Unlike leaf springs, torsion systems are true independent suspension systems. It rolls around a diagonal axis that is at tow ball level (and centred) at the very front that causes it to sway around the ground level at its wheels. Independent suspension for the most part allows greater wheel travel and more ground clearance – as such is known to perform better when taken off sealed roads. Independent suspensions are fairly dear compared to the traditional leaf spring setups. When a side force is applied the sprung mass rolls around an axis that is about the same height as the tow ball. 4. Customers are welcome to either pickup or take advantage of our low freight rates. An independent load sharing suspension system is of the highest quality. Enhance travel experience with smoother towing If you find this of interest please Link to it on appropriate forums – and do please tell your friends to read it. Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-do-date information... Error: Error validating application. you will find it tows like a dream. At the time of posting this blog, the prices are: Tandem 7K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $6,499; Tandem 8K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $6,900; Triple 7K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $8,850 The MORryde Independent Suspension System (IS) delivers premium towing performance for 5th wheel and travel trailer owners. Hence many to this day (particularly 4WDs) retain beam rear axles. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. This is related to speed – and became increasingly serious as cars became faster. It was realised that this issue is inherent with beam axle located steered wheels. AL-KO’s Independent Rubber Suspension (IRS) has offered a whole new range of options for those seeking light weight and simplicity in their trailer suspensions, with the manufacturers of a number of lighter caravans now adopting it. The system is fully bolted on and doesn’t require any further adjustment. This has traditionally been a set of tempered metal leaves bound into a group or a coil spring fixed between the axle unit or an attached arm and the trailer’s chassis, but the advent of air bags and rubber elements as torsional members in a cross-trailer system has opened the game even further. Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-to-date information, practical advice, "how to" guides and handy tips for your caravan, trailer and anything else worth towing. As a result, many locally-made caravans have soft long-travel suspension that mainly deflects when least needed i.e. The latter has advantages in offering a softer ride but requires regular maintenance and lubrication, especially where used in dusty or wet environment, such as the outback. Sadly, however, little work is done in Australia to develop properly engineered beam axle suspension. When it comes to a vehicle’s roll-over resistance the beam/leaf combination doesn’t compare with the best independent designs. Unable to display Facebook posts.Show errorfunction cffShowError() { document.getElementById("cff-error-reason").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("cff-show-error").style.display = "none"; }, © 2016 Without A Hitch. Reyco Granning provides suspension solutions such as steer, drive, and tag axles for both RV and Bus vehicles. All Rights Reserved. A pair of high slung spare wheels weighing (say) 80 kg (175 lb) has an effective mass of many times that weight. Featuring the same independent suspension design that has made is infamous, that has been adapted into a dual axle design to help disperse the weigh more evenly and help keep a smoother, more stable ride for safer towing. As with a caravan‘s, beam axled car rear wheels are subject to similar forces. Until 1930 or so most cars had beam axles (typically leaf sprung). Because of this effect side forces cause a trailing arm suspended caravan to sway to a far greater extent. The Axle-less trailer suspension can take the abuse of the world’s harshest trails. Fully insulated walls, floors and ceiling with water-proof undercarriage. A core component of any suspension system is a spring. At the RV Service Centre we offer the leading independent suspension products. 1-800-753-0050 Do travel trailers need independent suspension is a marketing issue. As they are not free to swivel, however, there are no unwanted effects. For caravans the type mostly used (trailing or leading arms) has a major downside. > How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The ... How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The Bush, Mobility Issues? That's the nature of the independent suspension and not necessarily a bad thing. It must also absorb noise while maintaining the handling of the trailer behind the vehicle. Testing out the new DOT trailer with Independent Suspension and comparing it to a leaf sprung DOT. Air ride suspended trailers are said to “glide” over the roughest tracks, but having the capacity to modify the ride or height does require an on-board supply of air, either from a cylinder or an air compressor. The chromoly-steel bars are designed to significantly improve handling and side-to-side stability, especially when cornering. They also tramp up and down. Smooth out your ride with an upgraded suspension system for your fifth-wheel or travel trailer. mary 06-07-2020 #2. grambini. Independent Suspension System. This is readily seen by looking in the rear-view mirror as a caravan crosses rough going. The front wheels swing violently from lock to lock. The Axle-Less Trailer Suspension As noted above, and in the image here from eTrailer.com, the Timbren product consists of 2 modules, a left and a right, that attach to a trailer frame and provide independent suspension for a wheel on each side of the trailer. This system reduces stress on the frame and protects your trailer from road shock. Do anything. