shock absorbers

[oldagetraveller1]

For the last 20 years or so I have had European caravans all of which were fitted with shock absorbers. I'm now thinking of buying a (used) British van but am surprised to find that some don't have shock absorbers.
Should I be worried about that?
Are certain makes/models more/less likely to have them?

 

[Dustydog]

Yes .
I have retro fitted my last two caravans with Al-ko shock absorbers Most new British caravans now have them fitted at time of manufacture.
Additionally may I recommend you have the wheels balanced.
I am convinced doing shockers and balancing adds to a safer tow.

 

[oldagetraveller1]

do you know approximately from what year of manufacture I could expect to find them fitted?

 

[Dustydog]

Take my Bailey Senator. When new it had no shockers. The replacement Unicorn did.
But then the entry models didn't.

I wouldn't let the lack of shockers put you off a caravan you fancy.
Retro fit is relatively cheap and an easy diy.

 

[oldagetraveller1]

Thanks again - sounds like good advice.

 

[Dustydog]

You're very welcome.
I bought my blue ones direct from Al-ko. They can tell you which ones you will need for your chosen caravan.
Don't forget some caravans are built on BPW chassis. You must use BPW shockers.

 

[Willi-Wonti]

My Burstner came with shocks already fitted so I have never towed it without shocks
All I can say is that it tows impeccably behind my 4x4 🙂

 

[oldagetraveller1]

My Hymer also tows brilliantly. I've noticed when following Brit vans that many seem to 'bounce' along. I assume they are the ones without shock absorbers? So, I'll search for a ven with them already fitted or allow for a retro-fit.

 

[intransient1]

British vans ues torsion rubber in the axle setup, while this considered adequate by the manufactures bouncing vans is a common sight.
If you are going to fit them air adjustable shocks would be a good investment as with a few trial runs you can fine tune that damping required.

 

[oldagetraveller1]

I had not realised that - interesting.