SUSPENSIONS

Trailing arm coil and shocker type independent suspensions are produced by a number of manufacturers (including the two you mention). Options include twin shocks per wheel and swapping the coils for air bags or leaves. My 4 wheel van has a trailing arm, twin shock and air bag setup (Melbourne Air Suspensions, for Trakmaster Vans) - mobile stability is very good and reliability overall has been excellent. The chassis maker / van maker should be able to accurately specify the suspensions options you have (in writing of course :-o).

Can't comment on cruisemaster but I have Control Rider on my van. It has been fine, rides very well under all road conditions.

Have you considered leaf springs and a beam axle?

HI Harry,

WE have just taken delivery of our new off road van and just completed a 1300km "shake down" trip within the first wwek of ownership. The van has Cruisemaster trailing arm independent coil suspension with 8 Gabriel shock absorbers. I must say it tows beautifully (even at 110 kph) with no sway or movement even on rough secondary bitunim roads. Have not been on gravel roads yet.

There is no need to fit a weight distribution hitch - as the van is completely stable and sits level with tow vehicle (just as well as you can't use a WDH off road anyway).

I do not know about control rider but the off road manufacturers we looked at all seem to use Cruisemaster (except Bushtracker).

Cheers