We are in the process of specing a new caravan.The manufacturer says this is the way to go for on road.My question is the van will be 25'ft,weighing approx.3300kg gross,has any body actually used this suspension,first hand.If so could you please throw a bit of direction to me as to whether we are heading down the right path.We have always had roller/rocker suspension,so we feel a little bewilded as to whether we are doing the right thing or should we investigate other options.
Would gladly appreciate any comments for/against.
Thanks Ascot.
OwenK said
09:07 PM Jun 1, 2016
Hi Ascot, checked "Torflex Suspension " on Utube, looks ok. Maybe an idea to have a look, I'd never heard of it before. There's always something new out there. Good luck.
Cheers Owen.
Yuglamron said
09:18 PM Jun 1, 2016
I'm a bit sceptical reading the blurb. Have they checked out the effect of high temps here in Australia on the rubber components? And I Quote " 5 Year Limited warranty" I would want far more than 5 Years myself.
The torsion rubber is only an updated version of old technology. See the old Citroen 2CV Torsion arm suspension.
Vince said
10:43 PM Jun 1, 2016
Alko have a similar system that I used to make a tandem 5 ton trailer to carry a bobcat some 20 years ago.
Bloke down the road I built it for still has it and still going ok.
macka17 said
12:30 AM Jun 2, 2016
Is it those rubber bushes moulded in sq tube. They "Can " rotate and drop.
If not using axles. Simplicity. A device unto themselves. alright but don't get a puncture unless you set up a short link chain system to each hub/chassis rail. to stop whichever (wheel gets a flat). hub from being driven into ground by opposite wheel on rocker spring setup. (I've had 3 of them Tandem) It's a cantilever setup. old fashioned. But for offroad. corrugations and rough areas. they really control the van stability well.
Coromal have an "interesting" system tooo. But for light caravans only and scrubs tyres something shocking.
Go the independant coil/Shockers by a good name. Tandem at your weight. They ARE the best nowadays. Airbags too but they cost same price as the van they on.
I had Alco torsion Rubbers on a boat trlr around 43 yrs ago but only a light 4.2 mtr tinny.
Was one of the very first "Stacer" tinny's. Yep That long ago. Was good. I've heard of heavier ones rotating in sleeve though and dropping on that side.
And get a LONGER draw bar specified. it's 100% Plus Plus.. Have your suspension (and interior setup, accordingly) set rearward of centre (Look at Roadstar) they one of the best tracking and controlled caravans on the road. Leave room for an extra 90ltr water tank behind susp. Then if drawbar weights work out a bit on heavy side. It will compensate. 12/24/240 fridge. NOT a 3 way and NEVER a rooftop Aircond. Noisy as. Split 240v household are the best and half the price.(LG very reliable in boats and caravans)
25ft??. All up, or just body. That's a looong clumsy van. Have YOU towed one that size. Do so first. There's not that many for a reason.
and DON't let them talk you into a tri axle.
They scrub tyres on fixed not steering suspension like you wouldn't believe.
Tandems bad enuff.
We've been from 15ft to 28ft, back to 6.5mtrs for last 14 yrs. and settled on an 18ft Tandem. Does everything. goes everywhere we want now. and keeps the crap/rubbish collection down. Hence less weight/fuel/running costs. That's over a long time ('63 to present) in a few country's.
Have fun.
The first one is the best. and most trepidational..???well. You know what I mean.
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 2nd of June 2016 12:37:03 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 2nd of June 2016 12:40:41 AM
WAssa41 said
09:48 AM Jun 2, 2016
This suspension has been around for 50-60 yrs. They were used in NZ on boat trailers when I was a mechanic and in Aus I have seen them used on Avans. Great system with very little to wear out. Would have no problem having them on my van.
PeterD said
12:53 AM Jun 5, 2016
All the Phoenix off road vans Built by Barry Davidson (CABCAR) used a similar thing - AL-KO IRS Axles Overview - The Torflex suspension is a similar thing made in the USA. This type of suspension is used in the European vans. It's a tried and tested system. Take no notice of the naysayers.
We are in the process of specing a new caravan.The manufacturer says this is the way to go for on road.My question is the van will be 25'ft,weighing approx.3300kg gross,has any body actually used this suspension,first hand.If so could you please throw a bit of direction to me as to whether we are heading down the right path.We have always had roller/rocker suspension,so we feel a little bewilded as to whether we are doing the right thing or should we investigate other options.
Would gladly appreciate any comments for/against.
Thanks Ascot.
Hi Ascot, checked "Torflex Suspension " on Utube, looks ok. Maybe an idea to have a look, I'd never heard of it before. There's always something new out there. Good luck.
Cheers Owen.
I'm a bit sceptical reading the blurb. Have they checked out the effect of high temps here in Australia on the rubber components? And I Quote " 5 Year Limited warranty" I would want far more than 5 Years myself.
The torsion rubber is only an updated version of old technology. See the old Citroen 2CV Torsion arm suspension.
Is it those rubber bushes moulded in sq tube.
They "Can " rotate and drop.
If not using axles.
Simplicity.
A device unto themselves. alright but don't get a puncture
unless you set up a short link chain system to each hub/chassis rail.
to stop whichever (wheel gets a flat). hub from being driven into ground by opposite wheel on rocker spring setup.
(I've had 3 of them Tandem) It's a cantilever setup. old fashioned.
But for offroad. corrugations and rough areas. they really control the van stability well.
Coromal have an "interesting" system tooo.
But for light caravans only and scrubs tyres something shocking.
Go the independant coil/Shockers by a good name. Tandem at your weight.
They ARE the best nowadays.
Airbags too but they cost same price as the van they on.
I had Alco torsion Rubbers on a boat trlr around 43 yrs ago but only a light 4.2 mtr tinny.
Was one of the very first "Stacer" tinny's. Yep That long ago.
Was good. I've heard of heavier ones rotating in sleeve though and dropping on that side.
And get a LONGER draw bar specified. it's 100% Plus Plus..
Have your suspension (and interior setup, accordingly) set rearward of centre
(Look at Roadstar) they one of the best tracking and controlled caravans on the road.
Leave room for an extra 90ltr water tank behind susp. Then if drawbar weights work out a bit on heavy side.
It will compensate.
12/24/240 fridge. NOT a 3 way and NEVER a rooftop Aircond. Noisy as.
Split 240v household are the best and half the price.(LG very reliable in boats and caravans)
25ft??. All up, or just body. That's a looong clumsy van. Have YOU towed one that size.
Do so first. There's not that many for a reason.
and DON't let them talk you into a tri axle.
They scrub tyres on fixed not steering suspension like you wouldn't believe.
Tandems bad enuff.
We've been from 15ft to 28ft, back to 6.5mtrs for last 14 yrs. and settled on an 18ft Tandem.
Does everything. goes everywhere we want now. and keeps the crap/rubbish collection down.
Hence less weight/fuel/running costs.
That's over a long time ('63 to present) in a few country's.
Have fun.
The first one is the best. and most trepidational..???well. You know what I mean.
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 2nd of June 2016 12:37:03 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 2nd of June 2016 12:40:41 AM
This suspension has been around for 50-60 yrs. They were used in NZ on boat trailers when I was a mechanic and in Aus I have seen them used on Avans. Great system with very little to wear out. Would have no problem having them on my van.
All the Phoenix off road vans Built by Barry Davidson (CABCAR) used a similar thing - AL-KO IRS Axles Overview - The Torflex suspension is a similar thing made in the USA. This type of suspension is used in the European vans. It's a tried and tested system. Take no notice of the naysayers.