Independent Vs Leaf Suspension

Broe,

I went the Independent Leaf suspension on my offroad box trailer.

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I have found it to handle very well.

Cheers Kev

Your gonna get answers for each.....which is best ?? Who knows, but one things for sure.....shockies make a huge difference and don't let anyone tell you any different.....thats why all motor vehicles have them..

My DYI off road C/t has only 5 leaf, dry bush shackle type springs,
no shocks, no brakes (under 750 kg loaded) It handled the Ood,
Mereenie, Tanami, GRR & Bungles without incident, no breakages
in or out of the trailer. Consequently I find no logic in spending
more on suspension. No doubt some will expound the virtues of
independant, shocks etc, & while I dont disagree with any of it,
I am guided by my own experience & feel my simple setup will
be more than adequate for my needs. Easy to repair & maintain
as well. But its your $$, & your choice, of course....oldbaz.

I have a trak shack with independant suspension, which has done in excess of 80.000 ks and has never let me down, only thing i have done was to put bigger bore shockys on. As for leaf being easier to fix, the coil comes out real easy, jack up the trailer undo bottom of shocky and out comes coil, real easy and easier to carry a spare if so inclined, lighter and easier to store. Go independant. Col

Broe,

I read a number of 'forums' related to travel, 4WD and campertrailers and of all the reports of failed suspensions I've read, they're all with leaf suspensions and non-independent setups. Fairly easy to find pics of bush repairs and people welding up their suspensions on the net.

FWIW, I looked at the pros and cons and went for and independent setup (MC2 suspension as fitted on the TrackTrailer TVAN and earlier model Eagles) and have been very happy with it.



If you are going with leaves, ensure that the spring pack (read spring rate) you get is WELL suited to the loads you'll be carrying as with a heavy leaf pack with light weight trailer and gear is bound to shake the sh1t out of everything in the trailer, whilst too light a pack WILL ensure breakages on corrugations.

I also agree that shockers are a must!

Cheers,

Mark

Gaday Broe. To start with I'd suggest leaf suspension is no easier to fix but is many times more likely to fail than independant. For extreme driving like the Madigan as an example, a quality coil suspension will not only handle the conditions better but the trailer will tow far smoother. That's not to say a good 'eye to eye' leaf set up can't do the job (for alot cheaper cost) as many with springs matched to their load have had great success but it's not unlike comparing the suspension on both 60 & 80 series Landcruisers......well there is no comparison as the coils are far superior but they both do the job.
As a sideline if you truely intend to tow your camper on trips like the Madigan you may wish to aim a little higher as both the options you suggested may struggle to handle the conditions.
Cheers Craig.............

Look under the back of your hilux, good enough for a 50k+ 4b, then good enough for a trailer. Save your money and easier to get more lift if you want also

Broe
Independant is definately the way to go.

Our Trak Shak has coil springs, and she just waddles along behind effortlessly .

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Here is the foto, just after the bushes, and bolts, were sprayed with Inox, and waiting for it's service. Thanks to Lance, from for his help with replacemant bushes.

Do not worry about the sand blasting effect of the outback roads, just means we love going there.
All good as new now.
Cheers Mate
Bucky