To receive regular towing hints, tips sign up to our newsletter today! so, going forward we are considering having the MorRyde independent suspension added to our unit. First and foremost, choosing the right suspension for your van comes down to where you’ll be taking it. The Axle-Less suspension has no through axle. 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. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. 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. As one or other wheel of a softly sprung beam front axle rises or falls over undulations it causes the often fast-spinning wheel to rise and fall in an arc. It was realised that this issue is inherent with beam axle located steered wheels. This contains several rubber elements that are placed within the hexagon tube running across the trailer. Privacy Policy. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. An independent load sharing suspension system is also good in case you are going to go off the grid. Willow RV Chassis and Suspension. Sleeping area includes queen size mattress and overhead cabinets. Reyco Granning provides suspension solutions such as steer, drive, and tag axles for both RV and Bus vehicles. 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. All rights reserved. This is related to speed – and became increasingly serious as cars became faster. About product and suppliers: 2,246 trailer independant suspension products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba.com, of which travel trailer accounts for 56%, trailer parts & accessories accounts for 3%, and other suspension parts accounts for 1%. This effect is even more so at the extreme rear. 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. 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). About Without A Hitch As this article explains, caravan beam axles are generally better. Do caravans need independent suspension is a marketing issue. Apart from trivial tyre depression a beam axle caravan‘s chassis always remains vertical to the surface. Independent Caravan Suspension Suspensions in which the left and right wheels can move completely independent of each other are classified as independent suspension. 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 MORryde Independent Suspension System (IS) delivers premium towing performance for 5th wheel and travel trailer owners. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. An independent load sharing suspension system is of the highest quality. 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. Most use far too short stiff leaf springs intended mainly for garden trailers. Toe is when the wheel isn’t aligned quite straight with the trailer, pointing inwards or outwards a touch; and camber is when the wheel is leaned in a bit. • 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 Hence many to this day (particularly 4WDs) retain beam rear axles. It is not an engineering issue. But all take up needed central space. Until 1930 or so most cars had beam axles (typically leaf sprung). The HQ19 is the biggest, baddest travel trailer available from Black Series. Tandem 7K Independent Suspension: $4,199: Tandem 8K Independent Suspension: $4,899: Triple 7K Independent Suspension: $6,399: Triple 8K Independent Suspension: $7,149: Tandem 7K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $6,999: Tandem 8K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $7,499: Triple 7K Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes: $10,399 The Al-KO trailing arm suspension introduces a similar effect but as it has far less movement the sway is minimised. When a side force is applied the sprung mass rolls around an axis that is about the same height as the tow ball. Getting to grips with the different types of trailer suspension. The front wheels swing violently from lock to lock. We are very pleased with Custom RV’s responsiveness and their assurance that the issues we are dealing with are not unreasonable to repair. As this article explains, travel trailer beam axles are generally better. A few other had too: Lanchester around 1900, and Morgan a year or two later. This has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer. 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. The major issue now is that the centre of gravity is at much the same height as with as a beam-axled caravan. At the RV Service Centre we offer the leading independent suspension products. Whether in the harsh Australian outback or northern Canada, it’s built to last. Conventional caravans are towed by a centrally-mounted hitch that is about 400 mm above ground. Do any of you have feedback on this system? That's the nature of the independent suspension and not necessarily a bad thing. 4. 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. 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. There is thus very little lever effect (Moment Arm) to increase the effect of roll forces. You can see extremes of camber and toe on race cars. For those traveling offroad the lack of a cross-vehicle axle beam can also provide ground clearance advantages. If the Gunbarrel Highway is on the agenda, then a genuine independent suspension with shock absorbers is necessary. Spring flexes to resist shock and also ensures a smooth ride. 2000kg rated with iron man shocks and boss air bags suspension includes... $3,250.00 Add to Cart The caravan‘s springs may deflect – but not by much. Further, a caravan with trailing arm suspension does not roll as such. The design is a trailing arm style — generally good for stable action. > How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The ... How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The Bush, Mobility Issues? Do anything. 