What are your experiences with Self Levelling Suspension on the rear of towcars? I'm thinking of specifying it on my next car, but your thoughts would be welcome.
I understand how it can compensate for a heavy load in the boot and max towball weight such that the car rides level, but how does it cope on the move? Is it quick enough to react to the pitching of the van and the like?
Hi, I tow with a Citroen C5, this has the Citroen self levelling suspension and I must admit it is great. I find it better to have it in sport mode as this firms up the damping action and so reduces the pitching of the 'van. It also has a nifty little button in the boot that allows you to drop or raise the rear of the car, very handy when hitching up.
On a conventionally sprung car the self levelling works by pumping more gas or liquid into the rear shock absorbers, so this would have the effect of firming up the ride, but that is no bad thing when towing. As the suspension will be firmer it should reduce pitching. Hope this helps.
The self levelling suspension on my Explorer only monitors the situation when the car is stationary AND a door has been opened and closed. Basically, it checks the ride height before you set off and adjusts the suspension to the correct level. In normal circumstances the load only changes significantly when the car is stood still - people get in or out, luggage is loaded / unloaded, caravans hitched, etc. It would not be practical to try to compensate for every bump in the road whilst on the move. The Explorer's levelling system has a compressor that pumps the rear shockers up/down as required. Once had I once had a Vauxhall Carlton with a similar set up made by Monroe. I think Monroe still make after market 'bolt on' kits for most cars.
I also had an Explorer. I never knew that it worked the way Shytot4x4 explains! The Land Cruiser I now have also self levels and I would not be without it. The caravan always looks right in relation to the car, the headlights never need adjusting and it seems more stable.
On a lot of traditional cars the estate version usually has uprated suspension, often self-levelling. This is almost a reason in itself to go for the estate version instead of the traditional saloon for towing.
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Topic: Self Levelling Suspension?
