I think that this is a great idea as you seem to know what you are getting in to speed, noise, comfort etc.
I would possibly look for a landy that had been re-chassied on to a galvanized one with a coil spring upgrade. Also many owners have fitted the later 200 or the much better 300 tdi engines from post 1991 models.
Be careful about coil sprung conversions on Series Land Rovers. A few people have found that they are being forced to get their vehicles IVA Tested as this involves a change to the standard pattern chassis, which now needs an IVA Test.
You may have to be able to prove that either the conversion was done some years ago or that a previous SVA/IVA Test has been done.
+1.
existing conversions can stay (there is a cut off date, cant remember what it is right now.
New conversions loose too many points on the vehicle ID system, so would need to be SVA'd and a Q plate issued.
Coils are not that much better than leaves, leaves just need a bit more maintenence, most problems with leaf springs come from wear due to loose clamps, leaves seizing together etc.
If I were getting a series, Id look at parabolics for it, still keeps existing chassis, but upgrades to a more maintenence free spring system.
Quote: Originally posted by timtheenchanter on 19/2/2013
Coils are not that much better than leaves, leaves just need a bit more maintenence, most problems with leaf springs come from wear due to loose clamps, leaves seizing together etc.
If I were getting a series, Id look at parabolics for it, still keeps existing chassis, but upgrades to a more maintenence free spring system.
A friend of mine tried to get new leaf springs for his Land Rover, he wanted to keep it original. He couldn't get originals so in the end he had to settle for a set of parabolic leaf springs for it. He did reckon that it was a big improvement on the way it rode and handled, so it is worth looking into.
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
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Thanks for the information on the parabolic springs, I have heard about them and they sound like the way to go, as I guess the softer springs will be easier on the caravan.
Quote: Originally posted by LlaniDavis on 19/2/2013
He obviously didn't try very hard to get original pattern springs. I can find at least 3 adverts in the last LRO!
However parabolics are more comfortable if used with the correct shock absorbers.
'Twas about three years ago. I think that spring manufacturers are finally waking up to the fact that not everyone wants to upgrade to parabolic leaves.
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 19/2/2013
Thanks for the information on the parabolic springs, I have heard about them and they sound like the way to go, as I guess the softer springs will be easier on the caravan.
I'm sure I remember seeing somewhere on this forum that some caravan manufacturers warranties will be voided if the towing vehicle is fitted with leaf springs.......
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
True enough. I can certainly confirm that it says in my Coachman handbook that the warranty will be void if it is towed by a vehicle with leaf springs. I'm sure it applies to other manufacturers as well.
I don't suppose that too many new caravans will be towed by Series Land Rovers. I think the problem will apply more to the pickups that are now available with leaf springs.
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 19/2/2013Thanks for the information on the parabolic springs, I have heard about them and they sound like the way to go, as I guess the softer springs will be easier on the caravan.
I'm sure I remember seeing somewhere on this forum that some caravan manufacturers warranties will be voided if the towing vehicle is fitted with leaf springs.......
Bit of a grey area this !
Taken from the Elddis explore handbook
Warranty subject to the following conditions
(10. That only private cars or 4x4 type vehicles substituting as private cars shall have towed the caravan.)
No mention of leaf springs here.
I all ready tow the caravan with a leaf sprung panel van and typical of dealers who want a sale, this was not mentioned when I told them what I was using as a tow vehicle when I purchased the caravan or when it was hitched on collection.
It was only after the purchase and I started reading more forums etc that I was aware of these issues with leaf springs and commercial type vehicles.
I also had a couple of minor issues repaired under warranty, but I guess if it was cupboards coming away from the wallboards or the like I guess it would have been a different matter.
I do'nt know how to do the link thing, but if you google elddis caravan endurance test and watch the video of the van been towed around the HGV test track makes you wonder what it's all about. ?
Philip had a set of parabolics on his 88", big improvement in the ride, but ultimately it's never going to be as good as coils.
Here are our vehicles in Holland, early trailer in the Discovery first, then Philip's Series III and lastly the new trailer on its way back after its first trip.
Interesting looking engines there listerdiesel! My Dad used to make Russell Newbury engines until ill health forced him to sell up.
I'd love to find a Commer Lister TS3 engine in restorable condition but it'll never happen as I live in a flat! (I'd love to see the neighbours' reactions if I fired one of those up in my gaff!)
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.