Caravans are an excellent way for you and your family to explore different places throughout Australia. Every caravan has a suspension system which plays an important role when it comes to cushioning the ride thus making the ride more comfortable for passengers. A good caravan suspension absorbs road shocks and prevents these forces from being directly transmitted to the caravan.
There are several different types of caravan suspension systems, including the following:
1). Rigid Axle Suspension
The rigid axle suspension system is one of the earliest suspension systems and was primarily used in the early stages of the automobile industry. The suspension system has successfully stood the test of time and can still be found in some off-road caravan brands.
A rigid axle suspension system is easy to manufacture and install. It might offer less comfort, but it is simple and cost-effective. It has lower maintenance needs compared to other advanced suspension systems but is still robust and has a massive load capacity.
2). Leaf Spring Suspension
The leaf spring suspension system is one of the oldest types of suspensions and can still be found in many off-road caravans. It is far more cost-effective than the majority of suspension systems currently in existence.
Leaf spring suspensions are often used for light trailers and are an excellent option when it comes to absorbing blows from rough spots on the road. Still, even with all their popularity leaf spring suspensions aren’t recommended for heavy-duty use.
3). Trailing-Arm Suspension
Trailing-arm suspension systems were originally used in aircraft landing gears, but are currently used extensively in ground vehicles too. A trailing arm suspension has a link or arm that connects the trailer’s axle to a pivot point on the chassis.
The trailing arm is located at the rear of the trailer’s axle and is perpendicular to it. The use of independent trailing-arm suspensions on the trailer allows every wheel to move independently and vertically to ensure a comfortable ride.
4). Air Suspension
Air suspension systems have been used in ground vehicles since the 1980s. The air suspension is the result of making a slight change in the trailing-arm suspension. Instead of using steel springs such as those used in trailing-arm suspensions, bellows made of textile-infused rubber, known as air springs or airbags/bellows are used.
The air springs bear the load of the trailer in air suspensions as opposed to the steel springs in the trailing-arm suspensions. Air suspension systems are an excellent choice for caravans as they perform well on all kinds of terrain. However, to modify the pressure according to the terrain, you must first have an air cylinder or air compressor with you.
5). Rubber Suspension
Rubber suspension systems are lightweight and relatively simple suspensions. A rubber suspension system is essentially a torsion arm suspension. The torsion arm is attached to the trailer’s frame, and inside contains a heat-treated inner bar that’s surrounded by 3 or 4 rubber cords.
Once a load is applied, the inner bar rotates and this causes rolling compressive resistance in the rubber cords. Rubber suspension systems are independent too just like the trailing-arm suspension systems and the rubber cushioning eliminates metal-to-metal contact.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to choose the right caravan suspension system for you if you don’t know about the different types available. Fortunately, the different types of caravan suspension systems currently available have been featured here to help you make a more informed purchase decision.
Still, it is a good idea to discuss the various options with a professional or someone experienced in suspensions before you make a final decision. If you are wondering which suspension is best suited to you, keep in mind that it will all depend on the application.
If you are looking for the most reliable caravan suspensions 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.
