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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Martin_1962 on 15 May 2010, 18:22:43

Title: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 15 May 2010, 18:22:43
As above, is it worth getting some?
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Andy B on 15 May 2010, 18:26:42
Quote
As above, is it worth getting some?

They're just a manual version of an Elite self levelling set up, just like the old Carlton estates had. So I would say yes, better than a sagging back end whilst towing.  ::)  ::)  ::)
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: acura on 16 May 2010, 07:58:40
Fitted mine (Monroe) recently. Not towed yet but can see rear end rise when pumped up (Ooh Missus!). Away with pikey wagon in just over a week so will test out and report back. Looks promising though.  :y
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: smokingomega on 16 May 2010, 09:40:05
I towed with mine yesterday for the first time and I straight away noticed a big difference.
Its hard to explain but when I normally tow the caravan it`s like kind of bobbing up an down in a boat all the time. every bump you hit you carry on slowly bouncing down the road.
But with the air shocks fitted it is firm, you dont get any of that bouncing effect from the back end.
Before it was like the caravan had hold of the tow ball and was constantly lifting it up and down where as now its like the van isn`t strong enough to move it.
Hope you can understand this an hope it helps. I`d reccomend them :D
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Omegatoy on 16 May 2010, 11:30:37
in a word YES!!!!
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Seth on 16 May 2010, 12:08:13
Got 'em fitted on mine, in conjunction with Grayston coil assisters.

The set-up works a treat with the caravan on the back.
A tad expensive maybe, but well worth it!
 :y
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Cliffo B on 16 May 2010, 12:16:17
Martin,a definite yes, had them on all my cars right back to my Cav's, if they still do the accessory kit it's No is "AK-10 BE" (doesn't include small compressor but does pressure gauge) you then simply pump up shocks to your pre-determined pressure, got by measurement of ground to top of rear wheel arch, when under normal load, then know system pressure required to acheive same measure when hitched up,the shocks are well up to the job as already said, giving tight control of rear end when towing,they are much the same as my Elite suspension performs now.Go for it :y :y :y 
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 16 May 2010, 20:10:11
How much work are they to fit?

I will need to get my current shocks off undamaged so I can either keep for spares or sell them.
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Seth on 16 May 2010, 20:30:51
Quote
How much work are they to fit?

I will need to get my current shocks off undamaged so I can either keep for spares or sell them.

Straightforward enough Martin (there could be a fitting service available at the Welland Steam Rally!)
 :D

The longest part was securely clipping/routeing the small-bore pipes over the fuel tank and into the spare wheel well on mine.

I also fitted 'em on our previous saloon - and that was even easier!
 :y
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: smokingomega on 16 May 2010, 22:00:35
I drilled a hole into the boot just by the shocker an routed it around the edge of the boot under the carpet. it was really straight forward.
doing it this way keeps it away from any damage or weathering too.
as for taking the shockers off it's a doddle
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 16 May 2010, 23:20:29
I have done shocks before  - it is the plumbing I am thinking of.

So small hole in each turret sounds doable.

How thick is the pipe?
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Seth on 17 May 2010, 09:02:30
Quote
I have done shocks before  - it is the plumbing I am thinking of.

So small hole in each turret sounds doable.

How thick is the pipe?

About 3mm - very small diameter!

Don't think that I needed to drill any holes either.
 :y
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Glyn on 17 May 2010, 15:22:09
Quote
I towed with mine yesterday for the first time and I straight away noticed a big difference.
Its hard to explain but when I normally tow the caravan it`s like kind of bobbing up an down in a boat all the time. every bump you hit you carry on slowly bouncing down the road.
But with the air shocks fitted it is firm, you dont get any of that bouncing effect from the back end.
Before it was like the caravan had hold of the tow ball and was constantly lifting it up and down where as now its like the van isn`t strong enough to move it.
Hope you can understand this an hope it helps. I`d reccomend them :D

If you are getting sea sick it means you do not have enough weight on the tow ball, and if its sagging at the back you have too much weight. Between 70-75kgs no less no more.
Glyn
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: smokingomega on 17 May 2010, 16:11:37
yeah I have 70kg on tow ball.
the shockers do make a big difference.
maybe that's just my opinion but I'd buy them again
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: acura on 17 May 2010, 19:25:26
Regards the pipes, on my saloon I ran the N/S pipe behind the plastic wheel arch liner and up through a plastic bung in the bottom of the wing. I pierced the bung with a terminal screwdriver which left the pipe a snug fit. This pipe then went up under the boot trim and across the parcel shelf structure into the little cubby hole which should house the first aid kit. In there I drilled out an existing hole enough to mount the valve/guage assy. The O/S pipe is much shorter and under the liner, through a similar bung and onto the valve. I bought a cheap compressor (250psi rated) and this sits nicely in the basket on the cubby hole door. It's all out of sight until you need it. Works well for me.
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 22 May 2010, 21:51:55
Bought a set and fitted them today, wil test tomorrow.

Put pipe above diff and through air vent in CD changer cupboard.
Title: Re: Towing & Air adjustable shocks - worthwhile?
Post by: smokingomega on 22 May 2010, 22:39:39
Have you towed with them yet?
I towed a car trailer with a clit on from southport to leeds and they were spot on. A really good firm feeling from the rear instead of that soft spongey feeling you normally get.
Looking forwads to towing the caravan from leeds to st ives on thursday now!!!!!!!