Spring Assistors 03 Galaxy Tdi

[georgiaalana]

hi,

 

need some help, we tow alot with our tdi but we have noticed some rear end sagging, so to speak, we have been advised that we may need a set of spring assistors in order to continue safe towing. The problems we have experienced whilst towing the caravan is that the front end seems to be lifting, kind of almost loss of traction/wheel spinning when you pull away.

 

We know its nothing to do with the loading as we have emptied the van and the towing limit is well in, we actually know someone else with the same problem.

 

We have been recommended MAD Suspension, has anyone heard of them/recommend them, or any other compatible or similar item, if so where do i get them and how much does everyone think they will cost.

 

I would be extremely grateful for any help and advice that you can give and shall look forward to your comments

 

cheers

 

barry

[mikej]

I tow a 24ft van with a 2002 2.3 gal, i fitted some spring assisters and renewed the rear shocks with some gas ones from GSF approx

[seatkid]

I take it you load the van such that the correct towball weight is acheived. I wouldnt have thought any change in springs are necessary, but adjustable gas shocks on the rear would be a good idea if its a heavy van.

 

When a van is loaded it's also a good idea to check the ball weight because how the van is loaded will affect it. Ball weight is something to get right because if it is too light, the caravan will sway around, especially on long runs down hill. Alternatively, if the ball weight is too heavy, the tow vehicles rear suspension will be forced down, affecting braking, steering and in the case of front wheel drives, traction.

Edited July 8, 2009 by seatkid

[srafferty]

Make sure all moveable iteme such as gas canister etc are situated behind the axel, thus lifting the weight off tow hitch. You can expect a certain amount of wheel scrub with the extra load (drag) but if the van is balanced properly (you should be able to raise it slightly by lifting the hitch by hand - i.e. off the stabiliser wheel) your car should be within its limits.

[Scorpiorefugee]

Simple physics explains that, if your front end is lifting, spring assisters will not solve that problem although they may lift the rear end.

 

As someone has already pointed out, you need to check the noseweight of your van which should be, as I remember, around but no more than 50Kgm. Basically, enough to keep your rear end on the ground but not enough to lift the front.

 

It is a good many years since I towed a 17 footer with a mk1 Granada with notoriously soft suspension and that was all cured with a Scott stabiliser which had the effect of straightening the coupling in a vertical plane which lifts the back end and puts more weight on the front. Also, the effect on the general stability was so good that I never had a nervous moment. Do not be put off using a stabiliser by people with a gung ho attitude.

 

Modern vehicles have much improved suspension but with high sided vehicles now capable of high speeds and traffic densities much higher, you need all the safety factors you can get. An unstable outfit and light steering is death trap.

 

Lecture over. Please be safe.

Edited July 9, 2009 by Scorpiorefugee