More work on the outback camper trailer suspension today. After taking numerous measurements, it appeared the exiting shock absorbers were too short when fully extended. Moreover with the unloaded coil spring having a length of 345mm and the gap between the top and base of the spring holder being 155mm when the bump stop was touching the chassis, it was likely the coil spring would never compress sufficiently for the bump stop to engage.
This information was taken to the local suspension company and discussed with the staff. Knowing that the shock absorber didn't need to be as short as the original when compressed, I discussed a longer length shock absorber. Although the trailer has four shock absorbers I wanted something that was more robust than the originals.
My online research suggested a complete set of trailer springs and shock absorbers might cost in the region of $1300. I was pleasantly surprised when the staff suggested using the front shock absorbers designed for a Suzuki Vitari at less than $100 each.
Once home the original shock absorbers were replaced. It took about two hours. Then I decided to paint the underside of the wheel arches with bituminous waterproof paint. Almost felt like I was blacking a boat
The last job was to apply grease to the six grease nipples on the trailer. There is one final job on the trailer. The electric trailer braking system needs to be tested.
2 comments :
First thing I did when I purchased my 1971 Suzuki 250 last October was to remove the mudguards and black the insides with bitumen - boating does teach us some useful things.
Yes... the inside of the wheel arches certainly get a hammering from the stones when travelling on unsealed roads.
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