Citreon C4 Picasso Assisters

[jackwinguk]

Hiya

Can anyone advise on where we can get some assisters for the above car. We had purchased some recently but the are far too big in circumference, depth was 51mm.

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

rgds

Jack & Gaz

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Jacky,

The standard suspension of any modern car should be sufficient to cope with any load up to that allowed by the cars specification.

If you find that you need assister's, then it is highly likely that you are exceeding the car's load limits.

Don't forget that the you must allow for the trailers nose load as well as what you put in the car and the passengers.

Check your specifications.

 

[jackwinguk]

Hello Jacky,

The standard suspension of any modern car should be sufficient to cope with any load up to that allowed by the cars specification.

If you find that you need assister's, then it is highly likely that you are exceeding the car's load limits.

Don't forget that the you must allow for the trailers nose load as well as what you put in the car and the passengers.

Check your specifications.

Hiya, the car and van are within the match, but we find the suspension very spongy, even just the car alone. We were advised that these assisters were a good help with this, but can't find any to fit. Oh well we'll just keep trying.

Thank you for your reply

 

[TD42]

Hi Jacky You suprise me, I thought the C4 picasso had self leveling suspension? although I have read in other forums that certain models were not to good for towing.

 

[Dustydog]

John

This subject comes up all the time. It's a paradox!

Why would someone like Grayston and others make "spring assistors" ?

I agree if the vehicle was up to spec there should be no problem.

However I think when towing with a family saloon type car the suspension is pushed to the limits of it's spec and seems not to perform as well when solo.

Dad in Law fitted some to his Kia Carens last year and in fairness it transformed the car. No more saggy bottom nor wallowing.

I know Lutz is not a fan of these rubbers ( LOL) but they must have some purpose and seemingly work without harm?

Personally I don't use them but they have an attraction to others as a "cheap fix", I think?

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Dusty,

A car with caravan when properly loaded should not need spring assisters to remain with the manufactures specification.

If problems do raise their head, then the first thing that you should look at is to see if the car is actually overloaded!

Then you should look for any damage to suspension that might be impairing its performance.

Assister's should never be needed to bring a vehicle back into specification. They may be desired to change the handling.

It is inevitable that a fully loaded car will handle differently to a lightly loaded car, but provided it is not over loaded or damaged, the car will be within the manufactures specifications.

In the unlikely event that a car fall outside its specifications when fully loaded, that is a matter the car dealer should resolve.

If a car when properly loaded with caravan

 

[ProfJohnL]

Sorry Finger trouble, posted too soon.

.......

The manufacturers of "assister's" such as the ones you mention and others, may make claims of improvements, and they will stiffen the springs etc, but that changes the cars characteristics in a way that the might and testing of the car manufacturer deems is unnecessary. They may even deteriorate the cars handling in adverse conditions

The use of assister's may invalidate manufacturers guarantees and you should inform your insurance company as it represents a modification to the standard car.

 

[Dustydog]

John

I heard you were quick on the draw!

The concern for me is that there are a considerable number of new caravanners out there, if I believe the press.

They all load up their car to the gunnels, kitchen sink etc and then wonder why it sags. Agreed it's probably overloaded or the suspension is past its sell by date.

And here's the paradox.

Along comes suspension aids, sold at most caravan dealers throughout the country including one of the biggest caravan internet shops.

So it seems to me the innocent new caravanner is straight away sucked into the concept of "spring assistors".

I'm ok because my Sorie has the Sachs self levelling suspension in its original design.

So why do all the big and small dealers push these products??

That's a rhetorical question.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[xtrailman]

I've had to fit rubber donuts to three cars i had for towing, one toyota carina2, and two nissan primera's, all were loaded to 65kg nose weight(max 75kg). And all dropped excessivly when hitched up.

All three cars had long rear overhangs.

The cars was not overloaded, so explain that?

 

[ProfJohnL]

I've had to fit rubber donuts to three cars i had for towing, one toyota carina2, and two nissan primera's, all were loaded to 65kg nose weight(max 75kg). And all dropped excessivly when hitched up.

All three cars had long rear overhangs.

The cars was not overloaded, so explain that?

Ray, as well you know, without having the cars for inspection and the loading checked, the reason for your sagging vehicles cannot be explained with any authority. However if three different vehicles exhibited the same tendency, perhaps there is an excess loading issue?

 

[xtrailman]

Or more likly, the cars suspension is simply not up to the job?

 

[xtrailman]

Likely