Hello from another newbie - suspension and cladding

Peter54 · Member

Hello from another newbie - suspension and cladding

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome P54, May I suggest that you download all the (free) technical information and checklists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/.

Differing methodologies of manufacture and their merits is a Pandora's Box. Have you read some of the absolute Horror Stories on www.facebook.com/groups/lemoncaravansinaus/
That being said there is a way to obtain a good value for money option for the savvy buyer that does their homework.

My personal preference is, Aluminium framed aluminium sheeted with full insulation, tandem rocker roller suspension With Dexter stability control.

Send me a personal message at any time for further information.

-- Edited by Possum3 on Sunday 28th of June 2020 08:26:07 PM

Tony Bev · Guru

Welcome to the forum, Peter54

I am led to believe that composite panel construction, will not rot, like a timber frame may, if the van allowed the rain to get in

I am also led to believe that, if you are not going off-road, it does not make that much difference, what suspension you have

My old caravan was timber framed, and Aluminium clad, each time it leaked, I just used a selastic gun, to seal it up again

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Peter, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I tow a 20' aluminium tent weighing in at 2720kg with roller rocker suspension and a shock absorber each wheel. I don't take it off road as such but do go on Gravel/dirt roads and over farm paddocks. I have had the aluminium tent full time now for 6 years and so far so good.

I have had a Avan camper that was the sandwich construction and was OK as is my now aluminium cladded timber frame. The only thing with the aluminium one is make sure it is well insulated everywhere PROPERLY. If buying new, go see it for yourself before they line it.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Greg 1 · Guru

I have owned both aluminium and timber framed vans at one time or another. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. My current van is timber and I am very happy with that. It has been on a lot of gravel roads but not off road, but have been equally happy with my aluminium framed vans too. If I were living in the tropics I would buy aluminium as timber has a tendency to rot up there but is fine for tripping up there for the annual pilgrimage. I have never owned a composite van. They used to be somewhat fragile many years ago but technology has come a long way since then and I think that for the most part this method of construction is now a serious alternative to the more traditional methods. Suspension wise I have always used the roller rocker leaf spring setup on my vans. Simple, reliable and can be repaired pretty much anywhere. I was talking to a guy who did repairs in the outback. He really hated independent suspension on vans. He was saying that broken arms were a common thing that he saw regularly and then there was often an issue trying to identify the arms and obtain a replacement. He had often had to try and fabricate one up to get someone mobile. He had one caravan stranded for 3 months trying to get parts. The old roller rocker system is easy to obtain bits if needs be. You are living in the caravan manufacturing state so arrange a trip or two to see various vans being built. The most important thing in any van is getting one that is strongly put together. There are many that are very light on construction strength wise and they are the ones that usually give trouble. Chassis strength is something to look for too. Too light a chassis is going to cause issues. Be mindful of the Pajero's big limitation of it's ball weight which plummets to 180kgs if your van is over 2500kgs loaded. Great vehicle but had to get rid of mine for this reason when I bought the current van.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Proper structural fibreglass/polyurethane foam sandwich panel is the best option available in my biased view.
vanglass.homestead.com/index.html
Extreme strength and toughness and superior insulation, all with low weight. Costs are higher otherwise no one would use anything else.

On suspensions, I see absolutely no advantage in independent suspensions on trailers.
There are several serious downsides that include lack of load sharing between the axles and much higher wear rates for dampers due to the lack of self damping that is present with leaf springs.
The perceived benefits are a softer ride. This is certainly true when compared with many ultra short leaf springs being offered, but a decent leaf design (with dampers) will be just as soft and more reliable and in the unlikely event that a leaf is broken, a substitute will be readily found in most outback areas, unlike the specialised bits used in most independent designs.

Cheers,
Peter

Peter54 · Member

Thank you, Possum3. Yes, some of the lemon stories are disturbing. Many issues are around warranty application. As we will probably buy 3-5 years old, not such an issue for us. However I do intend to pay someone to do a prepurchase inspection if I can find someone suitably qualified and willing. Safe travelling, Peter.

Peter54 · Member

Tony, thanks for the response. Travel safe.

Peter54 · Member

Hello Doug, thank you for the feedback. The comment on insulation seems to be widely felt! Travel safe.

Peter54 · Member

Hi Greg, thanks for your considered and very helpful feedback. I get your point about suspensions.The weird restrictions on ball weight for the Pajero are annoying but I have to work within those parameters. cry Travel safely.

Peter54 · Member

Hi Peter, thank you for that helpful l feedback. I will have a look at that link. Travel safe.