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Old January 17th 04, 05:49 PM
David Thomas
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"rnf2" > wrote in message >...
> "David Thomas" > wrote in message
> om...
> > I'm considering adding rear air springs to my '99 Toyota 4Runner to
> > level the 4x4 when towing our 2003 Coleman Santa Fe pop-up camper. I'm
> > mainly concerned about the coil springs rubbing holes in the air bags
> > over time. This is my wife's kid taxi so no plans for mudding or any
> > rough off-road (although we do live down a 1/4 mile gravel drive).
> >
> > I'd like to hear from other's experiences with these air springs. What
> > brand they used, how long the bags last, that sort of thing.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > David

>
> Why do you need to level it? A towed item such as a caravan or trailer
> should be balanced to have about 20-50Kg on the towbar. IOW you should be
> able to lift it comfortablly without straining, and it should definately
> notdepress the springs overmuch.
>
> You should be able to pack the camper proper, I've been able to lift with
> one hand the drawbar of trailers loaded with over 2 tons.
>
> rhys


The 2003 Coleman Santa Fe pop-up camping trailer grosses at about 2000
lb (910 Kg) and has a optimal tongue weight of about 10 to 15% (200 to
250 lb or 90 to 114 Kg). Changing the tongue weight either direction
outside this optimal range (I'm told) can cause trailer sway problems.
Even without the trailer (i.e. just loaded for tent camping) this
4Runner squats noticably even though it has the original towing
package (heavier coil spirings on the rear is one item in this
package).

David
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