Suspension bottoms out!

[jimpearceuk]

With a bike rack sat on my tow bar I was experiencing lots of suspension bottom outs, on the motorway its not nice! I duly booked in and had the rear shocks replaced and to be honest its not made much of a difference

I have read before about pump up systems but cant find anything on these - or do I have another problem? I also had the drop links replaced which just leaves the springs.

Even without the bike rack a speed bump slightly quicker that it should be will bottom out easily.

Just received a new 4 bike rack, which is heavy even in the absence of a bike so I need to solve this now.

Appreciate your views!

Jim

[Northern Bongolow]

springs. get some off a tinny.

or do what i did which was make some same size but softer hitting bumpstops.

[missfixit70]

I went for Airlift air assistors from Matt Savage , as have loads of people, gives you some control of the ride depending on pressure, work great with fully loaded backbox & bongo, no more bottoming out & wallowing.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ft#p421585

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 3&start=15

Plus there's a factsheet in the members area.

If I was going to replace the springs to improve the issue of bottoming out etc, I'd go for new tbh, used ones from a tinny MAY have less wear/strain than those from the heavier aft, but is a tinny more likely to be used as a people carrier than a camper, thus carrying around a load of weight anyway? Just my opinion

[The Great Pretender]

well I managed to kill hat thread didn't I...........

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 3&start=15

As for springs, it's late, I'm knackered from long hours in the workshop re manufacturing parts for a member so forgive me for not researching.
Wouldn't the tintop have softer springs and anti roll bars as the extra weight with a pop top has a lever arm effect acting on the suspension? Or is that why the tintop corners so well?

[A1tony]

As per the other comments,

Just fitted mine with Air Lift 1000 kit from Matt Savage. Its the best 100 quid I have spent and cures all your problems unless the springs are shot. I have an LPG tank and cycle rack hanging over the back axle, so I was suffering just like you.

Remember to fit them upside down though. its much easier. (also see the fact sheet...)

regards

Tony

[apole]

Check your rear shocks too, I fitted the airlift before changing these. The shocks made a big difference, as did hte air lift

[jimpearceuk]

cheers all - air lifters it is then - the shocks are brand new and it has made a slight difference but not a world of!

Jim

[jimpearceuk]

Airlifters fitted, a different motor - I cannot believe the difference, running them at 20psi with the van full and 3 bikes on the back and you really don't feel loaded up any more.
Impressed, great advice thanks!