trailer with a Southern Cross centre pole tent , to a Trak Shak and or Ultimate Swag tents .

Now If my wife is coming on an extended trip we take the Trak Shak and the swags . Anything under a two night camp and the Trak Shak is just used as a cooking / storage platform . If we are staying somewhere for longer , we set it up and live in luxury .

If I am in the WA deserts or the Pilbara or Kimberley I would rather just take my tent swag . It is incredibly comfortable and has mesh sides and top for watching shooting stars and being alone in it , you can fart at will without drawing recriminations .

On the South Coast of NSW last year I had a win for the campers over the NP wankers . I backed my camper up to the bollards , then opened it over the top of them . It worked a treat . The ranger looked a bit perplexed when he came past , but he said nothing . The sign said no caravans - it did not mention campers .

Cheers ,

Mike

While 15 years ago it may have been true that you were more likely to get a replacement for your leaf spring in the bush I don't believe that argument holds up any longer. There are plenty of GQ's and 80 series Cruisers parked in the bottom paddock just busting to donate parts to some needy soul.

I live in the bush and the vast majority of vehicles being used ou here, both in town and on stations, are coil sprung. Even the die hards who have leaves on the rear are going across to coils at least under the front end.

As for being able to jerry rig something easier with leaves, well I don't believe that either. I once repaired the steering on my GQ with a 2"nail and a piece of copper pipe. Look at the problem, look at what you have, and adapt to suite your needs.

The initial purchase of a coil set up may be dearer but once you have it replacement springs are cheaper than leaves. Not that I have had to replace springs yet.

Duncs