Our tug is a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rated to tow 3.5t our van loaded is 3.3t.
we use a hayman reeese weight distribution hitch 800lb, our ball weight is 330kg.
i am seriously looking at having air bags fitted in the rear coils springs to assist in lifting the rear end of the car and reducing some of the strain on the distribution system, i am told the airbag man ones are the best as they have a sleeve over the actual bag and will pump up to 60psi.
i would appreciate any comments from members in relation to this matter.
I am sure that others with your type of vehicle/coil spring suspension will come forward, and let you know what they do
As a sidenote I had a coil spring suspension on my Ford Falcon car, pulling around 1600 Kg when loaded caravan I readjusted the load to give around 120 Kg on my tow ball I used a very low tech system of lowing the caravan tow hitch onto a bathroom scale, via a piece of about 75 x 75 wood, to find the tow ball weight
Hi bobkat i dont have air bags in my jeep but i did fit them in a swb patrol i use to tow a caravan they dont push any weight forward but i find just 5 to 10 lbs makes a fair bit of difference i very much doubt you would ever need 60 lbs
Mine was done at a local suspension place here in Mandurah. Basically they all do it. Mine's fitted with the Air Bag Man's airbag and the guy convinced me to spend an extra $100 on kevlar sleeves which apparently doubles the rated PSI from 30 to 60. When towing I run with 25 PSI which is sufficient to keep my rig level. I don't have a WDH as my van has electronic ESC.
Peddars in Perth did my previous Jeep.
The sleeve gives me piece of mind as I reduce the pressure to just under 5 PSI when not towing. I was told that at pressures below 10 PSI, the spring may rub and damage the airbag. Whether or not there's any truth in that, I don't know.
-- Edited by Bryan on Tuesday 20th of September 2016 08:56:48 PM
Hi.
with my Patrol (All coils)I had"progressive rate" coils fitted. with 3 in lift
(sag to 2 in) With the main coil section rated at strength req'd to hold weight of tow load.
With a decent set of 3 in lift ECB shocks.
The Progressive rating in top coupla inches kept the ride nice and smooth/soft.(NOT bouncy)
for over 12 yrs incl a lot of Corrugations and 6.5mtr van on rear.
and when van on or rear loaded. the main section of coils carried load nicely.
While still giving top end softness.
Had same on prev Patrol too.
With the ute, I have Ironman 1\2 leaves, does same thing.
I've heard a few bad reports on Airbags, Not so much with the coils as leaf.
Just another Alternative.
Have them as std on front of my GM motorhome . I have about 6 to 8 lb more on left at 55- 60 lb . With 100 lb max .. It seems to ride about the same ? On smooth roads ..Just limits suspension travel as in increasing pressure as wheel compresses which is pretty much what you want . Seems no one has them on Keep ? Out bush ?
To All thanks so far. Bryan, is your tug a jeep? What weight van are you towing thanks Bobkat
Its a Grand Cherokee WK2.
Its a small Goldstream off road van with an ATM of 2500kgs. The draw bar weight is around 285kgs. Because the WK2 stance is normally front down it used to sit level when the van was hitched. Then I went and raised the front suspension by 50cms (Dobinson coils and longer shocks) just so I don't bottom out the front valance on some very rough tracks leading to my favourite Salmon beach which changed the stance so I had to firm up the rear suspension with air bags without lifting. I hope this makes sense.
If you need to put more than 25psi in the bags to get things level I would suggest you look at replacing the rear coils with a heavier set, bags are to help support not to be the only suspension level aid.
Cheers,
Brian
PS I cooked two torque convertors in my Jeep before added an extra cooler and started changing oil more frequently. Do watch your transmission temperature don't wait till the light comes on. Maybe the newer models are better than my old 2005 one.
__________________
Brian & Nada retired and > "Ready to live the Dream" Live in the Shire!
76 series V8 Landcrab with Jayco Starcraft Outback Poptop
FIRST thing a person should do with ANY Auto tug with decent load on back.
is add another Transmission Cooler. with or without fan. and change. NOT just top up the fluid.
A service only changes about 5ltrs of the usual 15+ ltrs in your combined Transmission system.
Get it Serviced with a FULL FLUSH.. and the filter changed.
I prefer the cylindrical ext finned coolers mounted on chassis rail.
More robust and just as efficient.
The most important indicators on todays modern tiny little engines
with all the electronics and big loads,
Are the EGT readings and Transm Temp guages.
Along with your proper engine coolant temp and engine oil gauges.
you spend $40 odd k on a vehicle. treat it right and watch the readings.
Spend the extra $500 or so for the gauges.
Pulling auto into a lower gear on hills aids trans temps also . The better modern trans - ECU should do it for you . But if they don't ? Just pull back a gear or two on the steeper hills !! Trouble if the ECU isn't exactly tuned to towing . More fore economy & EPA !!
