RV FEATURE
LEAF-SPRING INDEPENDENT Advantages :
Very rugged design .
Excellent weight carrying capabilities .
Excellent ground clearance .
COIL-SPRING INDEPENDENT Advantages :
Excellent load-carrying capability .
Excellent ride and handling .
Offroad capable with good ground clearance and rebound control .
AIRBAG INDEPENDENT Advantages :
Excellent load carrying capability .
Excellent ride and handling .
Excellent offroad capabilities with good ground clearance and rebound control .
Available with both manual and automatic levelling systems .
Disadvantages :
Starting to get into a more complex system for maintenance .
Disadvantages :
More expensive to purchase and maintain than leaf-spring suspension .
May require a specialist for repairs .
Shock absorbers may need periodic replacement , depending on use .
Disadvantages :
More expensive to buy and maintain .
More potential points of failure due to the requirement of a compressed air system .
Shock absorbers may need periodic replacement , depending on use .
May require a specialist for repairs .
Recommended uses
Medium to large caravans .
Buyers who prioritise strength .
Medium to high annual usage that includes offroad use .
Recommended uses
Suitable for caravans and campers of all sizes .
Medium to high usage , including off-road travel , though some such systems are designed only for ‘ light duty ’.
The buyer who values both ride quality and load-carrying capabilities .
Recommended uses
Buyers for whom cost is not an issue and who want the ultimate in ride and handling , loadcarrying , on and offroad ability and the convenience of levelling the van on-site .
Medium to high usage , including offroad travel .
Note : These are the opinions of the writer and may not necessarily reflect those of suspension manufacturers or those of GoRV . Further , this is intended as a general guide only – it is by no means an exhaustive list of all trailer suspension systems sold in Australia . Many are proprietary or bespoke systems made by the trailer manufacturers themselves .
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