COMPARING CARAVAN SUSPENSION
Comparing caravan suspension is one of the most important conversations we have with customers at Adelaide RV. Whether you’re a weekend traveller cruising the bitumen or an off-road explorer carving new paths through the Australian wilderness, your suspension setup can make or break your journey. In this blog, we break down the various types of caravan suspension systems available through our Supreme and Leader caravan ranges – helping you understand which one suits your travel needs across this vast and beautiful land.
Semi Off-Road Comfort: Roller Rocker Caravan Suspension
We begin our suspension journey with the entry-level caravan suspension setup featured on our Leader Explorer and Supreme Classic Tourer models. Designed with bitumen and caravan park touring in mind, this caravan is perfect for those who prefer sticking to sealed roads and coastal towns, with the occasional gravel road.
The on-road models come equipped with:
- 15-inch all-terrain tyres
- 10-inch hub drums and brakes
- Roller Rocker suspension with beam axles
Roller rocker suspension is a load-sharing suspension system that provides flexibility across light terrain. Unlike the rigid rocker systems of old, the roller rocker’s elongated shackle design allows movement, improving comfort and stability when driving over gutters, small potholes, or uneven driveways. With a weight rating of up to 3,200kg, it’s ideal for general travel around caravan Australia.
Kicking It Up A Notch: CRS Independent Suspension
For travellers eyeing the middle ground between on-road comfort and off-road capability, the Cruisemaster CRS2 (Country Road Suspension) is the perfect bridge. This system is available as part of the Dirt Roader Package, which can be added to any semi off-road Supreme or Leader caravan.
Features include:
- Dual shock and coil spring setup
- Fully independent caravan suspension
- Ratings up to 3.5 tonnes
- Dirt Roader Package includes a chassis riser for increased clearance
The beauty of independent suspension lies in its wheel-by-wheel movement. Where beam axles transfer terrain impacts from one side of the van to the other, independent suspension isolates each wheel’s motion, offering a smoother ride and greater stability. This setup is ideal for those taking on corrugations, outback tracks, and unsealed bush roads. It’s a game-changer for remote travel across caravan Australia.
The Off-Road Caravan Favourite: Cruisemaster XT Suspension
When you’re ready to hit truly rugged terrain, the Leader Xpedition or Supreme Territory with Cruisemaster XT suspension is your go-to.
What sets it apart:
- Heavy-duty dual shock and coil spring suspension
- Larger arms for increased travel and durability
- 12-inch brakes and 3.5-tonne load rating standard
This setup has been tried, tested, and trusted across Australia’s most remote regions. Whether it’s rocky river crossings, creek beds, or the notorious corrugations of the outback, the Cruisemaster XT suspension offers the strength and flexibility needed to handle it all with confidence.
If you’re regularly towing through some of the toughest tracks in the country, this is the independent caravan suspension setup for you.
The Ultimate Ride: ATX Airbag Suspension
At the top of the ladder sits the Cruisemaster ATX featuring airbag suspension. This system is for serious adventurers and those traveling with larger caravans – especially those towed by American trucks.
Key features:
- In-house compressor and full control system
- Up to 8 inches of travel height adjustment
- Optional 4.5-tonne ATM rating
- Also available in a coil spring option
Airbag suspension offers unmatched comfort, levelling ability, and terrain adaptability. While it comes at a premium price, it’s the gold standard for those who want the very best in caravan suspension across every kind of Australian terrain.
Built Tough: Roadking Chassis
No matter the suspension, all our caravans are built on the same high-strength Roadking chassis, made with Australian steel and engineered to handle up to 4.5 tonnes. The suspension system is simply bolted to this rock-solid foundation, ensuring a consistent build quality across all models.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Caravan Suspension
Choosing the right caravan suspension really comes down to where and how often you plan to travel. Are you touring highways and coastal parks? Or venturing into Australia’s rugged heartland?
At Adelaide RV, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We’ll help you decide between roller rocker setups, independent caravan suspension, or high-end airbag systems based on your travel style and towing capacity.
Come visit us at Adelaide RV to explore the full range of Supreme and Leader caravans. Let our experienced team walk you through the options, and get you Adventure Ready for your next big journey across caravan Australia!
