A caravan is an excellent option for you and your loved ones to explore some of the most beautiful places in Australia. Caravans are fitted with suspensions to ensure flawless motion and keep the vehicle safe from road shocks. However, this task does not rely on the entire caravan suspension system but on its different components, which work independently but also in unison. 

This article will discuss the most critical parts of a caravan suspension system. However, let us look at what is referred to by the term caravan suspension system.

What Is A Caravan Suspension System?

The caravan suspension system enhances comfort while travelling by keeping a safe distance between the road and the caravan. Its primary purpose is absorbing road shocks and excessive noise. A sound caravan suspension system should be sturdy enough to keep the caravan firmly attached to the car.

There are three different types of caravan suspension systems. These include:

1). Rigid Axle Caravan Suspension: This is the most basic and oldest suspension design, and it is used in heavy-duty trucks, vans, SUVs, and buses. A rigid axle is a choice for most on-road caravans as it is easy to manufacture and install. However, due to its tough nature, the motion of the wheels depends on each other.

2). Semi-Rigid Axle Caravan Suspension: A semi-rigid axle allows some independence between all the wheels as they move. The suspension system is suitable for medium corrugations and mild off-road use, depending on the travelling speed. This system has galvanised versions that are suitable for marine use. Because of this, the semi-rigid axle caravan suspension is not recommended for high-speed motions, over corrugation, and heavy off-road use.

3). Independent Caravan Suspension: An independent suspension is the only type of car suspension that allows all the wheels to move independently. Despite being slightly higher in cost, it has gained popularity as the consumer demand for off-road caravans grows. The independent caravan suspension is the best suspension system for Aussie caravans as it can easily handle the unforgiving terrain in Australia. The best independent caravan suspension for off-road uses has adjustable air springs and coil springs.

Caravan Suspension System Parts (And Their Functions)

The integral parts of the suspension system of a caravan include:

• Wheels
• Coil springs
• Shock absorbers
• Linkages
• Bearings
• Leaf spring
• Steering system

1). Wheels are the first part of a caravan suspension system. They are the only suspension components that touch the ground. After all, tyres experience extreme pressure when driving over a bump, braking, accelerating, and cornering. 

2). The second most important part of a caravan suspension is the coil springs. They absorb the excessive impact when driving over bumps or potholes. However, metal rods are sometimes used instead of coil springs. 

3). Shock absorbers are another essential part of a suspension of a caravan. They work alongside the coil springs to channel away impact from potholes, bumps, or off-road driving. Technically, the spring absorbs the impact, but the shock absorber supports the spring and reduces its motion.

4). Linkages are the fourth most important part of a caravan suspension system. Linkages refer to rods that hold together the various components of the suspension system. They are usually made of highly durable metals that last as long as the caravan lasts. The only time the linkage fails is when the caravan is involved in a tragic accident. 

5). Bearings use the linkages referred to above to connect more prominent components together. The bearings enable specific suspension system components and do not need a lubricant. 

6). Leaf springs are also an integral part of a caravan suspension system. A leaf spring is installed to support the caravan’s weight and maintain the wheels’ grip on the road. It also helps to regulate the wheelbase length when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. 

7). Another vital part of a caravan suspension is the steering system. Although it might be an indirect component, it works alongside the suspension system to turn the wheels. The steering system controls most caravan suspension components, such as the linkages, wheels, and stub axle.

Final Thoughts

The suspension system is an integral part of any caravan, especially a caravan that usually carries a lot of weight. A sound suspension system should efficiently absorb the road shocks as the caravan rolls over a bump, negotiates a corner, accelerates or even braking. The suspension system keeps the vehicle on the road without bouncing from one point to another.

Tough and Durable Caravan Suspensions

Are you looking for challenging and durable suspensions for your caravan? Look no further as Alpha Suspensions has got you covered. At Alpha Suspensions, we deal with different suspension systems, such as rigid, torsional, and independent suspensions. 

Please call us today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Whether you’re planning a trip across Australia or a little offroading, your caravan suspension needs to be in tip-top condition to allow you to have a pleasant time out in the bush. A high-quality suspension means you don’t really need to worry about anything and won’t feel the dips and the havoc they can bring when using a poor quality suspension. A less than average suspension, especially with offroading, will leave you worrying more about the next bump rather than soaking in the natural beauty and enjoying your trip.

