trailer shocks

Submitted: Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 15:14

ThreadID: 51299 Views:4508 Replies:5 FollowUps:5

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i lean

Hi every one I have another question.
I am about to build my self a camper trailer to keep my self out of trouble for a bit.
I would like to fit shocks to it but Im unshore of how to go about it.How do I know what type ? how much travel? what angle do I set them up at?
If any one has done this before I would like your comments and learnings.
thank you..

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Reply By: Member - Olcoolone (S.A) - Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 15:35

Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 15:35

The questions you ask are spot on,I would look at going to Al-ko and buying a suspension kit.

With shockers if you get the angles wrong it can make it worse the having no shockers.

Regards Richard

AnswerID: 270152

Reply By: A J - Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 17:36

Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 17:36

i lean - if it was me I would first see what sort of a ride your camper trailer gives - we have a swagman off road camper which weighs about 600kg - has not shocks - nothing moves inside when we travel - have actually left by accident a pair of tin snips on the front - drove over 150kms and they were still there when we stopped to camp

AJ

AnswerID: 270176

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 19:39

Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 19:39

Gday,
Im no expert at this but I think it would be pretty simple to work out.
Type is a personal thing...everyone will have a favorite.
Measure your travel by jacking your trailer off the ground with your wheels hanging at give it a bit extra. Opposite for compression.
As for angle...shocks are meant to go in and out in a straight line.

I looked into Al-Ko and was told they are really hard to get parts for

Cheers

AnswerID: 270207

Follow Up By: Member - Luke (SA) - Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 22:03

Monday, Nov 05, 2007 at 22:03

Hairy,

As for angle...shocks are meant to go in and out in a straight line.

Nissan Patrol rear shocks are on an angle.

I think a lot of rear shocks are put on an angle, I don't know why though must be a reason

Cheers Luke

FollowupID: 533239

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:35

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:35

Luke , the shocks are set at an angle because the wheel does not just travel straight up and down in the vertical , it is up and down but in a slight arc ,,

FollowupID: 533317

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 18:30

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 18:30

When I say straight I mean between the two mounting points not straight up and down. (A straight line of travel)
Straight might be on a 45 degree angle, depending on the mounting points.
Also never use a Nissan as a comparison when trying to build something properly.
LOL!

Cheers

FollowupID: 533379

Reply By: Member - Douglas M (SA) - Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:17

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:17

Hi i lean.
Someone needs to do a comprehensive test of camper trailer chassis and suspensions. I have only seen advice based on anecdotal evidence. Ease of towing, safety, rough terrain capability, condition of trailer contents (and trailer) after extended exposure to rough terrain including corrugations and probably a few more criteria you could think of could be tested. If a 4wd mag did a test like this instead of covering the same old ground year after year I might even buy a copy.
Doug Mac

AnswerID: 270321

Follow Up By: Moggs - Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:34

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 at 12:34

I agree Doug, it would make for an interesting read. It would be great if they did the test on the same trailer, fully loaded, over the same terrain with all the different types of suspension setups swapped in and out.

FollowupID: 533316

Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007 at 08:17

Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007 at 08:17

Hi Ilean

Working thru building a trailer with shocks ourselves.

The sort of shocks used on vehicles have right characteristics and we plan to use similar to what our Nissan patrol has on the rear.

This effectivily means than can be car spares as well. We are carrying this approach as far as we can with same wheels as car etc.

The shocks I will be using are an aftermarket version with and adjustable rate knob on the base (Tough Dog). This will allow me to vary the rate with load as I do for the car.

The use of shocks means the main spring can be lighter.
I will be using shocks in conjunction with a large single leaf spring from a Hi-Lux.

The angle is not that important if with 30 degrees of vertical.

Robin Miller

AnswerID: 270478