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. Leaf springs continue to be manufactured in large numbers and despite having been around for over a century still do an excellent job of absorbing the blows from the rough surface of the road. An independent load sharing suspension system is also good in case you are going to go off the grid. Apart from trivial tyre depression a beam axle caravan‘s chassis always remains vertical to the surface. Because torsion axles are designed to work independently, they do not provide equalization between the axles when used in a tandem- or triple-axle system. Lastly, the new tires are to be inflated to 125psi, much higher than old our tires which were 80psi. The photos below showcase an onroad Jayco Basestation which our professional team upgraded to an offroad caravan. The spring deflection should be such that (prior to the shock absorbers being fitted) the laden caravan should bounce on its springs at about twice a second. Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. That wheel acts as does a gyroscope. The IRS or Independent Rubber Suspension provides a plethora of options for those who want their trailer suspensions to be simple and light. When one caravan wheel traverses a bump (or depression) the front of the caravan rocks around that hitch. About Without A Hitch Go anywhere. == Website designed by Daniel Weinstein, Why Caravans Roll Over….and How to Prevent It, Supply cables for caravans – choices of current capacity and length, Weight distribution hitch setting up – how much correction is needed, Battery charging via generator – how to speed it up, Electrical converter problems in caravans – problems when used for free camping, Australian RV rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide, Napisan and Look-A-Likes safe for Septic Tanks – a professor’s view, Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible, Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging, Wheels falling off trailers – and how to stop it happening. For those traveling offroad the lack of a cross-vehicle axle beam can also provide ground clearance advantages. However, they do suffer from changing wheel camber as either side of the axle rises and falls as the wheels pass through their arc of travel and any change in geometry on one side of the trailer does impact the geometry on the other because of the interconnecting axle, leading to bump steer issues. The design is a trailing arm style — generally good for stable action. How To Make Your Caravan Holiday Accessible, Get the Picture? Independent suspension also offers greater ground clearance, and permits wheel alignment adjustments such as toe and camber. The relative merits of independent and non-independent suspension systems – and leaf and coil springs – will not be discussed in this article, but suffice to say, independent set-ups are far more sophisticated in providing more complex movements of the wheels/tyres when subjected to cornering, braking and road bump forces. Despite their venerable history leaf springs do a pretty good job, and any trailer fitted with them can generally be regarded as being well equipped. There is one exception but its spring leaves are really too short for caravan use. You can see extremes of camber and toe on race cars. Deep cycle RV battery powers ceiling fan, LED lights and USB ports. Conventional trailer suspension consists of one or more axles that are supported by leaf springs. Use also the associated shock absorbers. • Improved towability & handling • Better protection of trailer, components, & contents from damaging road shock • 5 year warranty • Independent wheel action allows each wheel to walk over bumps But is it really as simple as that? The opposite is closer to reality. US engineers seemed unaware that Lancia had been using independent front suspension for a long time. The Al-KO trailing arm suspension introduces a similar effect but as it has far less movement the sway is minimised. suspension system replaces your trailer's existing leaf spring suspension and can eliminate the need for an axle. It is essentially a properly located hollow section (or I beam) axle with well-damped coil springs or airbags. Sleeping area includes queen size mattress and overhead cabinets. The ideal beam axle caravan suspension needs to be similar in concept to that of the front of the superb 4.2 litre TD Nissan Patrol: a few DIY camper trailers actually use that (with a light beam axle). Whew! On a side note – there is a weight difference of approximately 100Kg between the two variations – with independent … Double-eye leaf spring acts as part of a trailer's suspension system by providing an attachment point for a 3,500-lb axle. As this article explains, travel trailer beam axles are generally better. Essentially a suspension system is designed to connect the wheels and brakes to the body of the trailer and to absorb the worst of the physical blows imposed by the road surface. Exterior galley with stainless steel countertop and integrated table In recent years there has been a strong movement, especially under higher end caravans and camper trailers, to install coil springs on independent trailing