Coil Trailer Suspension

[crankycruiser]

OK, well ive hopefully got hold of a "written off" trailer.. basically just needs a new axel and springs and a few other bits...

now i'd really like coils in it and was thinking of putting another solid axel in it but with coils and a 4 link type set up (no panhard).. anyone ever done this b4???

[Clanky]

I think you will need some arrangement like a panhard to prevent lateral movement.
I guess you could also run an A-frame or something like that track trailer MC2 suspension.
http://www.tracktrailer.com.au/mc2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Weight of the overall design will need to be considered

If it is a single axle trailer, it might be worth considering some other type of leaf (longer and more supple) say from a Hilux or Cruiser. Just take out or add some leaves if you need to and match up some shocks.

Here is some other info which may be helpful
http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/suspensions" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[crankycruiser]

with the 4 link I would put the top two links on an angle like /\ to prevent the lateral movement... much like the 4 link in a 4wd.........


but just found this.. might be the go if the price is right http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/pro ... aster-coil" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[brooksy]

Sorry I missed your call Ray ..... I will ring you this arvo




brooksy

[supazuk]

trailers aren't the best thing to over complicate, if you are going to run a solid axle then use
leaf springs. if you want independent suspension then use a off the shelf system like this.

[Dirty]

Get some radius arms out of a Patrol or LC, weld some brackets on the axle add a panhard bar and coil perches.

By far the best setup for a single axle trailer.

- David.

[tas80]

Get some radius arms out of a Patrol or LC, weld some brackets on the axle add a panhard bar and coil perches.

By far the best setup for a single axle trailer.

- David.

I was thinking the same thing last night, Cruiser arms, flipped and mounted from the front of the trailer, with a panhard, should be less fabrication involved than setting up a 4 link + a few spares for Cranky in times of desperation.

[crankycruiser]

Get some radius arms out of a Patrol or LC, weld some brackets on the axle add a panhard bar and coil perches.

By far the best setup for a single axle trailer.

- David.

I was thinking the same thing last night, Cruiser arms, flipped and mounted from the front of the trailer, with a panhard, should be less fabrication involved than setting up a 4 link + a few spares for Cranky in times of desperation.

yeah did think about this, but dont like the idea of having to run a panhard, as when u load it up it going to change the location of the axle, so thats why i was thinking of the 4 link set up, and using all lower 80 rear arms and running front or rear hubs off a cruiser to also keep everything interchageable

[80's_delirious]

What about radius arms as triangulated trailing arms /\ and coils?

[crankycruiser]

What about radius arms as triangulated trailing arms /\ and coils?

That's not as silly as it sounds

[80's_delirious]

I think it would need anti roll/sway bar to give it some roll stability, could be very simple to set up and could all be tucked up high.

You be the Guinea pig, and let us know how it goes

[Dirty]

Get some radius arms out of a Patrol or LC, weld some brackets on the axle add a panhard bar and coil perches.

By far the best setup for a single axle trailer.

- David.

I was thinking the same thing last night, Cruiser arms, flipped and mounted from the front of the trailer, with a panhard, should be less fabrication involved than setting up a 4 link + a few spares for Cranky in times of desperation.

yeah did think about this, but dont like the idea of having to run a panhard, as when u load it up it going to change the location of the axle, so thats why i was thinking of the 4 link set up, and using all lower 80 rear arms and running front or rear hubs off a cruiser to also keep everything interchageable

Um? What?

How much change in axle position do you really think would occur? Maybe it might be a good idea to do some maths on this or dummy it up as the change in position would be mm's.

I have this setup in my camper but running airbags and it works a treat. The radius arms have a built in anti-sway which controls the high centre of gravity I have with the tinnie on top.

- David.

[VooDoo]

How about some rear arms from a commodore? Cheap, simple and strong

[tilts]

this I like! could carry the commo brakes as well.

How about some rear arms from a commodore? Cheap, simple and strong

scott

[chimpboy]

this I like! could carry the commo brakes as well.

How about some rear arms from a commodore? Cheap, simple and strong

scott

I like it too, but... would pinching bits from something FWD be even easier?

[date]

The trailing arm suspension shown in SupaZuk's posting seems to have no dampers (shock absorbers). The trailer would be totally uncontrollable on anything but a 100% smooth road and even then would probably be very unstable. The same would apply to the Commodore suspension setup.

[dillza_69]

look closer, shocks are there

[supazuk]

The trailing arm suspension shown in SupaZuk's posting seems to have no dampers (shock absorbers). The trailer would be totally uncontrollable on anything but a 100% smooth road and even then would probably be very unstable. The same would apply to the Commodore suspension setup.

that trailer has been towed the length of the Savannah way twice and is about to do its 5th trip on the gibb river road as well as a lot of top end touring.

it is a cub campers prototype

[date]

Dilza-69:
I had a look and cannot see any shock absorbers. There are bump stops, but no dampers and nothing I can see which will stop the springs from falling out when the trailer goes over a large bump and the springs extend. I like the spring setup for the trailer, but I think that some more gear is needed with it.

[MattGU]

Dilza-69:
I had a look and cannot see any shock absorbers. There are bump stops, but no dampers and nothing I can see which will stop the springs from falling out when the trailer goes over a large bump and the springs extend. I like the spring setup for the trailer, but I think that some more gear is needed with it.

I'm sure Supazuk can confirm but look in the red circle

[MARKx4]

that is the shock, common spot for this type of suspension.

Mark.

[date]

It is not often that I am right, but I was wrong this time - the shock is there. I like this setup

[Tiny]

Saw a recent camper mag issue at a smoko room yesty that had a very good write up on the 4 types of independent suspect set ups on trailers...... Maybe pm v840 or someone from action mag or ring express publications and get the issue.....

[supazuk]

yep the red circle is the shock, coil is a kingswood coil. the suspension works very well
and can support a load while at the same time not being overly ridged.

i am about to build a boat trailer with the same suspension setup.

in my opinion where people stuff up with trailers is they make them too ridged with stiff heavy duty springs
and they also run bigger tyres with poxy slimline ford bearings.

[stinger]

I got a kit (coil spring, single shock) from vehicle componets which was easy to install and survivied a trip to the cape.It is fully adjustable to get caster and camber right.

Apart from some dodgey robot welding on one of thier components all is good. Mind you they were realy helpful with the issue and paid for the repairs. I accept this as an honest quality issue and I had good customer service from them.

While the price seems high, by the time added up coils, springs, steel, some way of making adjustability, brake components, etc etc I think it was good value for money.