| Longterm UKCampsite.co.uk members Paul and Wendy recently
reviewed the MAD Suspension System upgrade on their towcar. With all the fun and activities associated with an outdoor
lifestyle, it is so easy to overlook the additional stresses and strains
being put on a loaded vehicle's suspension.
Have you ever experienced any of the following problems whilst towing?:
- Poor Stability.
- Swaying of the Caravan or Trailer.
- Impaired Steering Feel.
- Loss of Traction on Front Wheel Drive Vehicles.
- Loss of Ride Comfort.
The suspension of modern vehicles has to be soft enough to provide a
comfortable ride with only the driver aboard and no other load. This
softness can often result in reduced comfort and impaired handling when
fully laden or towing. When towing a camping trailer, trailer tent, caravan
or boat, if a nose load of 75 kilos is added to the tow ball, it is little
wonder that the standard vehicle suspension needs some help.
MAD suspension systems increases ride height and suspension travel when
laden and towing which means improved comfort, safety and stability.
The simple solution is a set of MAD "fit and forget" Auxiliary Springs,
which provide the help the suspension needs at an affordable price. Kits
start at around £75.
More sophisticated are the MAD Interactive Air Suspension kits providing
assistance, which can be varied according to load, conditions and terrain.
MAD auxiliary springs are fitted in unison with the original suspension. MAD
Progressive remains passive while the vehicle is un laden, with little or no
effect on the ride or handling or on the normal response of the suspension.
Where space or the design does not permit an additional spring, a complete
replacement main-spring is fitted with the same improved characteristics. As
the load imposed on the suspension increases, the springs gradually become
stiffer, reducing the amount of suspension deflection and maintaining a more
level attitude in relation to the road surface. This, in turn, enhances ride
comfort and safety and helps to reduce wear and tear on factory fitted
suspension components.
MAD auxiliary suspension for any car, made to measure. They complement
standard springs precisely, neither more nor less than necessary. Even
though they are always there you will never notice. You will only miss them
when they are no longer there.
Why choose MAD?
- Lifetime guarantee on springs while you own the vehicle
- Quality Dutch manufacture
- ISO 9001 Lloyds certified
- High quality materials
- Extensive product range
- Each kit thoughroughly tested on unique course
- Excellent price:quality reatio
- Durable powder coating finish
- Six language mounting instructions
How they come supplied
Each MAD Suspension system comes provided in kit form direct to your door
and are relatively easy to install on your vehicle, if you have some
competency about you. If you are not too sure about fitting them
yourself, we suggest you call in a mechanic to carry out the work.
What did we think?
I was recently asked to give a review on progressive spring assistors
from MAD suspension systems. This couldn't have come at a better time for me
as my Volvo estate was suffering quite badly from suspension lag when towing
a loaded caravan with two adults and three children on board.
Delivery was a very prompt overnight service and at my doorstep by 9am
next day.
The kit comprises of two springs and all necessary to do the job and very
easy to follow instructions.
Fitting of the new springs were very easy, by inserting the new spring
through a hole in the base of the cars manufactured springs.
The springs are held in place by sliding a metal disc between the lower
fitting and the base of the original spring, then a bolt is screwed up
through the base and held tight with a locking nut.
The car unloaded now has stiffer suspension and a slightly harder ride,
however the handling has improved greatly and the rear ride now sits at
around 75mm higher when empty. When it came to towing the caravan the car
sits a lot more level and pulls away more easily and with less effort.
Definitely a wise buy for anyone who feels the need to improve their rear
suspension for towing or otherwise.
Where can I get them from?
The full range of MAD Suspension systems are available direct from MAD
Suspension, visit their website
here |
