Saggy rear towing camper trailer, remedies.

[micknor51]

G'day folks,
We have just returned from trip through The Kimberley and Pilbara towing a Pioneer Argyle camper trailer. The rear of the Patrol was a bit saggy due to the extra weight of the camper.
Would the easiest/cheapest fix be Poly Air bags in the rear springs or more heavy duty springs and shock absorbers? The Patrol does not normally have a heavy load unless we are off to the outback.
If possible I would do the work myself.
Cheers
Michael

[threedogs]

I would go the coils, other may go the air bags

[my third 256]

i have Poly Air bags in the rear springs and can adjust hight for boat, trailer and caravan because of the different weights

[the evil twin]

Don't go the airbags
The Towball weight of the Argyle should be 80 to 120 Kg (the Tare is only 800).
A Patrol shouldn't even notice that... so if you have got the "Dog with Worms dragging its butt" syndrome your suspension is shot.

I would just fix the suspension.
No point fitting airbags to a worn out suspension and with that load on a good suspension you won't ever use the airbags.

My prev camper was almost double the weight of your Argyle and the CRD Wagon I had at the time was chockers with draw system, fridge, Drop slide etc and that went gangbusters
I have airbags on my Ute which has a tray with max legal overhang and tow a 2 ton Van.
Apart from the 5 PSI I keep in there to keep them inflated they don't need to be adjusted until I have a very significant load

[Bigcol]

I agree with ET

if its dragging its bum............

new springs and shockies

air bags are good, but wont fix an existing problem, only help keep a problem away on good suspension

[Chimo]

I did shocks, springs and poly airs. Careful how heavy you go as the ride can turn to crap if you go too heavy.

[FNQGU]

As mentioned - springs will be the problem and airbags won't help.

Your shocks may still be perfectly fine, but should be checked anyway after a good long trip like that.

I just changed out all my coils, and adjusted my shocks (again). Sag is gone, ride height is back, and rebound is much better. I have Koni 88 series shocks that adjust up to just shy of three full turns (from memory). I now have them at two turns of adjustment (up from one turn) and it has made a huge difference to rebound.

With a load in the back of my wagon that includes drawers, tools, fridge, aux battery etc. etc. I went with the 500kg constant rated King Springs and found that it suits nicely what I do. I also tow a boat that is heavier than your Pioneer would be, and now it sits really nicely. Like ET, I also have the airbags, but only have 5-6psi in them to prevent pinching.

[blocko05]

I would go the new springs as well.

[micknor51]

Thanks for the info fellas. I will go with the springs and check out the shocks.
Do you have any particular recommendations on springs and shocks?
Cheers
Michael

[mudski]

Tower braces would be a smart idea too while your doing the springs.... Get under there with a light and check the existing towers for any cracks. Common issue with Patrols to crack when used under load...