While there are several dedicated off-road caravan suspension brands, it does not mean that labelling their products “off-road” magically gives them the expertise to design and manufacture truly world-class products. There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to suspension design and a lot depends on the path you will drive and the weight of your caravan.

What Is an Off-Road Caravan Suspension System

Any type of chassis on tyres has a suspension system. Different types of suspension systems are meant to handle different kinds of loads. The requirements for a trailer that is only used to carry goods are never going to be as demanding as a full camper trailer or a caravan that carries a much greater weight and sensitive appliances. The goal of a good suspension system for a caravan is to generate proper friction between the road and the tyres and make sure it remains stable.

Among suspension systems, there is a further category of systems specifically designed for off-road use. The suspension requirements for offroading are completely different from caravans that spend the majority of their time on bitumen. 

Off-road suspension systems are often independent systems that use the highest quality springs or airbags to keep things comfortable. Leaf spring systems are also used in some cases but only when a limited amount of time is going to be spent on dirt tracks and most of the time is going to be on the bitumen.

Steps to Calculate Forces in an Off-Road Caravan Suspension System

There are 2 parts to a suspension system including springs and dampers. Springs are there to sustain the weight of the vehicle and dampers are there to keep things smooth by opposing the movement of the spring. Essentially, dampers dissipate the heat energy generated by spring movement and keep the vehicle stable.

A variety of forces act on a suspension system including:

• Compression
• Tension
• Shock/impact loads
• Fatigue

Designing an off-road caravan suspension system right from the scratch takes into account a huge range of parameters such as:

• Motion ratio
• Sprung mass
• Unsprung mass
• Spring stiffness
• Roll centre camber
• Compression ratio
• Contact depth
• Maximum speed
• Contact speed
• Roll Centre
• Centre of gravity

In short, a lot goes into designing an ideal suspension system. While major work is done in theory, the real learnings and design changes happen in the field when the suspension system is tested against various established parameters. The most important factor in the design is the contact depth. 

While there are many off-the-shelf systems for off-road caravans, the best suspension system is always going to be the one that’s designed specifically for a particular caravan with a particular maximum load limit and the terrain that it is expected to tackle.

Alpha Suspensions is the premier suspension design and manufacturing company in Australia. We offer a whole range of suspension systems for semi off-road and off-road applications. All of our products are designed in Australia and tested in the Australian outback to ensure the best for our customers. Our products are reliable and cost-effective and carry a ton of unique features to enhance the reliability of the suspension system and to keep providing that comfort for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Overall, designing an off-road suspension system is a complex job that requires expertise, experience, and the willingness to walk the extra mile to ensure the ultimate comfort for buyers. There are hundreds of off-the-shelf suspension systems available for purchase but not all of those systems have been tested in the real world. In many cases, these systems are designed for on-road use and only a little bit on dirt tracks but if you take them out and give them some punishment on some of Australia’s toughest roads, those systems won’t last long. 

Make sure you go through the warranty terms and conditions of these manufacturers. They clearly state the expected usage there to protect them but you won’t find it in big, bold, shiny letters in their sales material, anywhere. This is why it’s always better to choose a company specialising in off-road and semi-off-road applications.

Contact Alpha Suspensions Australia

Alpha Suspensions is the preferred choice of caravan owners for tough conditions. We specialise in designing and building a range of independent suspensions that allow you to experience the whole of Australia without worrying about your caravan suspension. All of our products are cost-effective and reliable.

What makes us different is the testing we carry out before introducing a product to the market. We make sure every single product we sell has been fully tested and stands up to our own tough standards before it ends up in the hands of our customers.

Please call us today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Which off-road caravan suspension design will deliver the best performance for your caravan? Leaf spring, torsion, trailing –  what’s the best for a stable tow? With so many options in the market, which glossy brochure should you believe?

Well, if you want your trailer to articulate to keep it from flopping, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick Alpha Suspensions guide to help you:

First Things First: How Do Caravan Suspension Systems Work? 