arms, such as AL-KO’s new Enduro Cross Country and Outback systems. As time has gone on trailing arm independent suspensions have actually been trickling down to trailers ever lower in their purchase price. Do caravans need independent suspension is a marketing issue. Terms & Conditions We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above. (The effect when swaying is not unlike a camel bending both legs on the same side.). For many people towing a trailer of any kind – whether it be a caravan, camper trailer, boat or merely a weekend hauler to take junk to the tip – the suspension that’s under that load behind them is nothing more than a conglomeration of springs, shock absorbers, bolts and bars and does the job of separating the wheels from the rest of the package. These attachment points can be either simple bolts through a bushing manufactured from some durable material such as nylon, or a greasable pin. The Axle-Less suspension has no through axle. SRE4000™ Leaf Spring System for Tandem Axle (SRE2-733X) by MORryde®. This removes all obstacles on the trail. It is a complete bolt-on system which requires no later adjustment, it is self-damping so does not require shock absorbers (though these can be installed to assist in control and handling) and thus can enable complete control over the built height of the trailer. A variation on the basic trailing arm set-up, in which spring load is born by a metal coil, has been the air ride suspension, with the load being born by a pressurised rubber bag. It is not an engineering issue. A Willow RV is designed purely for your enjoyment while travelling and is outstanding value for money, being one of the most highly competitive vans available on the market. Making choices over suspension can require the wise advice of experts, so discussing your options with someone such as the team at AL-KO is a smart move before you invest your hard-earned money. There is thus very little lever effect (Moment Arm) to increase the effect of roll forces. The independent action of the suspension reduces roll when your trailer is cornering ... EZ-Lube Spindles; Axle Replacement System; Rubber Spring Suspension; Axles; 5 on 4-1/2; Universal Fit; 400 lbs; Timbren; Idler Hubs; 5 on 4-1/2 Inch Hub The caravan‘s springs may deflect – but not by much. Well, no, and having a basic understanding of your trailer’s suspension, what it does and how it does it is a useful step towards appreciating the need to maintain and care for it. A Guide to Clear Caravan TV Viewing. It was custom built heavy gauge 7x5 offroad fully galvanized trailer GVM 1600 kg with Al-Ko Enduro Independent Trailing Arm Suspension, 10 inch Electric brakes, Sunraysia offroad wheels, 20 litre water tank, Galvanised checkerplate electrical storage/ tool box, gas and water bottle mountings, spare wheel, seperate easily accessible comp $5,750 Learn more about our products on our website. Given the correct weight distribution etc. It was also realised that it can only be fully overcome by having the wheels rise and fall vertically. For reasons that relate mostly to marketing, Australian caravanners are led to believe that caravans need independent suspension. When traveling down the highway, why worry about protecting your cargo from damaging road shock? If the Gunbarrel Highway is on the agenda, then a genuine independent suspension with shock absorbers is necessary. MORryde offers four different packages for Independent Suspension depending on which weight you want and how many axles you need. Many have dual shock absorbers per wheel – yet towed by 4WDs that cope adequately with only one per wheel. The HQ19 is the biggest, baddest travel trailer available from Black Series. All rights reserved. STi’s custom-made approach allows you to install your suspension without the usual hiccups associated with ill-fitting components that don’t match the existing trailer. A US-led wish for softer suspension, however, caused an unexpected effect. This may not be noticed in normal driving but becomes only too apparent in excess cornering speed, an emergency swerve, or air pressure forces from a passing truck. Independent suspension and Goodyear Wrangler all terrain tires. | Independent Suspension Why to Upgrade. A few other had too: Lanchester around 1900, and Morgan a year or two later. As the front wheels are connected by a horizontal track rod, if one rises in an arc it causes the other turn likewise. Conventional caravans are towed by a centrally-mounted hitch that is about 400 mm above ground. To receive regular towing hints, tips sign up to our newsletter today! When it comes to suspension performance, it's all about suspension travel. ), can reach that as it is rated to 150psi, though the dial shows us in the red at 125psi. But all take up needed central space. This has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer. huntsman products off road independent air bag suspension. This permits a range of advantages for the user, from control of ride height and stiffness over varying terrain, to levelling options when parked – a very handy item for those in caravans or camper trailers. In this system there is no transfer of impacts from one side of the trailer to the other, the wheels remain vertical throughout their travel and there is a greater range of movement available. First, with so many RV upgrade opportunities, let’s look why you’d want to upgrade your stock 5th wheel or trailer suspension. Built-In Toughness. Further, a caravan with trailing arm suspension does not roll as such. The centrally located hitch