Caravan Suspension

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011 at 20:59

ThreadID: 86825 Views:3173 Replies:4 FollowUps:5

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Chris J1

Hi All,

Ok we are looking at a 24 to 25ft Montana family van and have had very conflicting information on what suspension is best. We will have a 6" chassis and a rasier not sure if we should go 2" or 4".

We will be travelling Australia for the next 2 to 3 years working and holidaying.

Our tow vehicle is 100 series LC manual straight 6 petrol.

Any advise on what works best and lasts etc. would be great.

Thanks
CJ.

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Reply By: apwaddo - Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011 at 22:12

Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011 at 22:12

Vehicle Components Cruisemaster Air. Best system available but expensive. Incredible difference between this sytem and most others. You will not break anything inside the van - even if you leave it out on benches over severe corrugations!. Make sure you have wheels and rims to match the LC, and 12" brakes

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Follow Up By: JAX W - Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 09:37

Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 09:37

Hullo CJ

I can confirm apwaddo's comments. We have the Automatic VC Air Bag suspension. It would be the first item I would specify on a new van. Previously we had a Golf Challenger with fully automatic air bag suspension.

The suspension is great whether you stay on the black top or not, as it provides protection for the van and its contents and allows great flexibilty when setting up on site. Levelling the van is easy with the air bags!

We also have 12" disc brakes operated by a Carlisle Hydrastar Electro/Hydraulic Actuator. These brakes combined with the Air Bag suspension provide as good a system as you can get.

Towing with a petrol powered 100 Series Cruiser is going to be a challenge though! We have a 200 Series Turbo Diesel with a GVM of 3800kg and Towing Capacity of 3850kg. This vehicle makes a good tow vehicle.

Good luck with your deliberations.

Regards, Jack

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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 17:27

Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 17:27

Jack, can I guess the brand?

Spinifex ??

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Follow Up By: JAX W - Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 19:56

Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 19:56

Hullo Stephen

No it is a "Collector" Edition Boroma! We took delivery of our van just a few months before Boroma closed its doors, unfortunately.

Like some owners of 200 Series Cruisers, I have modified and upgraded our Boroma so that we are very happy with the van we have. Of course the suspension is as originally supplied (rated at 4500kg). I have upgraded the van ATM from 3500kg to 4320kg and in the process upgraded the disc brake calipers and Actuator from 3500kg rating to 4500kg rating.

I have Toyota 17" 200 Series Alloy wheels and OEM tyres fitted to the van as well.

We have a 6000kg McHitch fitted to the van, so overall very happy with the current coupling, chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels fitted to the van.

By the way I finally ordered a set of Clearview mirrors for the Cruiser today - but not before revisiting your comments on your blog re your experience with these mirrors. Thanks for the "review"!

Regards, Jack

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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 20:07

Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011 at 20:07

Good to know my Blog was helpful for you Jack.

A friend of mine just brought a new Spinifex home to WA. Very nice.

I wish that BT would offer that suspension and brake setup, but I'm not holding my breath.