Before we get into suspension systems, let’s take a step back and think about the fundamentals. What does a suspension system do? – It absorbs undulations. 

In simple words, it absorbs the energy from the tyres, allowing the frame of the caravan to remain stable. This means that when a wheel hits a bump or sinks into a depression, its movement is not transferred to the rest of the caravan, reducing bouncing and rocking. 

Why Is Your Caravan’s Suspension So Important?

A good suspension system increases the friction between the tyres and the road. This offers steering stability and good handling. It is vital for braking, cornering, and even fuel efficiency since it ensures that the tyres are in touch with the ground.

The better the suspension, the smoother and safer the tow becomes because minimal force is transferred to the frame of the vehicle. There’s less strain on the trailer and its contents as well.

The suspension system, therefore, promotes passenger comfort by reducing the influence of different road conditions on not just the caravan, but also the passengers within. This is particularly important for off-road driving. 

Choosing the Best Off-road Caravan Suspension in Australia 

A premium off-road caravan should have a high-quality suspension design for the passengers and the vehicle’s safety. Here are different suspension design methods for an off-road caravan.

• Rigid Axle Suspension 

This is considered the grandfather of all suspension systems and has withstood the test of time. It was first employed in the motor industry’s early stages and some brands of off-road caravans still use it. 

The system is a dependent suspension type where a set of wheels is connected laterally by a single shaft or beam. It’s strong and can carry a large load capacity. It’s pretty simple to install and maintain than more complex systems. 

• Semi-Rigid Axle Suspension

The system includes an outer primary axle that is welded to the caravan’s chassis. Each of the wheel hubs has an inner tube linked to it. The inner tube will revolve within the outer axle when the wheels move up and down over bumps in the road.

Because the inner tubes connecting the right and left wheels are not attached, this type of suspension is known as independent suspension. It allows for a form of independence between the left and right wheels of a caravan. 

• Leaf Spring Tandem Suspension

This is the most common type on caravans. Leaf springs are made up of multiple layers of flat, rolled leaves that are placed on top of each other and fitted below the axle for the suspension system.

Leaf springs are great at cushioning the jolts from potholes and other rough patches on the road. This suspension system has a proven track record of reliability in a variety of heavy-duty vehicles.

• Trailing Arm Suspension

This one has proven ideal for the Australian terrain. The tyre of the caravan is usually mounted to the chassis of the caravan through a trailing mechanical link, hence the term “trailing.”

As such, the arm pivots over the hanger and moves up and down as the vehicle travels over bumps. There is a spring located between the chassis and arm, which absorbs the impact.

Which Is the Best for Off-Road Stability? Consider These Factors

Because an off-road caravan travels on dirt roads, there’s a higher risk of component damage from things like potholes and rocks, thus you need a sturdy system. The trailer’s suspension must also give adequate ground clearance. 

Heat dissipation is also another important factor to consider in an off-road suspension setup. Remember that as wheels move up and down relative to the caravan, energy is released in the form of heat.

That said, the answer to the best suspension system is to look for good build quality, proper weight distribution, heat dissipation, and solid tuning. Since trailers are different, there’s no singular clear-cut type suitable for all caravans, but we are here to help. 

Contact Alpha Suspensions Australia 

Alpha Suspensions is the best bet for people who want to get the most out of their time in the great outdoors. We provide fully independent suspension systems and components. These are self-contained, multi-terrain suspensions that are both dependable and affordable. Reach out and let’s get you the best!

Please call us today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Most caravan owners don’t really want to get into the nitty-gritty of caravan suspension systems. They just want the thing to work and make their travels safe and comfortable. And there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you still need to know a little bit about different types of caravan suspensions and which is the right type for your particular needs.

The thing is that there are different types of suspension systems and not every suspension system is right for every surface. If you plan to keep your trailer primarily on paved roads, a leaf spring suspension should be enough. On the other hand, an independent suspension is the best choice for off-road caravans but these do cost a bit more than the leaf spring systems. 

In this blog post, we will explore whether caravan suspensions use a trailing arm and its various advantages.

What Is the Role of a Suspension System?

