Gvm upgrade

[shakey55]

I’ve been reading and learning, but not posted anything for a while.

I’ve 2005 4.2td wagon, 2” lift, genuine bull bar, rear Raslar steel bar with spare wheel carrier and twin jerry holders and drawers in the rear.

Didn’t come as a surprise that GVM was almost reached.

I’ve since bought a 19’ caravan that weighs around 2550 (TBW = 250 kgs)

Now that’s outlined, I’ve recently had patrol GVM upgraded to 3550 kgs. Obviously with heavier coil springs.

My question is:

On original springs I had airbags that assisted when towing. Now that I have the higher rated springs -

Do I need the airbags, or should I trust the upgraded springs to do their job


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[jff45]

I have the same upgraded 3550 kgs GVM with 300 kgs springs and heavily loaded rear drawers, etc. My van can get to 2.7t if I need to carry 200 kgs of water and I put 260 kgs on the towball.
I opted to keep my Polyairs when I upgraded the suspension because they were nearly new and I put them at 10 psi when towing even if I probably don't need to.
I also use a WDH (with anti sway cams) to move some of the weight to the front and that keeps it all pretty level. If I don't do the weight distribution, the front feels uncomfortably light.

[PeeBee]

Have you installed the BOSS Tower strengtheners or weld in units in the rear towers? I would recommend this with the airbags, a lot cheaper than repairing a torn mount.

[BrazilianY60]

I also use a WDH (with anti sway cams) to move some of the weight to the front

How does it perform such weight transfer?

[jff45]

How does it perform such weight transfer?

It works as designed with my setup. Not always recommended for some vehicles.

[jff45]

Have you installed the BOSS Tower strengtheners or weld in units in the rear towers? I would recommend this with the airbags, a lot cheaper than repairing a torn mount.

That would have been an essential mod even without the GVM upgrade. I used the Boss units for mine because the weld in stuff requires engineering.

[shakey55]

I have the same upgraded 3550 kgs GVM with 300 kgs springs and heavily loaded rear drawers, etc. My van can get to 2.7t if I need to carry 200 kgs of water and I put 260 kgs on the towball.
I opted to keep my Polyairs when I upgraded the suspension because they were nearly new and I put them at 10 psi when towing even if I probably don't need to.
I also use a WDH (with anti sway cams) to move some of the weight to the front and that keeps it all pretty level. If I don't do the weight distribution, the front feels uncomfortably light.

Thanks jff45

I had some further conversations yesterday with someone who I trust and has knowledge in this area and he convinced me that the airbags are not required. So I decided against them.

As for steering I find very little change with van on, so no wdh used. The van and truck sit level and tows very well.

I now have a brand new set in their box unopened that I’ll sell


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[shakey55]

Have you installed the BOSS Tower strengtheners or weld in units in the rear towers? I would recommend this with the airbags, a lot cheaper than repairing a torn mount.

Yes towers strengthened during upgrade


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[jff45]

Thanks jff45

I had some further conversations yesterday with someone who I trust and has knowledge in this area and he convinced me that the airbags are not required. So I decided against them.

As for steering I find very little change with van on, so no wdh used. The van and truck sit level and tows very well.

I now have a brand new set in their box unopened that I’ll sell


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Still might be worth getting it onto a weighbridge with all the weight on the rear to see how your rear axle loading is without the WDH.
It's good to have knowledgeable friends but the weighbridge will be more accurate.

[DX grunt]

Still might be worth getting it onto a weighbridge with all the weight on the rear to see how your rear axle loading is without the WDH.
It's good to have knowledgeable friends but the weighbridge will be more accurate.

So diplomatic. Well done, and thank you.