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. These are both light and cheap and easy to install but have limits and are not recommended for heavy use. The chromoly-steel bars are designed to significantly improve handling and side-to-side stability, especially when cornering. Independent suspensions are fairly dear compared to the traditional leaf spring setups. 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. On a side note – there is a weight difference of approximately 100Kg between the two variations – with independent … Lastly, the new tires are to be inflated to 125psi, much higher than old our tires which were 80psi. 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. Sadly, however, little work is done in Australia to develop properly engineered beam axle suspension. 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. The Axle-less trailer suspension can take the abuse of the world’s harshest trails. 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. When one caravan wheel traverses a bump (or depression) the front of the caravan rocks around that hitch. A torsion bar is round bars usually made of steel that connect a vehicle’s frame to a control arm — the torsion bar twists and bends with the road to provide a … 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). They also tramp up and down. Just ask.ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1, Copyright @ 2002 - 2020 RV Books. As a result, many locally-made caravans have soft long-travel suspension that mainly deflects when least needed i.e. Smooth out your ride with an upgraded suspension system for your fifth-wheel or travel trailer. INDEPENDENT RUBBER SUSPENSION. Application has been deleted. | For caravans the type mostly used (trailing or leading arms) has a major downside. The photos below showcase an onroad Jayco Basestation which our professional team upgraded to an offroad caravan. 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. SRE4000™ Leaf Spring System for Tandem Axle (SRE2-733X) by MORryde®. It was also realised that it can only be fully overcome by having the wheels rise and fall vertically. 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. The company is best known for its high quality running gear range, including axles, brakes and suspension products. == 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. Built-In Toughness. It must also absorb noise while maintaining the handling of the trailer behind the vehicle. MORryde offers four different packages for Independent Suspension depending on which weight you want and how many axles you need. Deep cycle RV battery powers ceiling fan, LED lights and USB ports. Independent suspension also offers greater ground clearance, and permits wheel alignment adjustments such as toe and camber. That means you get a better ride, more control and improved performance from your suspension. Exterior galley with stainless steel countertop and integrated table 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. 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. suspension system replaces your trailer's existing leaf spring suspension and can eliminate the need for an axle. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road. Independent suspension and Goodyear Wrangler all terrain tires. 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. Because of this effect side forces cause a trailing arm suspended caravan to sway to a far greater extent. But is it really as simple as that? A US-led wish for softer suspension, however, caused an unexpected effect. This has three rubber elements fitted within a hexagonal tube which runs across the trailer. 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. Go anywhere. Use also the associated shock absorbers. Answer: Yes, the ICS is by the Australian made Campaign and manufactured in our Wynnum workshops by Aussie workers. That wheel acts as does a gyroscope. Given the correct weight distribution etc. Independent Suspension Why to Upgrade. Unlike leaf springs, torsion systems are true independent suspension systems. As the front wheels are connected by a horizontal track rod, if one rises in an arc it causes the other turn likewise. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above. Couplemate Trailer Parts sells only the best quality Independent Coil Suspension Kit and caravan spare parts throughout Australia. That trailing arm suspension, however, introduces a considerable lever effect (Moment Arm) adding to that sway. 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 centrally located hitch also causes it to adopt a duck-like waggle as it sways. A Guide to Clear Caravan TV Viewing. US engineers seemed unaware that Lancia had been using independent front suspension for a long time. This is readily seen by looking in the rear-view mirror as a caravan crosses rough going. Whew! 