How good are Caravan Airbag suspensions

Submitted: Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 18:23

ThreadID: 69377 Views:7573 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

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Puttingdave

I am considering purchasing a new 19 ft Caravan (not to be used off road) with Airbag suspension, I am looking for feedback from other caravan owners, if they are worth the additional cost of approx $6000 over conventional stub axle spring suspension. The reason I am considering this option is that my wife is disabled and by being able to lower the caravan it will make her access to the caravan easier.

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Reply By: turbopete - Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 18:31

Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 18:31

if u dont use the carvan o/r then air bag susp is an overkill ,you could get a very good step made to assist your wife.

AnswerID: 367796

Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (Shellharbo - Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 19:32

Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 19:32

Hi. I don't think airbag suspension is an overkill. As you say it is easy to vary the height in your situation,not to mention an easier ride on items contained inside the van. Another advantage is that you are able to vary the height from side to side. Each side is usually connected in series(dual axle) so it is easier to level the van if it is on a side slope. Just remember that if you are having an annex fitted to have it measured with the van at setup height so that it fits without gaps or wrinkles. Regards,Bob.

AnswerID: 367811

Follow Up By: Member - 1/2A - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 09:48

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 09:48

Hi, my Vision has pneumatic suspension and I love it, its so easy to level when you setup and will be perfect in your situation.
Arthur

FollowupID: 635461

Follow Up By: Puttingdave - Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 18:03

Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 18:03

Thanks for the advise, I'm sure I will get the Airbag suspension, from the reply's I have received most are very positive The caravan manufacturer, Designer van's in Wangaratta has also designed a ramp which will slide under the van and by being able to lower the caravan via the airbag suspension it will make it easier for my wife to get her wheelchair inside.
The van is being designed by Anthony Wake of Accessavans in Melbourne and built by Designer Vans.
Thanks
Dave

FollowupID: 635700

Reply By: fivedee - Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 20:05

Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 20:05

Roadstar had a disabled access van at the 2008 Victorian Caravan Show.
You could try contacting the new owners of Roadstar to see if they intend building the disbled access van. The model on display was a Daintree and was very impressive.
Bazza

AnswerID: 367821

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 10:11

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 10:11

Do u have any more info on the resurrection of Roadstar

Thanks

FollowupID: 635465

Reply By: fivedee - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 12:13

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 12:13

Details are available on the Roadstar website which is now maintained by the new owners. The alterations are done by Access a Van for Roadstar.Bazza

AnswerID: 367904

Reply By: Boobook2 - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 16:45

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 16:45

I have it on my Goldstream camper. It rides very well on tar and bad corregations. I think ( hope) it will prolong the life of the camper. You can adjust the pressure to suit the load and conditions. I usually let the pressure down a little for corregations where speed can be lowered.

One great feature is that you can raise / lower each side independantly. When camped it is a breeze to level the camper in about 30 seconds. Every time I stop to camp I think it was money well spent.

Lowering for access would be a benefit but I think it would be limited to about 100mm lower than normal if that helps. ( Also park with the door on the high ground side).

Would I get it again? Absolutley.

AnswerID: 367965