A suspension system is needed to keep everything stable and comfortable by absorbing the bumps and noise while travelling. If the suspension system isn’t good enough, your caravan might not remain attached to the towing vehicle or could become seriously damaged. 

A suspension system is made up of a variety of components but the two main components are the shock absorbers and the springs. There are different types of suspension systems in use today but two of the most common types are live axle suspension and independent suspension systems.

A live axle suspension system is known by various names including a solid axle or beam suspension system. This type of suspension system has a single axle which means the wheels on the other side are connected to the same axle. Leaf springs are often prefered in this type of suspension system. It is a great choice for caravans that are likely to spend the majority of their time on paved roads.

The other type is the independent suspension system. The major difference between an independent system and a live-axle system is that in an independent system, the wheels are not connected through a live axle and each wheel acts independently. This is why independent suspension systems are preferred for off-road caravanning as these provide better ground clearance and better stability.

Do Caravan Suspensions Use a Trailing Arm?

Yes, caravan suspensions do use a trailing arm. However, trailing arm suspension makes more sense for off-road caravanning. This type of suspension allows each wheel to act independently which results in better ground clearance and stability compared to other suspension systems.

Choosing the Right Suspension System for Your Caravan

The choice of a suspension system for a caravan is dictated by its intended usage. If you are going to use your caravan for on-road travelling, a rigid axle suspension system would be the most cost-effective solution. On the other hand, a trailing arm suspension, airbag suspension or a semi-rigid axle suspension system makes sense for caravans that are likely to be taken off-road.

Pay attention to these things when choosing a suspension system for your caravan:

• Safety
• Comfort levels
• Stability
• Proper control

The most important thing that matters is safety. You shouldn’t have any doubts about the capability of your caravan suspension system to handle the kind of terrain where you are driving. It should provide you with complete control and keeps things stable. You also need to ensure that the things inside the caravan remain stable regardless of the terrain.

Final Thoughts

Overall, a variety of suspension systems are available for caravans. The choice of a suspension system should depend on the terrain as well as your budget. If you are primarily going to drive on paved surfaces, a leaf spring system or a rigid axle suspension system should be enough. On the other hand, off-road caravanning will be much smoother with a specifically designed suspension system for off-road surfaces such as a trailing arm suspension or an airbag suspension system.

Alpha Suspensions is the premier provider of fully independent suspension systems designed for off-road and semi off-road applications. We design, manufacture and test these suspension systems in Australia to provide the very best to our customers. 

Please call us today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Are you planning to buy a new caravan? Are you aware of the importance of suspension in a caravan? Are you aware of the major differences between on-road and off-road caravan suspension? 

A caravan that is designed to be driven primarily on bitumen usually doesn’t have adequate suspension for off-roading. If you take this type of caravan on dirt roads where you’re likely to encounter bumps and potholes, you’re going to have a tough time out there.

That is why it is recommended to invest in a good quality off-road suspension system when you are going to spend a majority of your caravanning time off-road. Let’s take a look below at the various types of caravan suspension systems:

Different Types of Suspension Systems

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of different types of caravan suspension systems, it is important for you to understand exactly what these systems are and why they are necessary for your caravan. 

As you might be aware, the goal of a suspension system is to absorb the bumps and potholes on the road. The suspension system needs to be strong enough to keep everything inside the caravan stable and safe. 

A suspension system primarily consists of a spring and the shock absorber. The spring is elastic and comes into play during compression as well as extension. The compression happens when the vehicle hits a bump and the extension happens when the vehicle hits a pothole in the ground. The springs absorb this energy and transfer it to the shock absorber or damper. 

The goal of a damper is to convert this energy into heat or thermal energy in order to dissipate that energy. This is why dampers or shock absorbers need to be capable of handling a large amount of heat.

Basic Types

The two basic types of suspension systems include a live-axle suspension system and an independent suspension system. The live axle is also known as a solid axle where there is one single rod with a wheel on either end. These live axle suspension systems are typically supported by leaf springs.

Another type of suspension system is the independent suspension system where there are 2 shorter axles that are not interconnected. In short, every wheel is independent and the movement of one wheel does not get transferred to the other wheel. Typically, an independent suspension system offers better ground clearance and better wheel alignment.

