air bags inside coil springs?

[exmod110]

Sounds like a re-distribution of the weight would help, some more behind the rear axle of the trailer to keep the weight to a more acceptable level on the hitch... could always lighten the load too...lol!!!
Never seen an air bag inside a coil...not sure how well that would work... sounds like more of a head ache then what its worth....
not sure of the GVW on a disco but if it is that bad with HD springs you might be a little over the capacity of your truck. Just some food for thaught.

Don

[DaveB]

Might also want to try some equalizers on the trailer hitch. It made a big difference for hauling horses as it didn't put the full load on the springs once the equalizers were installed on my disco.

Dave

[nakedbarra]

Air bags in side the rear springs is common in australia and works well in loaded situations but it sounds like a little more load distribution if possible would help your problem but either equalizers or air bags will work.
Andrew

[rezdiver]

definately check the load distribution on your trailer, and see how much weight you are putting on the toung.
you should not have yoru rearend sagging. usually the max hitch/toung weight load on trailers are around 700pounds.( i think the rover is 500 pounds by the book) and that is a lot. with that weight you should not have any effect on your handling and the sag should be minimal.
maybe by reorganising the weight in the trailer and moving the roof weight up front a bit ( even by the book, you are allowed a fair amount of load on your front axel), you will get better response from your truck.

[rick.m]

Can I sugest you drop into a Local RV DEALER there in QUESNELL And look at an EQUALIZER HITCH, There are many brands, Our company sells dealers there the RV PRO HITCH, l would recomend a 750 lb, load equalizing hitch, it will when properly installed lift the rear end to its original level before the trailer is set on the ball. most dealers will lend you a set to test drive, but just dont turn up sat am in a busy season and expect it to happen fast, all the best rick.mellenger,

[DaveB]

Just a little more thought on what Rick & I suggested — equalizer bars/hitch... They severely limit articulation between the truck and the trailer and are designed for on highway use, so if you are dragging your trailer through rough stuff, I'd be taking the bars off, or considering other suggestions.

Dave

[DaveB]

My suggestion is to switch to a standard NA type receiver unit. You should be able to find one at an auto-wreckers, either Coast Imports, A-Combined or ProTruck and it shouldn't cost too much. You could adapt your UK hitch, but you may be cheaper off to just take it off for now and go to a standard receiver.

The equalizer hitch usually is a combo of a 2" receiver hitch ball with attachment holes built in, combined with two L shaped bars and chain hooks on the trailer end, which are usually universally adaptable. Used, you should be able to find all the bits for around $150 and adapt them to your trailer, or new, about $300 should get you a good setup.

Due to the way they work, the bars slightly limit left-right motion of your trailer coupling, thus acting as a sway-bar, and severly limit the up-down motion, so if you are having to drive on rough terrain, simply release the bars and remove them during the rough terrain.

Check out Buysell.com as there were a bunch listed last time I was there.

[red90]

IMO, air bags a re great choice for people that vary their loads a lot. As stated, they are very common in Ozzyland and work very well.

I think here in NA, you want to get Airlift.

http://www.airliftcompany.com/al1000.html

http://www.airliftcompany.com/locator/p ... r_State=BC

They don't list for Discos... Just get the ones listed for Defender 90s,
Part Number: 61741

[red90]

I just noticed NICOLA VALLEY GARAGE in their dealer list....

Stuart where are you??

[StuartL]

We are located between Merritt and Spences Bridge. I live in Vancouver so work out of my home.

Regarding Air Bags, we deal with Arnott Industries which offer three generations of Airbag Replacements. Currently on the drawing board are replacement systems for Defenders and Discoveries. I think people that replace there RR airbags with coils are really missing out.

http://www.arnottindustries.com/

Regarding airlifts or "helpers". We are dealers for Airlift whom have a bag for Defenders but not for Discos.

http://www.airliftcompany.com/

I am working with them for a helper (internal) airbag which could be available within 60 days and at a reasonable cost(under $300). While the bags will be the same, there will be option as to how you to control them, from manual inflation to computerized.

I will keep the Forum posted on developments.

Stuart Longair
(604) 739-3019

[email protected]

[John]

Stuart,

They should dig through their files. I have Airlift bags in the rear of my Range Rover and the Rangie springs are the same as the S1 Disco ones.

John

[red90]

Regarding airlifts or "helpers". We are dealers for Airlift whom have a bag for Defenders but not for Discos.

Disco 1s and Defender 90s have the same rear springs. It should not matter.

In fact I have Disco rear springs on my 90 at the moment.

[red90]

To all disco owners.....

I would really appreciate it if you could help me out to develop the Suspension Airbag for the Series I discos.

Let me know the dimensions of the inside of your coil at normal ride height.

Inside diameter

Internal height

All Disco series 1, Defender 90s, 90s and classic Range Rovers have the same diameter springs at 6" outside of the coils. The only different ones are 110 rears which are 7".

There are lots of different lengths.
http://members.shaw.ca/jbarge/springinfo.html

Standard 90 compressed length is a little longer than stock Disco compressed length. My 1991 3 door was 284 mm compressed length (of the springs) and my 1991 D90 was 324. Basically a stock 90 is a Disco with a 2" lift.....

[red90]

I am working with them for a helper (internal) airbag which could be available within 60 days and at a reasonable cost(under $300). While the bags will be the same, there will be option as to how you to control them, from manual inflation to computerized.

For $300, you might as well buy Polyairs, http://www.polyair.com.au/

[rick.m]

Just another opinion on the trailer towing issue here, Please remember there is a plate or decal on the door post or in the glove box that states the gross vehicle weight rating for this vehicle, So with that in mind, adding air bags to level the vehicle should be done if the vehicle with load is still with in the GVWR. The second part of towing is something called GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING, this is the maximum the vehicle with the trailer can not excede, i would not easily dismiss the solution Dave and i suggest in the change of your tow hitch plarform and using a load equalixer hitch. The Highways here have many vehicle inspection staff travelling around in white and blue stripped vehicles, out there who are looking for you to tow in an unsafe maner. the inability to control a trailer unballanced and weaving on the highway, is a good bet to draw attention!!!!!, the folks are also peace officers, so you can expect fines and all that involves , a good way to spoil a holiday. all the best rick.mellenger,

[Roverworks]

I think the inside diameter may be diffrent on OME springs which is where this thread started...But Hey ..I have been wrong before....


Alan

[John]

Ahh, small detail but probably worthy of note as they are the ones that always get you.

[red90]

I think the inside diameter may be diffrent on OME springs which is where this thread started...But Hey ..I have been wrong before....


Alan

Nope, as stated all springs are 6" outside diameter as they need to fit inside the spring perches. The slight variations in coil thickness don't affect air bags.