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27th June 2015, 12:05 PM #16Intermediate Member
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I won't include independent suspensions in my discussion as I think that is a completely different class of suspensions. Sort of like comparing a Triton with a Landcruiser. My discussion is referring to suspensions with what we'd call conventional axles.
Slipper suspensions (eye to slipper) are cheap to build, require minimal maintenance so are therefore cheap to maintain over their life. In multi axle set ups, the front spring hanger for other than the lead axle can also be used as the rear slipper for each axle in front. In multi axle set ups the trailer, within reason can support itself without the aid of a jockey wheel, ie trailer will sit reasonably level.
Only real disadvantage is that it is not load sharing, and limited to 2t GTM.
Eye to eye shackle suspensions really only suitable for single axle applications. Costs just marginally more than eye to slipper. A few more parts to maintain over their life.
Personally I don't see any advantages over eye to slipper in single axle applications, except perhaps a bit quieter.
Rocker suspensions. Higher build costs, can be built on as number of axles increase. More to maintain over the life, however regular preventative maintenance in the way of greasing will reduce wear rates. For heavier loads, load sharing means as you drive over obstacles, in theory the same load should stay over each axle.
Single point suspension - load sharing. About the same cost for a rocker set up. Ongoing maintenance limited to one pin and bush either side. But bear in mind this one pin and bush is bearing all the weight. A tandem rocker set up has the weight supported over three pins and bushes. Brilliant suspension for off road applications, more articulation than rocker set ups.
Can only be used in tandem applications.
Air bags on control arms. Probably the most expensive. Can be load sharing if air bags are connected through a portioning valve. Should really be installed with shock absorbers and also panhard rods.
Coil springs on control arms, a bit cheaper than air bags, but can't be set up to load share in multi axle applications.Cheers,
Dion.
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27th June 2015, 12:27 PM #17Intermediate Member
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This catalogue is from Industrial Springs in Adelaide. It shows pictures of:
http://www.industrialsprings.com.au/download/cat009.pdf
Eye to Slipper, single axle
Eye to Slipper, tandem axle
Eye to eye shackle, single axle
Rocker - tandem
Rocker - triaxle
Single point suspension - tandem
There are no pictures of air bags or coils on control arms.Cheers,
Dion.
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27th June 2015, 01:09 PM #18
Cool. Thank you
Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art
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11th July 2015, 11:55 AM #19
I'd like to add something to this if I may.
It has always annoyed me that the Transport Authorities in each state seem to think that they know better than the National Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. NSW RMS for instance, has decided that any trailer that requires a breakaway system, cannot be registered unless the tow vehicle is fitted with a monitoring system for the breakaway battery. And while I understand the sentiment behind it, how can you possibly restrict the registration of a trailer depending on the tow vehicle at the time.
However, I cannot find anywhere on the sa.gov.au site that mentions anything about restricting registration of trailer over 2000Kg GTM to those with load sharing. This is not requirement in the VSB1 bulletin (section 19), the National bible for building small trailers.Too many projects, so little time, even less money!Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.
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29th July 2015, 03:41 PM #20Member
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With regards to my original query, I have decided to change the design of the trailer.
This is because the air bag setup I was going to use was under leverage, and the air pressures would be too high for the fittings and air hose to cope with. That also meant the pressure needed to actually lift trailer and car from ground level was quite high.
So I am still working out what design I will do. It may be a trailer with a tilting drawbar initially
Thanks for everyone's input
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30th July 2015, 11:44 PM #21
Hi Yonnee
a comment from the "inside" ...
unfortunately the National Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has a tendency to adopt the lowest common denominator when it comes to some standards. The "expertise" tends to reside in the States or private industry.
What is acceptable in WA or NT is not necessarily acceptable in Sydney or Melbourne traffic -- hence the differing requirements.
I think the rule in NSW is that you can't tow a trailer with a breakaway system unless the tow vehicle is fitted with a monitoring system. It then follows that if you present for registration without the appropriate tow vehicle your trailer won't get registered, because if it were you wouldn't be able to tow it home.regards from Alberta, Canada
ian
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8th August 2015, 11:22 AM #22
Hi Ian.
So, if you've just bought a new 2500Kg GVM caravan, and in the next month or so are upgrading your tow vehicle, why would you want to spend several hundred dollars getting a battery monitoring system fitted, that's not a requirement in any other state? What makes NSW roads so different that requires you to know mid trip how charged your break away battery is?
Isn't that like making you fit cameras to all 4 inner wheel arches to monitor your brake pad thickness or tyre tread depth while you're travelling?
Or saying that if you front up to your registering authority with a new car with front SRS airbags, compliant with all the ADR's, and the authority in that state says, "sorry, you can register that car in this state until you have side curtain airbags fitted", but that vehicle is perfectly legal and registerable in every other state...
Sorry for the hi-jack Surfin...Too many projects, so little time, even less money!Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.
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28th August 2015, 10:35 PM #23
One thaught.
IF you have two axles on completely seperate suspension systems .... but those suspension systems are air bag bassed .... they can most certainly be load sharing ....... this is the basis of the "Road friendly" air bag suspension on the majority of new heavy trucks and trailers.
Its simply a matter of connecting the air bags on the same side togther.
I have a pending car trailer rebuild on the back burner ... I considered some sort of airbag system .... there where attractive points ....... BUT .... if there is no permenent air system on the tow vehicle or some sort of engine powered compressor mounted on the trailer ..... things get messy
On the matter of the suspension alone ....... the best option would be some sort of 3 or 5 link suspension system with the air bags either directly on top of the axle or located directly behind and in line with the chassis rail ...... I considered this could be achieved with suspension components drawn from a coil spring landcruiser or patrol ..... his would provide pre engineered components .... swingimng the arms outside the chassis rails would improve axle to tray clearance ........ ahh yeh but what a fiddle.
If you want a tray that drops flat to the ground, you are left with no choice but independednt suspension and another engineering chalenge ...... chasis regidity in a structure that is not a closed form.
serioulsy ..... if you want one of these lay flat trailers ..... its gona be a hell of a lot cheaper, easier and safer to buy one.
cheersAny thing with sharp teeth eats meat.
Most powertools have sharp teeth.
People are made of meat.
Abrasives can be just as dangerous as a blade.....and 10 times more painfull.
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