MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => Introductions => Topic started by: Capnbazza on August 21, 2012, 05:24:49 PM

Title: New to the scene
Post by: Capnbazza on August 21, 2012, 05:24:49 PM: Hi to all MySwag members. Just joined today so forgive me if i "cockup" on the way.
I have ordered a "Follow Me Camper trailer" in Perth and need some info from all you experts out there. The unit has standard 1100kg suspension (7leaf rebound springs) but I was wondering if I should upgrade to 1400kg 9 leaf rebound. We will, with everything loaded be close to the max on a 60 day trip next year on a circle from Perth to Coober Pedy via Rawlina - Chambers Pillar - Alice - Tanami- Gibb River home. 90% off road stuff. Question, do I upgrade ($400.00 extra) or leave it?.
Towing with a Paj 2011 with Poly springs.

Cheers

Capnbazza
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: D4D on August 21, 2012, 05:36:37 PM: Upgrade as long as you will always be heavily loaded otherwise it will bounce around.
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: Capnbazza on August 21, 2012, 06:14:34 PM: Would putting on poly air bags or similar be a better option..if possible to a leaf spring set up?
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: Darren253 on August 21, 2012, 07:03:18 PM: Capnbazza,

Congrats on the choice of campers. George builds an awesome unit. My "follow me frankenstein"build is here...
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=20887.0 (http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=20887.0)

Which trailer are you building? Ours ended up being 910kg dry. We added a second water tank which adds 200kg with the 4 jerry cans full and 120ltrs of water.

By the time we've added the annex, gear and food we would be well overloaded with 1100kg. I have seen a leafspring that has an airbag built into it before but I'm not sure that George offers that option. I think part of the $400 upgrade is due to the increased axle weight, brakes and parallel bearings as well.
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: Heiny on August 21, 2012, 08:19:57 PM: Hi Capnbazza and welcome to My Swag

:cheers: Brett
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: Hairs on August 22, 2012, 06:12:39 AM: G'day Capnbazza,
(http://www.hairfysh.com/images/Icons/Smileys/welcome.gif)
Sounds like an awesome trip, be sure to take heaps of pics for your trip report, we would to get over there one day.
Happy & Safe Travels
:cheers:
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: BigJules on August 29, 2012, 08:46:00 PM: G'day & Welcome and congrats on your new rig.

You need to know a bit more about the weight of the camper before you can make an informed decision on heavier suspension, though with all one's gear in most campers would be near 1000kg. Too hard and it will jump and skip which is not much good either.
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: GGV8Cruza on August 30, 2012, 08:25:56 AM: Welcome to MySwag, whats the wait on the trailer?

I would be talking to the dealer about the spring upgrade, as others have said I would be worried about the times you are not loades up to the gunnels, although if like most we take way too much gear away

GG
Title: Re: New to the scene
Post by: bunyip on August 30, 2012, 09:56:13 AM: Hi Capnbazza,

Welcome, I have nothing useful to say on the suspension thing. My philosophy has always been bigger is better, but obviously with suspension you can go too bug and get other troubles.

Bunyip