Cover image copyright Ivan Radic

Getting a little bounce

Rolling along the road in a caravan, camper or motorhome requires good suspension, something that’s fit for purpose. The trouble is, knowing the difference between suspension types and why does the type of suspension you have matter?

In order to help bring the question up front and offer a little knowledge on what’s down low, here’s the basics on suspension.

Rock and Roll

Unfortunately, this one won’t play Bill Halley or Elvis Presley. Rocker Roller Springs are similar to the so called “traditional” automotive leaf spring.

Both ends of the spring are coiled into an eye into which a bush is placed. The front of the spring is captive in a spring “hanger” and the rear, an elongated eye of the spring is allowed to move back and forth over a solid bush.

This spring system gives quick operation for small road faults like shallow pot holes, with the parts which naturally wear over time, being able to be replaced.

Rocker Roller springs are used in a multi axle configuration. Linking the springs through a “rocker” assembly to transfer load is achieved when one axle is carrying a large percentage of the weight like crawling over a kerb. It allows the load to be more evenly spread throughout the system.

Suspension Tip

AL-KO capacity of Rocker Roller systems are based on 30-35mm deflection .

Advantages:

• Load capacity up to 4000 kg

• Load sharing suspension

• Painted or Galvanised options

• Systems for 13″ – 16″ wheels

Crusisemaster's Explorer Leaf Spring System

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  Axles made in house from Australian Steel

• Leaf Springs made from high quality spring steel

• Leaf springs to suit axle loads starting at 1100kg through to 2500kg

Trailing Arm Suspension

No, trailing arm suspension is not what you need to do to stop the zombie apocalypse – it is about a quality suspension choice for Australian ground conditions. 

It is known as “trailing” because the tyre of the caravan is mounted to the chassis of the caravan on a trailing mechanical link. 

When the vehicle moves on bumps, the arm will pivot above the hanger and move up and down.  There is a spring between the arm and chassis, the impact is absorbed. 

Suspension Tip

AL-KO Enduro is among the best and suitable for Caravans and Trailers wanting to head off-road

• Engineered and built in Australia for Australian Conditions

• Subjected to AL-KO’s Extreme Testing Program
• Fitted With AL-KO Premium Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
• Designed For Easy Installation & Accurate Alignment
• Australian Made 4×4 coil springs
• Maintenance Free Bushes

Cruisemaster XT Freestyle

• The Iconic All-Terrain Suspension System.

• Available in Air or Coil, with Electric Drum or Hydraulic Disc Brakes.

• Systems up to 4.5T ATM.

Airbag Suspension

Airbag suspension is the latest system in off-road caravans and motorhomes. 

It is now replacing the metal coil spring systems because of the many advantages of the suspension system. 

There are variable height springs to allow the caravan to be lowered when travelling on the highway and raised when travelling offroad.