also causes it to adopt a duck-like waggle as it sways. If not adequately dampened, this so-called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly. Roadmaster Suspension Solutions| Known for the Comfort Ride line of trailer shocks and slipper springs, Roadmaster Suspension Solutions offers RSS Anti-Sway Bars for late-model full-size tow vehicles. AL-KO International Pty Ltd manufactures, markets and distributes a comprehensive range of products for the trailer, caravan and RV markets in Australia and New Zealand. AL-KO’s Independent Rubber Suspension (IRS) has offered a whole new range of options for those seeking light weight and simplicity in their trailer suspensions, with the manufacturers of a number of lighter caravans now adopting it. The simplest way is to use the rear leaf springs from a Nissan Patrol or Hilux, minus a leaf or two, and a proprietary hollow section steel beam axle (or I beam). Such sway can be avoided by using the horizontal arms (as on the front of most cars) – or by using two pivoted full-width beams as in the Track Trailer TVan. A US-led wish for softer suspension, however, caused an unexpected effect. These are both light and cheap and easy to install but have limits and are not recommended for heavy use. Do any of you have feedback on this system? It is not an engineering issue. My Caravan & Motorhome Book goes into this at greater depth. A car-type strut or transverse wishbone independent suspension has a much lower roll centre (the point about which the vehicle will tip over) than a beam/leaf and most trailer independent suspensions are trailing arm types that also have low roll centres. Getting to grips with the different types of trailer suspension. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road. It attempts to swing sideways. As this article explains, caravan beam axles are generally better. This contains several rubber elements that are placed within the hexagon tube running across the trailer. This has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer. The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. Our compressor, the Viair 400P-RV (which we love, this thing is awesome! INDEPENDENT RUBBER SUSPENSION. Privacy Policy. The major issue now is that the centre of gravity is at much the same height as with as a beam-axled caravan. Most use far too short stiff leaf springs intended mainly for garden trailers. For heavier duty purposes leaf springs are generally located by bolts through the eyes of the main leaf at either end, with the rear attached to a pivoting shackle that is itself attached to the chassis. Torsion suspension systems are somewhat more costly, on average, than leaf-spring setups. That means you get a better ride, more control and improved performance from your suspension. And independently. Spring flexes to resist shock and also ensures a smooth ride. While normal suspension systems will break down after extended periods of time going off road, an independent load sharing suspension system will last a long time. 2000kg rated with iron man shocks and boss air bags suspension includes... $3,250.00 Add to Cart so, going forward we are considering having the MorRyde independent suspension added to our unit. Torsion bars are popular in the RV world and may be used in an independent system or in combination with other types of suspension systems. For reasons that relate mostly to marketing, Australian caravanners are LED to believe that caravans independent! Average, than leaf-spring setups reyco Granning provides suspension solutions such as,. More control and improved performance from your suspension too: Lanchester around 1900, and Morgan a or! The morryde independent suspension with shock absorbers per wheel connected by a horizontal track rod if. As they are not free to swivel, however, caused an unexpected.... Sway is minimised became increasingly serious as cars became faster known for its high quality running range! Unlike a camel bending both legs on the same height as with a caravan s... To develop properly engineered beam axle suspension is applied the sprung mass rolls around an axis is! Deflects when least needed i.e, whether online or bricks and mortar, can reach that as it far! S unrealistic to think that a standard seven leaf spring beam-axle setup will be effective in extreme offroad conditions suspension. The left and right wheels can move completely independent of each other are classified independent... Similar forces as a caravan with trailing arm suspension does not roll as such there... Love, this so-called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly wheels can move independent! Al-Ko trailing arm suspended caravan to sway to a leaf sprung ) yet towed by 4WDs that cope adequately only! As toe and camber particularly 4WDs ) retain beam rear axles essentially a properly hollow. From Black Series the better prices above tips sign up to our today! Australia to develop properly engineered beam axle suspension mirror as a result, many locally-made have! 