If you’re looking to tow a caravan, a suspension upgrade is a good idea to increase towing power, improve handling, and improve performance.

In working with thousands of customers to unlock their vehicle’s potential, suspension upgrades are one of the most popular services I perform.

Here, I’ll cover why you might need a suspension upgrade and the benefits of a suspension upgrade to tow a caravan.

Quick Summary

The majority of tow vehicles perform well right out of the factory but suspension upgrades can enhance carrying capacity, towing range, and component longevity
A caravan suspension upgrade may be right for you if you want increased towing capacity, smoother handling, better braking, and better off-road performance
Suspension upgrades work by ensuring the suspension system is working at 100% capacity
Risks of cheap suspension kits include poor handling, premature suspension wear, and poor performance
Suspension upgrades can be tailored to your exact driving needs and goals for towing a caravan

When You Should Upgrade Suspension

Have you noticed excessive swaying or bouncing when you’re towing your caravan? Or do you struggle to keep your caravan stable when braking quickly?

Then it may be time for a suspension upgrade, especially if you have goals of off-roading or towing heavier loads in the future.

A caravan suspension upgrade may be right for you if you want:

To tow heavier loads without excess wear and tear on your vehicle
To enjoy enhanced stability
A smoother overall ride
Reduced sag
Increased shock absorption
To travel long distances or on off-road adventures
To confidently tackle tough terrain and various road surfaces

You May Also Like: Signs You Need a 4WD Suspension Upgrade

Why You Should Upgrade Suspension

4WDs are designed by manufacturers to appeal to the masses. While your suspension system may be fine if you use it for trips around town or driving on the highway, you may find yourself wanting more out of its performance if you plan to tow a caravan.

Benefits of a suspension upgrade could include:

Better Handling — Suspension upgrades can prevent your caravan from swaying, resulting in a superior handling experience.
Reduced Wear and Tear — A suspension upgrade can reduce strain while towing, decreasing wear and tear on your vehicle and caravan.
Smoother Ride Quality — A suspension upgrade can reduce the jarring impact of uneven roads, potholes, or rough terrain. This makes suspension upgrades popular amongst off-roading enthusiasts.
Customisation — Want increased towing capacity? Want smooth handling and maximum comfort? Want better off-roading capabilities? With a caravan suspension upgrade, you can tailor the results to your unique goals and needs.
Enhanced Stability — Upgrading your suspension reduces bouncing and swaying and contributes to higher stability. This ensures safer towing, especially on rough roads or in high crosswinds.
Higher Load and Towing Capacity — Increased towing capacity is one of the most popular reasons for suspension upgrades. If you need extra gear for long trips or more towing power, a suspension upgrade can give you the power and carrying capacity you need.

How Suspension Upgrades Work

During a suspension upgrade, 4×4 suspension specialists work on each major part of the suspension system and ensure it is working at full capacity.

Here’s a quick look at the four major parts I work on during a suspension upgrade:

Coil Springs — These reduce impact if you hit a bump or drive over rough surfaces.
Shock Absorbers — Also called dampers or shocks, these parts further reduce the impact you feel when you drive over something.
Rods (Linkages) — These link various suspension components together.
Joints (Bushing or bearings) — These allow certain suspension components to make sliding actions.

Do I Need a Suspension Upgrade to Tow a Caravan?

No, you do not need a suspension upgrade to tow a caravan. However, I highly recommend it.

A suspension upgrade offers many benefits, including an increase in overall comfort and less strain on your vehicle’s components. A suspension upgrade is particularly beneficial if you tow heavy loads or plan to head out on off-roading adventures.

I’ve seen vehicles towing a caravan with a stock suspension system. Sure, it’s doable. But it lacks the efficiency, performance, power, and handling that an upgraded suspension system offers.

The biggest issue I see in stock suspension systems is when the caravan sways. This occurs because the rear of the vehicle sits lower when towing a heavy load. This back-and-forth swaying decreases steering control and makes for an uncomfortable driving and riding experience.

