You can get progressive rate springs which are softer at light loads but stiffen up when compressed (loaded up). Theoretically they should give a softer ride unloaded, but eventually they will sag and you will be left with a stiffer section of the springs hence a harsher ride.

An option is to fit air bags inside the springs. You can have them softer for unloaded driving and then inflate them when you load up the vehicle. I have these and they work well, although you have to maintain some pressure in the bags at all times to prevent them from getting pinched between the coils. This makes the ride a little stiffer, but the ride will be softer than stiffer springs - it all depends on how much air you put in the bags. People claim that an airbag may get punctured, leaving you stranded somewhere outback. This is most unlikely (I have never heard of it happening), and even if it does, you still have the original springs to get you out to civilisation to get it fixed.

I find the airbags on my Pajero work very well for me. I deflate them for normal usage and typically forget to inflate them when I hitch up my caravan. After a few km, I remember and stop to inflate them. The ride improves dramatically after that. I always stop after a 20 or 30 km to check the wheel bearings on the van anyway.

Hutcho wrote:

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We have purchased a new larger van and thinking about fitting king coil springs to our 2013 Pajero . Once fitted concerned the ride will be to stiff and uncomfortable when not towing . Appreciate comments from Pajero owners

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 Hi Ray....you have not supplied the ATM of your new van,but are you aware that if the ATM of the van is above 2500kg,your maximum towball weight is only 180kg? If you van has ATM, for example,of 3000kg the 180kg towball weight limit means you would have towball weight of only 6%......waaaay too light.Pajero is a nice car to tow vans up to 2500kg ATM, where maximum towball weight is 250kg,or 10%.....much safer.Cheers

Hutcho wrote:

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We have purchased a new larger van and thinking about fitting king coil springs to our 2013 Pajero . Once fitted concerned the ride will be to stiff and uncomfortable when not towing . Appreciate comments from Pajero owners

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 Good morning Hutcho,

We have just had our 200 series Toyo GX fitted  last Monday. With lovells 3800kg upgrade + the heavey duty Airbagman airbags with the canvas type sleeves fitted.

The H/D bags can be inflated to a max of 60psi over the standard bags 30psi @$550 fitted. David said you will never fill them to that. My old set never got above 20psi.

David at Lovells Automotive put 8psi in the airbags up front.He said that from new they would build up an extra 2-3psi from compressing on our way home.

They asked to return after 500km to check over the lot.

The first drive from the workshop was very noticeable.

I have removed the second row seats again, and stored in the cave.

The last few days we carried two loads of 400kg for about 20km. We still noticed the difference.

I still have my 7 year old sheep skin seat covers on.

We do remember that these mad the ride better on our backs and bums when first fitted.

So when we can see our way clear, we will replace them in 2021.

Hope this might be of help.

 

PS: One thing That changed is the front side Indicators get changed out in the change over,  to nice NEW LED's in chrome, that you see from the rear for vehicles approaching from the rear.

They did a teriffic job.

Grey

-- Edited by Old and Grey on Saturday 26th of September 2020 09:53:02 AM

Hutcho wrote:

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Thanks everyone for the advice.The ball weight of the van is 140kg the weight of the Pajero is 180kg ,all I'm trying to do is stop the rear end sagging without getting a stiff ride when not towing and to stop the rear end sagging.

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Morning Hutcho,

In my honest opinion, I would just go for the standard air bags. They worked for us for us for the last seven years. in the Toyo and our previous Parado. With just the air bags our van sits flat on the ball.

The reason for doing the up grade for us is two fold. Our van is 2600kg loaded and a ball weight of 260kg + I am carrying  a 110kg aluminium dory on top of the GX.

We needed to comply and be safety aware.

As we were getting the GVM fitted, it made sence to install the bags at the same time, in the event we had the need. + The HD units are guaranteed for the life of the car As long as you keep them inflated with 5psi +. Just good insurance IMO.

We are keeping our tug for the long haul. So  doing these few things will see us right. I carry out all the servicing myself, from top to bottom.

Stay safe our there.

Grey

Had the airbags in our Pajero when we had one. Being a coil sprung rear end they are suited to these and they work very well. I would agree with previous comments about them. The Paj with its independent rear end, definitely does not like heavy vans with big ball weights though and hence the manufacturer limiting this to 180kg. Make sure that you are working on an actual weighed ball load fully loaded not the plate on the van. Our van shows 180kg on the plate but is 308kg when loaded. Hence why I now have a Ranger.

Airbags are in fact a rising rate spring. As the bag compresses, the rate rapidly rises, so if you over do the pressure, it can be like riding on the bump stops. Not really good for the vehicle or your comfort. 20 to 25psi is more than enough for the average vehicle.