Here are the major differences between off-road and on-road caravan suspension:

On-Road Caravan Suspension

On-road caravans are essentially semi-off-road caravans which means they are designed to be taken off the road at times but you can’t go fully off-road with these. This is due to the reason that these are not designed to handle extremely rough trails or conditions. 

The caravan suspension essentially works like your car suspension. In the case of caravans designed for semi-off-road conditions, the spring is usually the typical leaf spring. In the case of smaller trailers, the suspension consists of only the springs and no shock absorbers or dampers are there as the leaf spring also doubles as a damper.

Off-Road Caravan Suspension

Off-road caravan suspension is typically an independent suspension system where each wheel works independently and does not transfer movement to the other wheel. These are perfect for rough terrains as each wheel moves independently. 

As far as the choice of springs in an independent suspension is concerned, most independent suspension systems make use of coil suspensions or airbag suspension. The airbag suspension system allows a lot of flexibility and is capable of handling any kind of terrain. The airbag suspension systems tend to be more expensive compared to coil spring systems.

Things That Really Matter

Now that you are aware of the major differences between on-road and off-road caravan suspension systems, you are probably thinking that all you need to do is get the right suspension system and everything will be fine regardless of the terrain. 

The fact is that regardless of the suspension system you choose, you need to ensure proper weight distribution and solid tuning as, without these, no suspension system will succeed. If you have a heavy trailer where weight isn’t properly distributed, the suspension system won’t be able to do much.

Summary

Overall, an independent suspension system is typically better than a live-axle suspension system but also costs a bit more. It is recommended to get an independent system if you plan to spend a lot of time off-roading.

However, if you plan to stay primarily on the bitumen, the extra expense isn’t really worth it as the live axle leaf spring system usually works fine on the road.

If you are looking for the most reliable caravan suspension in Australia, look no further than ALPHA SUSPENSIONS. 

Please call us today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Your caravan suspension takes a beating so that your driving experience can be smooth and enjoyable despite the terrain. Your suspension also provides traction by keeping the wheels on the ground as much as possible. But, how do you tell if your caravan’s suspension is worn out or damaged? Here are some common signs of suspension problems you should be on the lookout for:

1). Oily Shock Absorbers

Experts advise doing a visual inspection of your suspension at regular intervals. This helps you to identify potential issues before they become serious. For instance, if you notice your struts or shock absorbers look oily or greasy, there is a high likelihood they are leaking fluid. This means that they won’t work as well as they should when you need them, so it’s advisable to have them looked at by a professional mechanic.

2). Difficulty When Steering

When your steering becomes hard, especially when driving at low speeds, this could mean that there may be an issue with your suspension systems. Because of the danger of driving when your steering is not functioning properly, it’s best to have your caravan checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

3). Squatting and/or Rolling, Diving

Does your caravan:

• Squat backwards (i.e. leans backwards) when you accelerate?
• Rolls to the side (i.e. leans from side-to-side) when you corner?
• Nosedive forward (i.e. leans forward) when you brake?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may have a problem with your suspension. You can easily determine whether you have an issue by taking your caravan to a professional mechanic, who will perform a variety of tests to get to the root cause of the issue.

4). One Corner Sits Low

If you notice that one corner of your caravan seems to be slightly or significantly lower than the others, there’s a high likelihood that you may have a damaged or worn out spring. You may hear a clunking noise as you drive over potholes or bumps.

To really know for sure, first ensure your tyres are properly inflated. If one corner seems lower than the others, push your entire weight down one side of the caravan and observe how the suspension reacts. A squeaking or creaking noise will confirm that you need to have your suspension checked by a mechanic.

5). Feeling Every Bump

One of the main responsibilities of your suspension is to ensure that you don’t feel any bumps on the road. If you begin to feel every bump you find on the road, this may be a sign that your suspension is worn out and needs to be checked by a mechanic.

To know if your caravan’s suspension is worn out, simply push your weight down your caravan’s rear end and release it. Count the number of times the caravan bounces. If it bounces more than three times, then your suspension system may be worn out or damaged.

