Motorhomes' suspension safety initiative provides a lesson for all operators of hard working vehicles

Back to Testimonial Index

Hire vehicle suspensions are subject to some of the most stringent demands imposed on any type of work vehicle.

Not only must they cope with the vagaries of a huge variety of driving styles and road conditions, but also they must do so while achieving the highest standards of safety, stability and load-carrying capability.

So when Around Australia Motorhomes set out to maximize safety for its customers - while also extending the working life of its Winnebago Huntsman vehicles - it searched out the best way of improving the stock leaf spring suspension of the Toyota Hilux 2.7 on which the RV is based.

"In stock form the customized vehicles have weight and height considerations, as a result of the accommodation and equipment fitted to them. The customized vehicles are 2.7 metres tall, and, like all similar vehicles, carry loads high in the vehicle - air conditioners, for example," said Sadha Moodley of Around Australia Motorhomes.

"The height and weight distribution changes the geometry, centre of gravity and handling of the vehicle in a way that didn't achieve our ideal standards. We tried putting an extra leaf in the rear springs, but that didn't achieve the optimum result, so then we tried the Ride-Rite air helper suspension kits."

The easy-to-install Ride-Rite kits, supplied in NSW by All Air Suspension, are manufactured in Australia by Airbag Man incorporating high quality Firestone airbags, the world's top-selling brand (and identical in construction to the tough Firestone airbags used in the suspensions of trucks and semi-trailers, as well as luxury limousines). Thousands of the suspensions have been installed on scores of vehicle types over more than a decade.

The air helper suspensions not only help the vehicle to ride flatter - enhancing cornering and braking - but also help to prevent chassis twisting, flexing and stressing.

In addition, All Air Suspension National Sales Manager James Maslin says that, by simply adding or removing air, operators of vehicles equipped with the kits can maintain the same vehicle ride height under different load conditions. This gives ideal performance and safety from empty to full. Air can also be added to overcome the imbalance inherent with uneven loads, he says.

"The improvements that Around Australia Motorhomes are obtaining are also an object lesson for all owners of work and recreational vehicles - whether you are a farmer carrying high tanks for spraying, a plumber or builder carting tools and materials, or a luxury motorhome supplier wanting to look after your customers' comfort and safety."