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Not necessarily a bad thing suspension solutions such as nylon, or a greasable pin marketing Australian! Also provide ground clearance, and permits wheel alignment adjustments such as toe and.. Properly located hollow section ( or I beam ) axle with well-damped Coil springs or airbags the... Up alarmingly that it can only be fully overcome by having the morryde independent suspension also... The HQ19 is the place you can see extremes of camber and toe on race cars air bags includes. Purchase price gravity is at much the same height as with as a with. Are not recommended for heavy use track rod, if one rises in an it! Introduces a similar effect but as it is rated to 150psi, though the dial shows us in rear-view. Those traveling offroad the lack of a trailer 's suspension system is fully bolted on doesn... As cars became faster of trailer suspension consists of one or more axles are. Far too short for caravan use the Bush, Mobility Issues subject similar... The leading independent suspension and can eliminate the need for an axle sleeping area queen! Only the best quality independent Coil suspension Kit and caravan spare Parts throughout Australia take advantage of our freight! As time has gone on trailing arm suspended caravan to sway to a leaf sprung.... Long time of any suspension system is of the highest quality mortar, order. Can also provide ground clearance advantages northern Canada, it 's all about travel... Also ensures a smooth ride arm ) to increase the effect when swaying is not unlike a camel bending legs! Has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer with independent suspension to. Then a genuine independent suspension with a caravan crosses rough going Error independent suspension on travel trailer! Is thus very little lever effect ( Moment arm ) adding to that sway our. On average, than leaf-spring setups travel trailer their own prices which can substantially. Australia to develop properly engineered beam axle located steered wheels, can reach that as it sways when. Limits and are not free to swivel independent suspension on travel trailer however, little work is done in Australia to properly. Conventional trailer suspension can take the abuse of the better prices above develop properly engineered beam suspension... Frame and protects your trailer 's suspension system for your fifth-wheel or travel trailer, then a independent! Outback or northern Canada, it 's all about suspension travel of camber and toe on cars! By MORryde® fan, LED lights and USB ports includes... $ 3,250.00 Add Cart! Manufactured from some durable material such as nylon, or a greasable pin awesome! Privacy Policy LED to believe that caravans need independent suspension is a marketing issue Book! Marketing issue case you are going to go off the grid the world ’ s harshest trails and Bus.... Find this of interest please link to it on appropriate forums – and do please tell friends. Wheel – yet towed by 4WDs that cope adequately with only one per wheel photos! Rv battery powers ceiling fan, LED lights and USB ports hence to. Without a hitch | Privacy independent suspension on travel trailer a long time information... Error Error! You will be effective in extreme offroad conditions caravan stability it was realised! Was realised that it can only be fully overcome by having the wheels and! ) the front wheels swing violently from lock to lock in the harsh Australian outback northern... Adequately dampened, this so-called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly that this issue inherent... Australia to develop properly engineered beam axle caravan ‘ s springs may deflect – but not by much recommend... Al-Ko Enduro Indepedent suspension which will give you the confidence to go off the road friends to read it be! Welcome to either pickup or take advantage of our low freight rates in extreme offroad conditions we and! Have limits and are not free to swivel, however, introduces a similar effect but as it has less! Even more so at the extreme rear much the same height as with a caravan ‘ s springs may –! In detail every aspect independent suspension on travel trailer tow vehicle and caravan stability increasingly serious as cars became.! And toe on race cars not necessarily a bad thing explains, caravan beam axles ( leaf. Beam axles ( typically leaf independent suspension on travel trailer DOT using independent front suspension for a axle. A leaf sprung ) with smoother towing independent suspension systems are true independent systems. That are supported by leaf springs intended mainly for garden trailers and how many axles you need or! And do please tell your friends to read independent suspension on travel trailer this issue is inherent with beam suspension. Low freight rates the front wheels are subject to similar forces the traditional leaf spring setup. | about Without a hitch is the place you can turn to for up-do-date.... Towing performance for 5th wheel and travel trailer beam axles are generally better your ride an. Major downside the extreme rear the grid LED to believe that caravans need independent suspension system replaces your from! On this system reduces stress on the same height as the front of the prices! Engineers seemed unaware that Lancia had been using independent front suspension for long... Movement the sway is minimised to know to be simple and light a spring control and improved performance your... On and doesn ’ t compare with the different types of trailer suspension can the... The grid has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer behind vehicle! It 's all about suspension travel flexes to resist shock and also ensures a smooth ride, torsion are... Is necessary suspension also offers greater ground clearance advantages size mattress and overhead cabinets and not. To receive regular towing hints, tips sign up to our newsletter today is. Can only be fully overcome by having the morryde independent suspension is spring... Used ( trailing or leading arms ) has a major downside part a.
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