6). Pulling to One Side When Driving

If you notice your caravan is pulling to one side when driving, the problem may be your caravan’s suspension or tyres. Tyres need to be properly aligned to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. Check that your caravan’s tyres as properly inflated. Also, check your tyre treads to see if they are wearing evenly. If everything checks out, the issue may be your suspension system.

Do you see any signs of damage or wear on your control arms, ball joints or shock absorbers? If you’re not sure what you to look for, it’s best to seek the help of a professional mechanic.

If you have any questions about caravan suspensions, please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Caravans are a great way for you and your loved ones to explore different parts of the country and discover new and exciting places. Caravans, just like ordinary vehicles – have their unique suspension systems that help ensure that your travels are both safe and comfortable despite the rough terrain and road shocks. 

However, most people don’t really understand the intricacies and nature of caravan suspension. A common question that is asked by people who are interested in caravans is; do caravans have independent suspension systems?

In this post, we will take a closer look at various caravan suspension systems: what they are, the different types, and how to figure out which caravan suspension system is right for you.

What Are Suspension Systems?

The suspension keeps a safe distance between your caravan and the ground. It helps to make your travels more comfortable by absorbing noise and road shocks. The suspension system must be strong enough to keep your caravan firmly attached to your car. A caravan suspension has two main parts – the sprint and the shock absorbers or dampers.

The spring is elastic and can either be used for extension when the wheel runs over a pothole on the road or when a wheel hits a bump. The primary role of shock absorbers is to absorb road shocks and convert them into heat. The combination of both springs and shock absorbers allows your caravan and all its internal parts to stay intact as you go on your expeditions.

The Two Main Types of Caravan Suspensions

While there are more than just 2 types of caravan suspension, only 2 are considered mainstream and can be found on most caravans you find on the road. The 2 main types of caravan suspension systems out there today are: live axle and independent suspensions. They vary in spring usage and wheel relation. Here are the main differences between the two:

1). Live Axle

Also called beam or solid axle, a live-axle suspension system includes a single axle that features one wheel on either side. Live axle suspension is often used with leaf springs, which are recommended for on-road caravans because they tend to flatten out and sag with time.

2). Independent

An independent suspension is different from a live axle suspension in that it has two shorter axles that are not linked together. This configuration offers various benefits due to the fact each wheel is independent of the other. So, for instance, should one wheel hit a bump or pothole on the road, the other wheel will not be impacted as much.

Independent suspension systems also have higher ground clearance, which is great for those off-roading trips. An independent suspension system is also capable of wheel alignment adjustments such as camber and toe. Camber occurs when the wheel leans slightly inwards, and toe occurs when the wheel is not proportionate to the caravan.

Independent systems also have better shock-absorbing capabilities, especially when coil springs or airbag lift kits are included.

Independent Suspensions on Caravans

The independent suspension system is the most recommended for most types of caravans. This suspension system has a floating axle mounted on a frame and a suspension linked to both the axle and frame. The major benefit of this system is that it transfers road shocks through the entire frame of the caravan, and not just the wheelbase. 

This system provides a much smoother and more comfortable ride than any live axle system will give you. Moreover, it helps to reduce exhaustion during long travels. Independent suspensions also have huge potential for modification and enhancement through the addition of lift kits like coil springs and airbags. Most caravan owners with independent suspensions add coil springs or airbags to rear axles. 

If you have any questions about caravan suspensions, please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Owning a caravan is fun and exciting, but only if the owner understands how to use it properly. That said, this article will focus on one major part of the caravan: the suspension. First, what is the suspension used for? Secondly, what effect does a caravan’s weight have on its suspension?

Indeed, misusing a caravan by overloading it or driving it poorly can make it break down. And since no one wants their caravan to break down in the middle of nowhere during a trip, this article will serve as a guide in helping you to understand what to look out for. 

Here’s a quick run-through on caravan suspensions and the dangers of overloading:

What Do Caravan Suspensions Do?

The suspension system of a caravan softens out the ride and helps the driver to keep the vehicle in control. How? It decreases the friction between the road and caravan tyres. This offers good handling and steering stability. 

