Air Bag Load assist

Thanks Dave
Have heard that air bags could cause this problem and it makes sense. I am trying to avoid load leveling devices as they place greater load on tow bar and chassis from what I have read.
Alternatives seem to be king springs or complete set of variable rate springs if they are available.

Never heard of it Dave...can you supply any hard evidence to support your comments please.

I have had air bags and a reece wdh on my troopy for many years now ( could get reciepts to show actual dates etc) and have had NONE of the issues you describe, instead I would not be without them.

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I have seen them bend with my own eyes mainly on rodeos, but Here is a recent link

Image Could Not Be Found

It's not just dual cabs but more common in them.

Thanks Dave....I was not aware of the problem....I also googled it and found some more info........http://www.navara.asia/d40-suspension-steering/1065-d40-air-bags-bent-chassis.html

I stand corrected.

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Thanks Dave Air bags are out now for the next consideration.
Cheers
Glen

No airbags in that pic - you remove the bumpstops to install airbags.........

As you can see in the pic the bump stop is slightly rustier than the rest of the chassis..it came off a different vehicle (read wreckers) when the airbags were removed.

Cheers
Dave

Dave

That cracking problem is very real.
Overloading, yes !
Especially with the Rodeo, not too sure about the Colorado

Used to own a D22 Navara, with Poly air bags, and an upgraded suspension,and not found any problem with that vehicle. Then again I only overloaded it a few times, and that was to get stuff home from the garden supplies, when I was building our last house.
I was thinking all the time when travelling with the camper ect, in the outback, that I did things right, and actually left the kitchen sink at home, and kept the weight down.

Sometimes I think that it's a matter of how the ute section is loaded.
But I do agree that theh standard suspenson on most of the twin cab utes, is marginal, at the best of times, without adding extra strain on things.

Cheers
Bucky

Hi
Had a look at the US site and they sure are cheaper. My only concern is what Dave indicated in that it could crack the chassis. Have heard this comment before but no specific vehicles mentioned.
I have contacted Isuzu and they don't recommend anything that is not original. This includes air bags and load distribution systems.
So now working out the best approach.
Cheers
Glen

I emailed these people four times over three weeks and never got a reply. Gave up and purchased the coilrite from Sydney. Bob

Same here,
Had air bags on the Patrol for 5 years and not a problem.

Last big trip was 7000kms in the deserts.

Might have something to do with not hammering it on rough roads and tyre pressures.

Cheers

Forgot to mention I don't pump the bags up to 30 psi either. If fully loaded around 22 - 25 psi does the job.

I had a subaru many many many years ago

No airbags but after 3 years of me driving ( as a young bloke ) it developed stress cracks in the roof mid way down the bodywork.

You can break anything if you try hard enough ;-)

Yep agree with that on Graham.

Have to always remind myself when loaded to slow down for the reasons you have detailed.

More of a headlight issue with me.

Cheers

Thanks Graham what you say makes sense. Have you had any experience with king or super springs but looks like I will end up with WDH.
cheers Glen

I have a set of EFS Progressive springs and hardly ever pump the bags up.

I have just completed a 13month 55,000k trip with a 2800kg van on the back and the rig handles very well.

Total weight is over 6000kg

I also have a 750lb WDH and rig has suffered no ill effects from its use.

All bolts have remained tight and no distortion or undue wear.

I think you will have less trouble with the WDH than air bags.

I'm guessing a falcon could tow where you drive with a 750lb wdh. They aren't for offroad vehicles full stop.
Also please dont mix up friction bags in coils with load bearing bags on leaves.

Glenton - have a look at over-riders (extra leaf) like the ones from iron man. I've had airbags on leaves and they go o.k., but i've got a colorado with a stronger leaf pack and over-riders at present and there's a whole lot less to go wrong and the bending moment is on the original spring mounts.......I regularly tow 1/3 more than what you're proposing without issue.

P.S.S. I've seen more d40's and ranger/bt50 twin cabs bent than any other. The last one was a triton. Moral - don't abuse your car. I drive dual cabs loaded to the limit for a living and on holidays. Haven't bent one yet.

To gbc The OP didnt ask for offroad advice he only asked about assistance with towing.

My Cruiser would be described as an offroad vehicle I would think.

The only time a WDH is suggested as not to be used is when GOING OFF ROAD

lots of offroad capable vehicles use them.

To say they are not for odffroad vehicles full stop is simply stupid.

The reason above you couldnt see a spring is probably because the Patrol has coils which werent in the photo.

Yes there is a diifference between coil airbags and leaf spring helpers.
The implications of levelling when towing are the same however.