Concluding our Starter’s Manual to Suspension series, Robert Pepper offers counsel on choosing the right suspension for towing. Fear not, as this advisory does not endorse splurging on the priciest kit available. Keep reading for further insights.
Do you own a caravan that requires towing but aren’t particularly engrossed in automotive intricacies, delving into the nuances of monotube versus foam cell shocks for amusement?
Let’s assume you seek a secure, proficient, and efficient towcar and caravan system for a relatively hefty – say 2000kg and above van – and are willing to invest reasonably to achieve this, including the suspension as detailed in our prior discussions.
Initial Priority: The Towcar
Commencing with the towcar, for a heavy van, likely a 4×4, the suspension’s design can be challenging due to the vehicle’s versatility spanning suburban commutes, off-road adventures, heavy towing, and rural expeditions. Consequently, the suspension becomes a compromised element.
For instance, the suspension required for low-speed off-roading significantly differs from that needed for high-speed maneuvering. This variance underscores the importance for enthusiastic car owners to customize their suspensions to match their specific usage scenarios. While sports car enthusiasts may opt for racetrack-focused suspension, 4×4 owners emphasize off-road performance, with heavy towers, rightfully so, concentrating on superior towing capabilities.
Inadequacy of Stock Suspension for Towing
When connecting your 2500kg van to your 2500kg towcar, the dynamics of the towcar’s acceleration, braking, and cornering significantly shift. Opting for a suspension explicitly crafted for these circumstances is paramount, as the standard suspension falls short.
For a towcar suspension, the ideal specifications include heavier-duty components capable of accommodating increased loads with a marginal rise in ride height, termed a ‘lift’. With a 2500kg towcar adding roughly 200-250kg of towball mass, translating to an extra 300-375kg on the rear axle, stiffer springs and dampers become imperative.
Furthermore, the 2500kg trailer exerts constant influence over the towcar. Elevating the ride height ensures that when the trailer is hitched, the ride height normalizes or approximates it, preventing the nose-up, tail-down effect that hampers handling. This adjustment also enhances off-road performance, beneficial as most caravan owners occasionally navigate intriguing dirt roads.
Navigating Towing Trade-offs
An additional aspect to contemplate is the towing compromise; the car must deliver satisfactory performance when not hauling a heavy trailer. Components like airbag helper systems or progressive-rate springs, which balance loaded (hitched) and unloaded (unhitched) performance, can be instrumental.
Deciding on a Suspension Kit
The key factor to consider is quality. Opt for renowned established brands with a longstanding reputation, steering clear of inexpensive alternatives online. The specifics such as foam, twin-tube, or monotube shocks are secondary to the build quality and damping calibration. Prioritize recognized brands like foam cell or twin-tube over generic monotube recommendations.
The springs merely represent tailored iterations of the original suspension. To be explicit, the stock suspension is generally adequate, but a compromise. When towing, the focus narrows, emphasizing the necessity for customized enhancements. The exception includes air-sprung vehicles, with adjustable ride heights accommodating various loads, a common feature in modern Land Rovers.
While previous discussions primarily highlighted springs and shocks, an array of other suspension components exist, such as sway bars, bushes, and control arms. Generally, these elements need not be replaced solely for towing orientation. Moreover, excessive lift, exceeding a 50mm ride height hike, introduces complexities better avoided.
Tailoring Suspension to Specific Needs
During suspension selection, vehicular specificity is pivotal, underscoring the imprudence of assuming a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, certain LC100s feature independent front ends, while others incorporate beam axles. The latest LC300 boasts the eKDSS system in the GR Sport variant, distinguishing it from the remainder of the lineup. Hence, a generic statement like “I have a LC100/300” lacks requisite precision.
In seeking advisory services for your suspension procurement, ensure your intended usage, both present and future, is thoroughly assessed, elucidating the trade-offs candidly.
Better yet, solicit guidance from a reputable entity specializing in tailored suspension solutions.
Rarely does aftermarket suspension universally enhance all facets; for instance, heavy-duty suspension can amplify rigidity when devoid of loads. Ergo, articulating your intentions, necessities, and preferences empowers informed decisions. Nevertheless, an erroneous selection doesn’t spell disaster. A quality aftermarket suspension can be resold if unsuitable, unlike the stock suspension, which depreciates swiftly once discarded, unlike swapping tyres promptly upon vehicle acquisition.
Caravan Suspension
Concerning the caravan’s suspension, the focus is on towing stability, with weight distribution emerging as the prime determinant. Typically, retaining the van’s existing suspension and optimizing weight distribution suffice to enhance towability.
Age emerges as a pertinent concern, with suspension components, like shocks and rubber bushes, experiencing wear over time. Similar to brake pads and tyres, suspension represents a consumable asset, featuring an extended service life across both caravan and towcar suspension.
Deliberating GVM Upgrade Selection
Contemplating a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade introduces intricacies—refer to our weight-focused article for comprehensive insights into GVM. Is it advisable to pursue one for towing purposes? In my opinion, a modest expense warrants a GVM upgrade, albeit with stipulated nuances.
Primarily, an augmented GVM would likely annul a significant portion of the warranty and expedite your vehicle’s wear rate owing to augmented weight. Additionally, a GVM elevation won’t escalate the braked tow capacity, e.g., transiting from 3000kg to 3500kg, sans a corresponding tow capacity enhancement. Nonetheless, a GVM upgrade proves beneficial if the trailer weight remains within the car’s maximum tow capacity, expanding your capacity to haul larger trailers.
In summary, possessing surplus capacity could prove advantageous, even if rarely utilized. Adhering to weight constraints diligently and regarding the upgrade as a supplemental buffer for weight compliance is imperative. Ultimately, ponder replacing smaller-capacity vehicles rather than modifying extensively for enhanced capacity.
I emphasize that heavy towers should proactively enhance their suspension for superior ride quality and handling from inception. This consideration could be pivotal in averting mishaps and facilitating an enjoyable journey to your destination.
