over two tonne and air bags

Submitted: Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 19:47
ThreadID: 76809 Views:3241 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
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I have been looking at the sa transport rules on trailers or vans over 1999kg and under 4500kg. Now they state that you must have load sharing suspension and breakaway system. But I was just thinking how to vans go with air bag independent suspension like golf ect.I understand how simplicity suspension works but not the air bags set up.

any comments please?

cheers shane.
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:10

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:10
News to me about the suspension and plenty of Coromals for sale in SA that dont have load sharing suspension.

Breakaway brakes are a national requirement for over 2000kg on any trailer or van. Have been for years.



AnswerID: 408610

Follow Up By: Member - shane (SA) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:41

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:41
This is what I am talking about.

Within a group of axles:
? two axles must not be more than 2 metres apart;
? three axles must not be more than 3.2 metres apart overall.
All axles in a group must be interconnected by a load sharing suspension except in a close-coupled axle group (where the two axles in a group have their centres not more than one metre apart, three axles not more than 2 metres apart or four or more axles not more than 3.2 metres apart) provided that the load carrying capacity of each axle in the group and the wheels and tyres fitted to it is:
? at least 120% of the load on that axle with the trailer at its ATM; and
? at least equal to the load on that axle with the trailer at its ATM and any retractable axle retracted

Now I measured my trailer and my dads caravan (jayco) tandem. Neither has an axle that is 120% more than ATM.








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FollowupID: 678543

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:01

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:01
A Jayco normally has leaf springs connected by a rocker arm and is considered load sharing suspension. As is Simplicity as in Roadstars and others.

Therefore the axle group rating can be 100% of the ATM

My Coromal Princeton has what are defined as close coupled NON load sharing as the springs are independant of each other

The axles centres are 800mm apart.

The group axle rating therefore must be 120% of ATM

Does that help

Golfs with airbags probably come under the same rule as mine as the axles are not connected by the springs

(I think)
AnswerID: 408617

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:10

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:10
To clarify it a bit more Say your tandem Jayco van weighs 200kg ATM

If it has the rocker arm connecting the springs, each wheel will be rated at 500kg or a group axle rating of 2000kg ,or it may be more but certainly not legally less

My van with close coupled non connected has to have a 120% allowance
so my van which is 2850kg ATM has a group axle rating of 3220kg

It is the combined capacity of the axles not of just one.


Does that clarify it.

And ALL vans over 200kg must have a breakawy brake system fitted AND WORKING.

In NSW they now have a rule that you must have a remote battery monitor for it as well.

Cheers
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FollowupID: 678546

Follow Up By: Member - shane (SA) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:18

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:18
Thanks Graham, I interpreted it as one axle must be 120% of the ATM. so as if need to could take the whole weight of the load, as if going up a curb or something.

Shane.
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FollowupID: 678549

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:25

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:25
I dont guarantee Im 100% correct but even if one did as you say it would

have the ones on the other side holding at least half of it up wouldnt it.

Will post the figures of mine tomorrow its tooooooo ewt to go and look tonight.


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FollowupID: 678552

Reply By: bob&loz - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:48

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:48
With air bags, the two bags on each side are usually connected so in a static situation have the same pressure and carry the same load. They are not completely load sharing while driving at speed though as the air can not move fast enough from bag to bag to keep the same pressure but if going up a gutter at slow speed they will equalise and carry the same load
AnswerID: 408624

Reply By: Member - peter K (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 23:19

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 23:19
HI Shane I have a golf van with air suspension They are linked buy a airpresure valve that equalises the pressure between the bags and keeps the van stable and at the right ride height my van weight is 2100kg
AnswerID: 408632

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