Caravan Suspension Systems and Why They Matter

Are you in the market for a new caravan? Before settling for one, you might have a checklist of features and things you want to consider. But have you considered the caravan suspension system? If not, it’s time to start your search again because it is a critical feature that could make or break your decision.

What is Caravan Suspension and Its Role?

If you’re buying a car, the suspension isn’t something that pops into your mind when choosing the best ride worth investing in. But, as long as it offers a comfortable ride, you are good to go.

But you can’t say the same for caravans. The type of suspension system is critical to your decision-making process. If this is your first time buying a caravan, you must educate yourself about the different caravan suspension manufacturers, to help you pick the suitable model.

Caravan suspension is responsible for distributing the weight of the caravan across the wheels. It limits the swaying motion of the vehicle, especially when driving over bumpy roads (which is common if you’re caravanning to remote destinations). The correct suspension system can absorb shock effectively, reducing the bumps when traversing rough terrains.

Simply put, the suspension is critical for comfort and safety when riding in your caravan.

The correct suspension system also enables your caravan to achieve optimal load capacity. When buying a new caravan unit, it will specify the maximum load limit. With the right suspension, you can carry as much weight as the model will allow. Therefore, it pays to look into the suspension system to determine if it can offer reliability and support on rough terrains.

Suspension is also critical to the safety of your caravan on the road. The ability to balance its weight prevents the caravan from tipping over. It also prevents damage to your caravan due to the movement on bumpy roads.

Another lesser-known benefit of having a good suspension system is added tyre traction. Since the weights are distributed across all the wheels, the wheels have better grip, regardless of the road conditions.

 

 

What is the Best Caravan Suspension System?

As caravan technology has evolved throughout the years, it has also resulted in more options for caravan suspension systems. While not one suspension system is considered the best, each one offers its benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with these systems before you buy a caravan to make an informed decision about the right system that can offer what you’re looking for.

Leaf spring suspension is the most common type used in caravans in New Zealand. This traditional suspension system consists of various metal leaves that are stacked on top of each other. Those metal leaves compress and flex whenever a caravan travels on a bumpy road. It is a popular suspension system because of its durability and ease of maintenance. But it could be more reliable in rough terrains since the caravan structure could still sway significantly.

An independent suspension utilises shock absorbers to soften the impact of the movement of the caravan. As the name implies, this suspension system allows each wheel to move independently delivering a more comfortable ride by reducing the back-and-forth swaying. It is a good choice of suspension system for handling rough terrains. However, it is a complex system requiring more maintenance costs.

The next step of caravan suspension is called rubber torsion suspension. This system uses rubber cords to reduce vibrations for the caravan during the ride to create a smoother driving experience. It is a low-maintenance suspension system and is more reliable than a leaf spring suspension. The only downside to this suspension system is that it is more expensive.

Finally, many caravans nowadays use a Torfelex suspension system. This suspension is made up of rubber cords within a metal tube which is responsible for reducing vibrations in a caravan for a smoother ride. In addition, the rubber cords serve as shock absorbers that cushion every movement of the caravan. It is also a low-maintenance suspension system, which explains its popularity among caravan manufacturers and owners.

 

Why Choose Caravans with Cruise Master ATX Suspension?

The traditional suspension systems above have provided a more comfortable, stable, and safer ride for caravan enthusiasts since they’ve been on the market. But modern manufacturers have explored new and more efficient systems to address any shortcomings of the older caravan models.

Let’s explore why this is a superior choice as a caravan suspension system.

Adjustable System

It is a fully adjustable suspension system. The caravan user can adjust the height of the unit to suit various road conditions. Customising the caravan height provides better stability and control for the unit, thus reducing sway during motion. With adjustable height comes easy coupling and uncoupling.

Uses Rubber Isolators

Vibrations are minimised and noise can be reduced with the aid of rubber isolators to make the ride more comfortable. The low profile of this suspension creates better support for caravans with low ground clearance.

Better Weight Distribution

The unique trailing arm design ensures better weight distribution to reduce stress on the caravan frame. It also absorbs shock better to prevent damage when traversing bumpy road conditions.

Requires Less Maintenance

It is a low-maintenance suspension system. The durable components can endure even the most challenging road conditions without high-cost maintenance. Therefore, you can save more in the long run because of the increased lifespan of the suspension system.

Final Thoughts

A good suspension is critical to the comfort, reliability, and safety of the caravan. It is even more crucial for off-road caravans since you will most likely be driving in rough terrains. Make sure you take the time to understand the various caravan suspension systems and the benefits and drawbacks of each system. You can use this information to choose the right one that suits your needs and preferences.

The correct suspension system provides a comfortable ride under any road condition. It also impacts the lifespan of the vehicle since good suspension can prevent damage to the structure.