The suspension system also promotes passenger comfort by reducing the impact felt when the caravan passes through bumpy roads. That way, the car, and the passengers are equally protected from thrusts and unwanted forces.

With the help of the dampers and struts, the suspension system sustains the vehicle’s weight by absorbing and minimising excess energy from road shocks. Finally, the anti-sway bar reduces wheel motion and stabilises the vehicle.

Effect of Caravan’s Weight on Suspensions

• Too Much Weight Reduces The Suspension’s Flexibility

For the suspension to operate effectively, there has to be enough space between their parts to allow for both backward and forward movements. However, when the caravan is overloaded, the system is squeezed and the suspension parts cannot move as required. This causes a ride to be unnecessarily bumpy and rough for the passengers as well as the driver.

• The Suspensions Can No Longer Smooth out the Rides

When a caravan hits a bump, the suspension is supposed to take the hit and protect the vehicle and the passengers from the excess force. However, when a caravan is overloaded, there is too much contact between the tyres and the road. This makes it hard for the caravan to remain stable on the road because it reacts to every bump, especially on rough terrain.

• The Rear Sags and the Caravan Becomes Unstable

The caravan’s suspension system is supposed to promote vehicle stability on the road. Unfortunately, some drivers overload the caravan and the excess weight makes the vehicle sag from behind. 

That said, overloading a caravan can have serious consequences because it ultimately tampers with the weight distribution over the length of the vehicle. This tampers with the centre of gravity which destabilises the entire car. To make matters worse, it can cause serious accidents especially when the driver hits a bump unexpectedly.

• Increased Expenses Because of Wear and Tear

While carrying a large number of things in a caravan may seem like an achievement, it is counterproductive. This is because the caravan suspension system, wheels, and other parts depreciate at a faster rate. Because of the friction caused by the excess weight, every part of the caravan wears out at a faster rate.

Wear and tear of important caravan parts means that repair or replacement has to be done. Such procedures cost money which can be very costly especially if major parts have to be replaced. In worst-case scenarios, the caravan becomes damaged beyond repair rendering it useless.

Final Thoughts

Having your caravan suspensions replaced or repaired can be stressful. However, if you hire an expert like us, everything becomes easy. This is because our staff are highly trained and experienced to fix all your car suspensions problems. 

Please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

When your caravan is aligned properly, it should drive more comfortably without pulling in either direction. However, after many hours of driving in unpredictable road conditions, the wheels of your caravan may become misaligned. While some roads are predictable, potholes are unavoidable, especially when touring new locations. There are several things you can do to prevent your caravan from falling out of alignment, including but not limited to fixing your caravan’s suspension.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Alignment represents the geometry of the suspension system. The suspension system is composed of different parts that work together to support the caravan and turn the wheels. Each caravan’s suspension system contains a mounting point, steering components and control arms that are intended to fit in a particular area. Wheels must be correctly aligned for all tyres to work together in the same direction and speed. Even tiny variations in the suspension’s geometry can affect wheel alignment. Driving a caravan with poorly aligned wheels can lead to premature wear of tyres and/or damage to the suspension.

When performing wheel alignments, mechanics check the 3 different angles (camber, caster, and toe) of the caravan’s alignment to ensure wheels are properly aligned. The caravan is linked to a piece of equipment that is able to measure the position of each wheel and indicate the current level of alignment of the caravan, as well as what adjustments need to be made so that the caravan adheres to the specifications of suspension provided by the manufacturer.

Camber

This is the vertical angle or slope of the wheels. If wheels are sloping at the wrong angle, the camber may be off.

Toe

Toe focuses on the direction the wheels are rolling. All wheels must rotate in the same direction at the same time. 

Caster

This is the balancing angle related to the caravan’s weight and steering. Incorrect caster makes handling the car more difficult, and this may cause wandering or drifting. The more caster you have, the more stable your driving experience is. However, too much caster makes it harder to steer.

Does Suspension Affect Caravan Wheel Alignment

Misalignment occurs for a variety of reasons such as driver errors, environmental conditions, and wear and tear of suspension components. Because of their fragile nature, the metal parts of caravan suspension systems are susceptible to damage from the impact of hitting potholes and other road hazards. Even at low speeds, such impacts can damage your suspension, pushing your wheels out of alignment.

