Im looking for experienced opinion on what is adequate for a small 14 camper trailer or van to handle dirt road corrugations.
Im looking to buy such a beast for gold detecting trips. I typically trip around the Vic Golden Triangle where tracks are mild, but would like to get to WA and or FNQ.
I wont be climbing mountains or going severe off road. However I see corrugations as something I will experience if I get to the North or West.
This is what I understand from Google research, but please correct me if Ive got this wrong.
Leaf springs slide over each other and the friction provides bounce dampening.
Coil springs need a dampener/shock absorber to dampen the springiness.
Corrugations work coil spring dampeners very hard and the generated heat can cause fade or failure. Ive been told by a van dealer that a work around is to rest the vehicle to avoid this problem. I dont know how practical this is. I appreciate factors that affect this are corrugation drive duration, quality of shocks, one or two shocks per spring and ambient temperature. Due to size, weight and entry level budget the camper/vans Im looking at only have one shock per spring or leaf springs. Tare is about 1000 to 1100kg and with load 1500 to 1600kg.
I appreciate independent coil/shock suspension is better for severe off road. However if Im not going to do that would leaf spring be better for my use? Or would spring and one shock be adequate. If I went this second option I think it would be wise to carry a spare shock, or even a pair, along with a spare set of bearings.
Thanks for your help.
Regards Dignit aka Andy
Im looking to buy such a beast for gold detecting trips. I typically trip around the Vic Golden Triangle where tracks are mild, but would like to get to WA and or FNQ.
I wont be climbing mountains or going severe off road. However I see corrugations as something I will experience if I get to the North or West.
This is what I understand from Google research, but please correct me if Ive got this wrong.
Leaf springs slide over each other and the friction provides bounce dampening.
Coil springs need a dampener/shock absorber to dampen the springiness.
Corrugations work coil spring dampeners very hard and the generated heat can cause fade or failure. Ive been told by a van dealer that a work around is to rest the vehicle to avoid this problem. I dont know how practical this is. I appreciate factors that affect this are corrugation drive duration, quality of shocks, one or two shocks per spring and ambient temperature. Due to size, weight and entry level budget the camper/vans Im looking at only have one shock per spring or leaf springs. Tare is about 1000 to 1100kg and with load 1500 to 1600kg.
I appreciate independent coil/shock suspension is better for severe off road. However if Im not going to do that would leaf spring be better for my use? Or would spring and one shock be adequate. If I went this second option I think it would be wise to carry a spare shock, or even a pair, along with a spare set of bearings.
Thanks for your help.
Regards Dignit aka Andy