Airbag suspension vs WDH

[Curryhouse]

With my tug (Kluger) and van (Expanda 12) I haven't had a need (or didn't think I had a need) to fit a load levelling system. Being a novice van tower, I have seen plenty of posts re WDH systems fitted when towing bigger, heavier vans. As I'm looking to upgrade my van sometime in the future to one around 16-17ft but still towable within the tow capacity of the Kluger (2000kg) which is seeming to be a challenge in itself. Is an airbag suspension system an alternate for a WDH? What are the major pros/cons?

 

[Neil]

Can't do air bags in the Kluger mate because the shocks are in the springs (MacPherson strut).
I put 30% stronger king springs in mine, also raised and tows the 17ft fine but I'm on the limit of the Kluger with only 120kg to spare on the self weight of the van. Tow ball down weight is fine due to dual axle.
If you are planning on keeping the standard suspension then look into the WDH to take the bounce on of the ride. Get I little with the 17ft but upgrading the car soon. Ours is an outback so a little heavy than a standard 17ft.

 

[Curryhouse]

Can't do air bags in the Kluger mate because the shocks are in the springs (MacPherson strut).
I put 30% stronger king springs in mine, also raised and tows the 17ft fine but I'm on the limit of the Kluger with only 120kg to spare on the self weight of the van. Tow ball down weight is fine due to dual axle.
If you are planning on keeping the standard suspension then look into the WDH to take the bounce on of the ride. Get I little with the 17ft but upgrading the car soon. Ours is an outback so a little heavy than a standard 17ft.

Thanks Neil. Didn't appear to be many members that had a Kluger as a tug. Did you do the suspension work yourself or have a tradie do it? I'm in Newcastle also so would be interested. Have given a brief thought to upgrading the Kluger. Might have to think more seriously about it if we go to a bigger van that has the features we want but is heavier also. There's been a good thread going on tug selection; expect you've seen it: New tow vehicle - which one?

Curryhouse (aka Neil also )

 

[Neil]

Did suspension my self as most things with cars and stuff.
Love the Klugers just wish Toyota had raised the tow capability to 2,250kg and then I would upgrade to the new shape.
Yeah have seen that thread

 

[Bushman]

Wasn't aware you can't do airbags in Kluger, however airbags and WDH both do different things,

If your thinking of upgrading the van, going on"current" specs you are pretty much limited to the 16 as the 17's will put you over the 2000kg limit of the Kluger

 

[Neil]

If your thinking of upgrading the van, going on"current" specs you are pretty much limited to the 16 as the 17's will put you over the 2000kg limit of the Kluger

17's are on the limit, we have the outback and we have a few kgs to spare

 

[Curryhouse]

Did suspension my self as most things with cars and stuff.
Love the Klugers just wish Toyota had raised the tow capability to 2,250kg and then I would upgrade to the new shape.
Yeah have seen that thread

Doh!! You started the thread. Makes a great read. When at Seal Rocks recently, the wife saw a Jeep GC and was VERY impressed. Looking to retire at the end of this year so leasing is not an option. Maybe will go 'what the hell!' and upgrade both van and tug )

 

[Neil]

I have a few more years to go before I retire, unfortunately.
I have the trouble that my wife likes the Prado, I want the jeep.

 

[Bushman]

17's are on the limit, we have the outback and we have a few kgs to spare

Your personal van maybe on the limit but just going on printed current specs from the site they are over once you add the allowable load weight of 400kg on non shower models and 475kg for shower models

17-56-1 : 1710kg+400 kg, 17-56-1 OB 1850kg + 400kg

17-56-2 : 1820kg +475 , 17-56-2 OB + 1925kg + 475kg

 

[Neil]

Your personal van maybe on the limit but just going on printed current specs from the site they are over once you add the allowable load weight of 400kg on non shower models and 475kg for shower models

17-56-1 : 1710kg+400 kg, 17-56-1 OB 1850kg + 400kg

17-56-2 : 1820kg +475 , 17-56-2 OB + 1925kg + 475kg

Yeah ours is 1860kg empty, that's why I said we have a few kgs to spare in reference to the Kluger limit

 

[Bushman]

Yeah ours is 1860kg empty, that's why I said we have a few kgs to spare in reference to the Kluger limit

Am I missing something here! What about loaded weight? do you not carry water at all? at 1860 empty only leaves you 140kg for load cloths/food etc.

 

[Neil]

Am I missing something here! What about loaded weight? do you not carry water at all? at 1860 empty only leaves you 140kg for load cloths/food etc.

Yeah you're spot on. Because of the rating on the Kluger we don't carry any water.
Having said that there is not anywhere we have been that we can't get water when we get there.
I work to what the car is capable off. When I have a car capable of more then I'll worry about traveling with water in the tanks.

 

[Matty4]

The biggest issue here is that the vehicle must be rated tow tow the laden weight of the van, ie. the ATM.
This is the max weight of the van fully loaded.

My 17.56-2 has an ATM plated of 2349kg.
I don't think any 17' will come in under 2000kg ATM.

The biggest issue with all this is insurance. If you're involved in an accident your insurance company could wipe you simply because the max permissable weight of the van exceeds the max permissable towing capacity of the vehicle.
If the van is written off due to the accident then they'll have no way of knowing the exact weight, so will most likely assume is was full to max.

Not worth it IMHO.
Get a vehicle (or a van) that fits these numbers and you'll be fine.

 

[Neil]

Not worth it IMHO.
Get a vehicle (or a van) that fits these numbers and you'll be fine.

Champ I had heard different so will check my source again.
Already in the process of a new car, should be 2/3 weeks away.