Furthermore, some parts of the suspension system like bushings and joints may weaken over time, making them less effective in keeping the wheels aligned. Lastly, suspension modifications like the use of lowering and lift kits can affect the alignment of your caravan. Manufacturers set suspension specifications based on the caravan’s height. If modified, the suspension must be adjusted to compensate for the change in height.

Signs of Bad Alignment and How to Prevent It

Wheel alignments should be done when new tyres are installed on your caravan to prevent premature wear of the tyres. Some of the signs that can tell you that it’s time for wheel alignment include:

• Uneven tire treads
• Shaking steering wheel
• Car tracks depressions in the road
• Fighting the steering wheel
• Car pulling to the left or right

Avoiding potholes is not always easy. But going around them or slowing down as you pass them can help you keep your suspension and wheels aligned. Also, watching for curbs as you park or turn is equally equipment to keep your alignment in check. Finally, keeping your tyres in good condition helps prevent your caravan from misalignment.

Please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.

Are you thinking about buying a caravan? Have you heard about the different types of caravan suspension systems, including leaf spring and independent suspension? Would you like to learn more about these two types of suspension, in order to make an informed purchasing decision? If your answer is to the affirmative in all three cases, you have come to the right place. 

Choosing the right suspension is essential when it comes to ensuring that you get a positive experience every time you use your caravan. To find out more about both of these suspension systems, please read more below. 

Independent Suspension

As the name suggests, independent suspension allows the wheels of a caravan to move independently when subjected to an external load i.e. imperfections on the driving surface such as bumps and potholes. Since each of the wheels has a different reaction to the road surface, a bump that is in the path of one wheel does not affect the movement of the other wheel. There are a number of different types of independent suspension. 

Pros Of Independent Suspension 

One of the main advantages of independent caravan suspension is the fact that it allows for greater wheel travel when going over obstacles. Since the wheels move independently, the caravan is less likely to rock uncontrollably, from side to side, as one wheel goes over bigger bumps or deeper potholes. 

Independent suspension is also designed to be easier to tune and adjust allowing it to accommodate the varying needs of different driving conditions. This means that depending on the specific type of independent suspension in use, you can adjust the height of the caravan to match different driving conditions.  

Cons Of Independent Suspension 

On the flip side, independent suspension places greater weight on the caravan; thus affecting its load-bearing capacity. This type of suspension is also costlier than the leaf spring variety. 

Leaf Springs

Leaf springs on the other hand are considered to be a form of dependent suspension. It is worth noting that this type of suspension has been in use for longer than the independent variant. In a nutshell, leaf springs are essentially long slender arc-shaped strips of spring steel with a rectangular cross-section. A leaf spring suspension system is basically made up of a series of leaf springs that are then connected to the frame on both ends, with an axle attached to the middle. This type of suspension is known for keeping a caravan stable when travelling over uneven surfaces.     

Pros Of Leaf Springs

One of the main advantages of leaf springs is their high weight-bearing capacity – this is simply due to the sheer amount of high strength steel used. As such, they are a great fit for heavy-duty vehicles.  

Since they are made of high quality and strong steel, leaf springs are also considered to be highly durable. 

Thanks to the additional damping created by the extra friction between the different pieces of steel, leaf springs are known to provide better stability.

Last but not least, these suspension systems are more affordable than their independent counterparts, thanks to their simple design and cheap manufacturing process. 

Cons Of Leaf Springs 

As great as these springs are when it comes to stabilising caravans, they are not suited for use in off-road vehicles that need to drive on rugged and unpredictable terrain. 

Furthermore, leaf springs allow for very little manipulation to accommodate the varying needs of different driving conditions. This is mainly due to the fact that the leaf ends are attached to the caravan frame.   

Conclusion

As you can see from the above there is no clear favourite between independent suspension and leaf spring. The best type of caravan suspension depends on the intended use of the caravan. If you intend to use your caravan off-road, independent suspension might be a better fit. However, if you intend to use the caravan in hauling heavy loads, leaf spring suspension will last longer and ensure a stable ride at all times. 

Please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.