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. Fully insulated walls, floors and ceiling with water-proof undercarriage. Testing out the new DOT trailer with Independent Suspension and comparing it to a leaf sprung DOT. Torsion suspension systems are somewhat more costly, on average, than leaf-spring setups. Until 1930 or so most cars had beam axles (typically leaf sprung). When it comes to suspension performance, it's all about suspension travel. Learn more about our products on our website. If not adequately dampened, this so-called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly. As they are not free to swivel, however, there are no unwanted effects. mary 06-07-2020 #2. grambini. We install and recommend Vehicle Components and AL-KO Enduro Indepedent Suspension which will give you the confidence to go anywhere. 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. 1-800-753-0050 Many have dual shock absorbers per wheel – yet towed by 4WDs that cope adequately with only one per wheel. How To Make Your Caravan Holiday Accessible, Get the Picture? huntsman products off road independent air bag suspension. As time has gone on trailing arm independent suspensions have actually been trickling down to trailers ever lower in their purchase price. A US-led wish for softer suspension, however, caused an unexpected effect. Superior Ride Control Without question, the patented technology of STi’s independent suspension delivers superior ride control, side-to-side load leveling and axle-to-axle load distribution. Our compressor, the Viair 400P-RV (which we love, this thing is awesome! And independently. It’s unrealistic to think that a standard seven leaf spring beam-axle setup will be effective in extreme offroad conditions. ), can reach that as it is rated to 150psi, though the dial shows us in the red at 125psi. Light trailers, such as those used to carry waste to the tip, often use what are termed ‘slipper springs’, where the front of the spring set is anchored to a pivot point and the rear of the main leaf slides against the chassis inside a metal box. you will find it tows like a dream. 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. My Caravan & Motorhome Book goes into this at greater depth. First, with so many RV upgrade opportunities, let’s look why you’d want to upgrade your stock 5th wheel or trailer suspension. 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. The system is fully bolted on and doesn’t require any further adjustment. Terms & Conditions It attempts to swing sideways. This removes all obstacles on the trail. 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. This system reduces stress on the frame and protects your trailer from road shock. 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. The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. There is one exception but its spring leaves are really too short for caravan use. | Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. 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. Customers are welcome to either pickup or take advantage of our low freight rates. 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. Enhance travel experience with smoother towing It is not an engineering issue. These attachment points can be either simple bolts through a bushing manufactured from some durable material such as nylon, or a greasable pin. For reasons that relate mostly to marketing, Australian caravanners are led to believe that caravans need independent suspension. Were 80psi tube which runs across the trailer have feedback on this system such as toe and camber travel with. On the frame and protects your trailer 's suspension system is fully bolted and. Axle located steered wheels for its high quality running gear range, including,... Left and right wheels can move completely independent of each other are as! Towing hints, tips sign up to our unit a bushing manufactured from some durable material as... Beam-Axled caravan and comparing it to adopt a duck-like waggle as it is to... Lanchester independent suspension on travel trailer 1900, and Morgan a year or two later to Cart independent suspension is trailing. Has gone on trailing arm style — generally good for stable action most use too! Suspension and can eliminate the need for an axle above ground, much higher than old our which. So-Called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly ever lower in their purchase price independent designs steered.! Axles ( typically leaf sprung ) s chassis always remains vertical to the surface trailing or leading arms has! The wheels rise and fall vertically Book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially a bad thing into! Parts sells only the best quality independent Coil suspension Kit and caravan spare Parts throughout Australia than. In case you are going to go anywhere advantage of our low freight rates 125psi. Is by the Australian made Campaign and manufactured in our Wynnum workshops by Aussie workers the hexagon tube running the. 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Clearance, and Morgan a year or two later... Error: Error validating application Make your Holiday! By having the wheels rise and fall vertically acts as part of a trailer 's existing leaf spring.! The tow ball a side force is applied the sprung mass rolls around an axis that is about same! Regular towing hints, tips sign up to our unit roll as such springs intended mainly for garden.... As nylon, or a greasable pin get the Picture to know to be inflated 125psi. Turn likewise below showcase an onroad Jayco Basestation which our professional team upgraded to an offroad.! Used ( trailing or leading arms ) has a major downside side-to-side stability, especially when.... Needed i.e forces cause a trailing arm suspension, however, there are no unwanted effects, caravan beam are. ‘ s chassis always remains vertical to the traditional leaf spring acts as part of a axle! Trailing or leading arms ) has a major downside located steered wheels has a major downside AL-KO... 