Wondering about upgrading the suspension on the 2003 Millard Weekender.
Specs are:-
Specs are:- 2003 Millard Weekender 15ft.
ATM 1220 kg. GTM 1105kg Tare 900kg, Tyre size 185 R14 LT, Axle Load 1450Kg
Axle Diameter = 60mm (Measured)
Clearance between Tyre & Wheel Arch = 110mm
5 leaves (Leafs??) . There's some corrosion here.
Use - We don't need to go up "Big Red" at warp speed, Outback Roads with maybe a shallow rocky river crossing would be the limit.
I've checked with Pedders & they suggested that I try a trailer manufacturer.
I know that the superstructure isn't designed for off road use but being aware of that would mean that I'd be taking it easy.
Possible?
Thanks
peter67 said
06:29 PM Mar 7, 2021
Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?
yobarr said
06:48 PM Mar 7, 2021
peter67 wrote:
Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?
NEVER put grease between leaves of leaf springs.Cheers
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:50 PM Mar 7, 2021
yobarr wrote:
peter67 wrote:
Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?
NEVER put grease between leaves of leaf springs.Cheers
Correct.
Why do you think you need an "upgrade?
A worthwhile improvement may be to add shock absorbers.
Cheers,
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
07:58 PM Mar 7, 2021
Springs have sagged . Its lost its supple ride height . Progressive spring . Now its ridding on ALL leaf springs at ounce ? Some fit Teflon on outer leaf to allow smooth operation .
Possum3 said
09:22 PM Mar 7, 2021
Go to a Jayco dealer/repairer and get a set of Discovery leaf springs - Slipper springs will handle a little rough stuff easier than fixed eye to eye.
PeterD said
10:58 PM Mar 7, 2021
If you are going off the bitumen then get shockers fitted. That's all you need, that will give the body of your van a better ride. If you are going to upgrade your suspension to handle rougher roads then you need to restructure the body to match the suspension upgrades.
KJB said
08:55 AM Mar 8, 2021
No matter what you do with the springs , it is so important to use Shock Absorbers as well ...otherwise the springs act like a PoGo stick .......
Aus-Kiwi said
10:13 AM Mar 8, 2021
Yes . Leaf springs dont pogo too much . Yes agree shock will help ! Also a better bump stop ! May not even have any fitted ?Built to a price ., ( but the manu spend thousands !!! Pffft ) Long bump
Stops actually act as bump
Control . Only thing to be aware of fitting shocks ? Is to make SURE the attachment is STRONG !!
harrydiculous said
06:03 PM Mar 8, 2021
Yep well, Thanks. Shockies it is. I was thinking of larger diameter wheels to give a bit more clearance. That will waste the new tyres that I've recently fitted, though, so I'll see how I go. We've a trailer manufacturer local so I'll give him a buzz.
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:39 PM Mar 8, 2021
Larger diameter, higher profile tyres will also help on poor surfaces.
Cheers,
Peter
PeterD said
07:14 PM Mar 8, 2021
harrydiculous wrote:
We've a trailer manufacturer local so I'll give him a buzz.
I reckon your trailer manufacturer will try to talk you out of fitting shockies. They tend to take the Neanderthal view on shock absorbers. These people still sell off-road camper trailers with leaf springs and no shock absorbers. The owners then wonder why their wheels fall off when they go outback.
Aus-Kiwi said
07:48 PM Mar 8, 2021
The vibrations from the heated black top is bad too !!
Hi
Wondering about upgrading the suspension on the 2003 Millard Weekender.
Specs are:-
NEVER put grease between leaves of leaf springs.Cheers
Correct.
Why do you think you need an "upgrade?
A worthwhile improvement may be to add shock absorbers.
Cheers,
Peter
No matter what you do with the springs , it is so important to use Shock Absorbers as well ...otherwise the springs act like a PoGo stick .......
Stops actually act as bump
Control . Only thing to be aware of fitting shocks ? Is to make SURE the attachment is STRONG !!
Cheers,
Peter
I reckon your trailer manufacturer will try to talk you out of fitting shockies. They tend to take the Neanderthal view on shock absorbers. These people still sell off-road camper trailers with leaf springs and no shock absorbers. The owners then wonder why their wheels fall off when they go outback.