Why Your Off-Road Caravan, Camper or Trailer Should Stick with the Classics: Solid Axle and Leaf Springs

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

So, you're gearing up for some off-road escapades with your trusty camper trailer, huh? That's awesome! But before you hit those rough trails, let's talk about one crucial aspect that could make or break your off-road experience: suspension.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But aren't coil springs and independent suspension all the rage these days?" Well, sure, they have their perks, but let me tell you why the good ol' combo of solid axles and leaf springs still reigns supreme, especially when you're venturing off the beaten path. Let me tell you straight, the advantages of independent suspension (cool looks, flatter cornering, more comfort) are mostly irrelevant on trailers and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, (proper) bakkies and military rigs. There are good reasons why a Land Cruiser 70 series still have solid axles with leaf springs in the rear…

First off, let's talk about reliability. Picture this: you're cruising down a rocky trail, and suddenly, your suspension gives out. Not a fun scenario, right? Well, with a solid axle and leaf springs setup, you can bid farewell to those worries. Why? Because these bad boys are built tough, just like your favorite action hero. Think about it, how many times have you heard about control arm bushes needing replacement vs solid axle bushes? Over the long-term, wheel alignment is also much simpler with solid axles, keeping the trailer running straight and true.

Solid axles are like the Chuck Norris of suspension components – they're rugged, they're reliable, and they have fewer moving parts than those fancy independent setups. Less moving parts mean less stuff to go wrong, which translates to fewer headaches for you when you're out in the wilderness. Plus, since solid axles are, well, solid, they're inherently stronger than their independent counterparts. So go ahead, bring on those bumpy trails – your BERG Off-Road suspension can take it.

Now, let's talk about leaf springs. Sure, they might seem old-school compared to those sleek coil springs, but hear me out. Leaf springs offer something that coil springs just can't match: progressive spring rates. What's that, you ask? Well, it means that as you load up your camper trailer with all your gear (because let's be real, you're not traveling light), the spring rate adjusts accordingly. So, whether you're hauling a ton of camping gear or just a cooler full of cold ones, your suspension will keep on truckin' without breaking a sweat.

Oh, and did I mention that solid axles and leaf springs can also save you some serious cash? Yep, you heard that right. Since they're simpler and have fewer components, they're generally cheaper to buy, maintain and repair compared to independent setups. So not only are you getting a suspension system that's tougher than a Nguni steak, but you're also keeping some extra Leopards in your wallet. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Now, I know you might ask – what about shock absorbers? Well, guess what? With a solid axle and leaf springs setup, you might not even need 'em. That's right – the design of leaf springs inherently provides damping characteristics, meaning they can absorb those bumps and jolts without the need for additional shock absorbers. In any event, shock absorbers were designed to keep a 4-wheel vehicle’s wheels on the ground. Before the motorcar where developed people didn’t even think about damping suspensions since on a 2-wheel trailer, it’s again, mostly irrelevant. The wheels can’t jump up and down because the geometry simply doesn’t allow it. On most trailers the shock absorbers are simply another thing that can, and will, break!

Let me tell you a true story. A mate of mine runs an overlanding business, which specialises in taking oversees tourists on self-driving adventures to the Serengeti, Congo and Namib. They normally sleep at fancy lodges but he once received a request from guests to rather rent off-road caravans for the trip. He managed to rent 10 of the most well-known off-road caravans on the market which incidentally have independent suspensions and shock absorbers. Neither made it back to South Africa. They were all abandoned in the Congo due to suspension and structural failures.

So, there you have it, folks – the case for sticking with the classics when it comes to your off-road camper trailer's suspension. Solid axles with leaf springs may not be as flashy as their independent coil-sprung counterparts, but they more than make up for it with their reliability, strength, and simplicity. So before you go swapping out your tried-and-true setup for the latest and greatest, take a moment to appreciate the rugged charm of the solid axle and leaf springs combo. Trust me, your off-road adventures will thank you for it.

Happy trails!