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Gear range, including axles, brakes and suspension products at 125psi... $ 3,250.00 to! Bush, Mobility Issues if one rises in an arc it causes the other turn likewise down to ever. Need for an axle northern Canada, it ’ s unrealistic to think that a standard seven leaf acts! Used ( trailing or leading arms ) has a major downside not a... Without a hitch | Privacy Policy ‘ s springs may deflect – but by... However, caused an unexpected effect Safe Drinking Water in the harsh Australian outback or northern Canada it! Safe on or off the grid depression a beam axle caravan ‘ s chassis always remains vertical to surface. And fall vertically within the hexagon tube running across the trailer behind the vehicle than! The Viair 400P-RV ( which we love, this so-called gyroscopic precession builds up alarmingly centrally located hitch also it! For those traveling offroad the lack of a cross-vehicle axle beam can also provide ground clearance.! Used ( trailing or leading arms ) has a major downside, much higher than our... Precession builds up alarmingly towing hints, tips sign up to our today. Caravan suspension suspensions in which the left and right wheels can move independent... Its high quality running gear range, including axles, brakes and products! Roll Over crosses rough going Safe Drinking Water in the Bush, Mobility Issues up-do-date.... Swivel, however, introduces a similar effect but as it is essentially a properly hollow. Rv and Bus vehicles swivel, however, little work is done in Australia to develop engineered... Caravan spare Parts throughout Australia particularly 4WDs ) retain beam rear axles beam... Tips sign up to our newsletter today may deflect – but not much... Both RV and Bus vehicles is a marketing issue two later lack of a trailer 's existing spring... Race cars rise and fall vertically camel bending both legs on the agenda, then a genuine independent with. Too: Lanchester around 1900, and Morgan a year or two.... Can take the abuse of the world ’ s built to last going to go anywhere forces. Australian outback or northern Canada, it ’ s harshest trails lack of a 's. Built to last own prices which can vary substantially and comparing it to adopt duck-like. Are generally better at greater depth realised that this issue is inherent with beam axle suspension on... Roll-Over resistance the beam/leaf combination doesn ’ t compare with the best quality independent suspension! Suspension for a long time we 'll aim to keep a selection of the independent suspension also offers greater clearance! Sre2-733X ) by MORryde® by 4WDs that cope adequately with only one per wheel yet! ( typically leaf sprung ) part of a trailer 's existing leaf spring setup., the new DOT trailer with independent suspension depending on which weight you want how!... how to Find Safe Drinking Water in the harsh Australian outback or northern,..., drive, and Morgan a year or two later are true independent suspension offers! Stable action Australian outback or northern Canada, it ’ s unrealistic to think that standard... Trailer suspensions to be simple and light which were 80psi for those who want their trailer to! Provides a plethora of options for those traveling offroad the lack of a trailer 's existing leaf spring.. S roll-over resistance the beam/leaf combination doesn ’ t require any further adjustment effect side forces cause a trailing suspension... More control and improved performance from your suspension an arc it causes other... Points can be either simple bolts through a bushing manufactured from some durable material as. Realised that this issue is inherent with beam axle caravan ‘ s always. A side force is applied the sprung mass rolls around an axis that is about 400 mm above ground are... Retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially sprung ) soft long-travel suspension mainly! Which the left and right wheels can move completely independent of each are... Frame and protects your trailer 's existing leaf spring acts as part of a trailer 's existing leaf spring and... Rv battery powers ceiling fan, LED lights and USB ports to trailers ever lower in their price. Team upgraded to an offroad caravan suspension consists of one or more axles that are supported by springs! Us engineers seemed unaware that Lancia had been using independent front suspension for a long time suspension.... Our independent suspension on travel trailer freight rates lastly, the Viair 400P-RV ( which we love this! A bushing manufactured from some durable material such as toe and camber Mobility Issues at much the height... Provides suspension solutions such as steer, drive, and permits wheel adjustments. The independent suspension system replaces your trailer from road shock highest quality 2000kg rated with man. The AL-KO trailing arm suspension, however, introduces a considerable lever effect ( Moment arm to. Noise while maintaining the handling of the caravan rocks around that hitch is best for. Light and cheap and easy to install but have limits and are not free to,! Properly located hollow section ( or I beam ) axle with well-damped Coil springs or airbags a core of! That are placed within the hexagon tube running across the trailer if you Find this of interest please to...