It can also be dangerous if a roo bounds out into the road or a vehicle stops suddenly in front of you and you need to slam on the brakes. This can cause your vehicle and caravan to become unstable and difficult to control.

If you want the smoothest ride with the least stress, I highly recommend booking a consultation for a custom suspension upgrade for towing a caravan.

What Other Upgrades Might I Need Before Towing?

Along with considering a suspension upgrade to tow your caravan, I often recommend these upgrades to fellow 4×4 enthusiasts:

Heavy-Duty Springs and Shocks — Towing wears out standard shock absorbers quicker, so invest in heavy-duty shocks and springs to prevent sag and maintain good body control when towing.
Upgrade the Brakes — Upgrading the brakes is one of the first things I recommend when 4×4 owners come in looking to increase their towing capacity or head out on frequent off-roading trips. Decreasing your caravan’s stopping distance and ensuring consistent stopping power is well-worth it as an upgrade.
Increased Ride Height Suspension — Upgrading your ride height suspension can ensure good wheel articulation, better handling, and added body clearance.
Install a Transmission Cooler — Towing places additional strain on automatic transmissions and can cause it to run hotter. I find a separate oil-to-air transmission cooler can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Long-Range Fuel Tank — For anyone planning off-roading adventures, I always recommend adding a long-range fuel tank. Running out of fuel in the Outback just isn’t worth the risk.

FAQs

What are the two main suspension types?

The two main types of 4WD suspension systems are independent and dependent. A dependent suspension system features a beam axle. This limits the wheels from moving independently from each other. If you hit a bump, both wheels are affected and the caravan’s jolt will affect your vehicle too. Translation: If you hit a pothole, you’re not going to have a good time.

An independent system has front or back tires that work independently from the front and rear axles. This keeps forces on the caravan, limiting the transfer of vibrations to your vehicle and ensuring a smoother ride.

For an in-depth look at the pros and cons of an independent suspension system vs a dependent suspension system, check our 4×4 suspension upgrades.

What type of suspension upgrade do I need?

The type of suspension upgrade that will benefit you most depends on:

How often you go off-roading
The type of terrain you drive on most
The caravan’s weight
How much weight you’re adding to your 4×4, such as gear, a bull bar, roof racks, etc.
Your desired level of comfort

Will upgrading my caravan suspension improve fuel efficiency?

No, a suspension upgrade won’t directly impact your caravan’s fuel efficiency. However, a more stable towing experience is one of the benefits of a suspension upgrade. By reducing the strain on your vehicle while towing heavy loads, it may lead to better fuel efficiency.

How much does a caravan suspension upgrade cost?

The cost of upgrading your caravan’s suspension will depend on the upgrades you want and your goals. Get in touch with us for a free quote on a 4WD suspension upgrade.

Can I just buy a lift suspension kit online?

I do not recommend aftermarket alternatives. Buying a cheap 4×4 suspension kit can result in:

Premature suspension wear
Poor performance
Safety issues with vehicle handling
Improper installation
Costly repairs

A few years ago, I had a guy come in and complain that his 4×4 felt jerky, unpredictable, and difficult to handle. When towing, he noticed his caravan seemed to sway and became unstable if he braked suddenly. He said he had modified the stock suspension system to try to fix these issues but was still having the same problems.

I immediately suspected a cheap suspension kit and that turned out to the be case. The cheap suspension upgrade was wearing the suspension down and leading to a host of issues.

If you are interested in a suspension upgrade, I always recommend consulting a professional. I’m a big DIY guy myself but this is not an area I recommend taking on yourself.

Upgrade Your Caravan Suspension

Upgrading your suspension to tow a caravan offers numerous benefits and is a cost-effective way to enjoy a smoother ride and improved towing capacity.

Whether you want to explore the Outback, tow heavier loads, or just enjoy a smoother, more reliable driving experience, a suspension upgrade can be tailored to your exact driving needs and goals.

Get a free quote via our 4×4 suspension upgrades page or contact us with any questions.