Rocker roller suspension

mezza56 · Senior Member

Rocker roller suspension

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

On mine they are the same . The gap between axles . Depends on the spring orientation as the Axle location bolt is not in the middle of spring .

woolman · Guru

If you currently have a rocker roller suspension then it is probably load sharing. This means both side wheels have the same load regardless of road surface. Most independent suspensions are not load sharing therefore the van and tow vehicle will buck. Weight moves from one wheel to other depending on road surface. In my opinion I would not use anything other than load sharing for safety and comfort. Unlikely to break springs with load sharing suspension as always have same weight on each spring and wheel. Just my experiences of 45 years of towing heavy trailer. Neil

Radar · Guru

woolman wrote:
If you currently have a rocker roller suspension then it is probably load sharing. This means both side wheels have the same load regardless of road surface. Most independent suspensions are not load sharing therefore the van and tow vehicle will buck. Weight moves from one wheel to other depending on road surface. In my opinion I would not use anything other than load sharing for safety and comfort. Unlikely to break springs with load sharing suspension as always have same weight on each spring and wheel. Just my experiences of 45 years of towing heavy trailer. Neil

This is my feeling also, be very rare to have one break under normal use.

Try an find out the supplier of the springs, wheel bearing before leaving home and where spares are obtainable from.

My guess the springs are surprisingly common from most marine boat trailer suppies shops. We run our caravan with roller rocker and noticed spring packs in a number trailer sales spare parts places I have been in of late looking for ideas.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Lube the pivots well. Adding a better rubber bump stop prevents spring damage .

Greg 1 · Guru

As others have said. Very unlikely to break a spring. In all my years of towing vans with roller rocker suspension over some very awful roads, I have never broken a spring. Always a first time I guess but I wouldn't bother carrying a spare.

Cupie · Guru

I was unsure of what the term 'Rocker Roller' Suspension was so Mr Google came to my assistance

http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle-technology-catalogue/springs/rocker-roller-springs/

Yep, as suspected that's what my old Jayco Westport has. I'm about to get the shackles et al serviced for the first time in >200,000km of bitumen. The only broken spring that I have heard of was on a mates' Jayco Sterling. But it was always very overloaded & he had changed the springs to over the axels to give more ground clearance and he used to move along at >100km/hr on his annual pilgrimage to Karumba.

I wouldn't bother carrying a spare spring. That's just like betting on the pokies. ie gambling that you can pick what will fail on your rig. Regular mtce/inspections as has been suggested might be wiser. Top level membership of a roadside assistance plan like RACQ Ultimate might be a better use of money.

Rod Mac · Veteran Member

Sadly I am one who has had a spring break, the left rear main leaf broke and the next leaf rested up against the rear shackle.

The van still towed ok but the tyres had worn very badly and quickly.

Long story short, I was able to get RACQ to the Rescue and then made a claim under insurance as an accident due to some massive potholes and road works.

I have seen a van with the same issue but sadly it had hit so hard that the body had twisted meaning the chassis was bent so it was a write off.

So yes take a spare with you if you have space and I would advise visually checking the springs for any signs of cracks before you leave.

Also the Tow truck driver said he towed/picked up more independent set ups than leaf spring roller set ups, hhmmm interesting.

BAZZA44 · Senior Member

When I had a van with leaf springs I always carried a spare main leaf and centre bolt. Had it bolted to subframe.

Should be no need for complete spring pack.

Barry

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Rod Mac wrote:
Also the Tow truck driver said he towed/picked up more independent set ups than leaf spring roller set ups, hhmmm interesting.

It makes absolutely no sense at all to put independent suspension under a trailer.

If a more compliant suspension is required, fit slightly longer leaves and dampers. Cheaper and much more reliable.

Cheers,

Peter

PeterInSa · Guru

Ditto with a Spring break in a remote location on a Rocker suspension. Now carry a Spring pack. At the time I replaced a single broken leaf, and now I am not into doing that again in the bush

But if your not going off the Tar and can wait up to a week for a Spring or Spring pack to be sent to your current location and you have phone access, I suggest you give it a miss.