Cruisemaster releases up-rated CR suspension

Queensland suspension and coupling specialist Cruisemaster has pre-launched a stronger and lighter new generation of its semi-off road independent trailing-arm caravan and camper trailer Country Road Suspension (CRS).

Cruisemaster CRS2 is lighter than its predecessor as it removes the need to fit a cross-member usually required for telescopic shock absorber mounts, greatly reducing the weight associated with traditional installations.

At the same time it's also stronger than first-generation CRS, offering greater load capacities with a 2.5T ATM for single and up to 3.5T ATM for tandem axle installations.

With an eye on the inroads that major rival AL-KO is making into the RV suspension market with its trailing arm Enduro and heavier-duty Enduro Outback systems, Cruisemaster is also tempting caravan and chassis manufacturers by endowing CRS2 with new mount designs, enhancing its ease of installation, saving time and money in the build process.

To enhance serviceability, CRS2 incorporates an integrated cable management system that keeps things tidy and out of harm’s way, the suspension’s grease nipples have been re-located for better protection and round bush technology has now been integrated into the suspension, with a round hinge replacing the previous square hinge and bushes.

Real-world feedback from customers has led to the lower relocation  of the suspension’s jacking points for easier use by end users.

CRS2 joins the Cruisemaster independent trailing arm range above the entry-level single-shock GT system designed predominantly for on-road use and below the heavier-duty Cruisemaster XT and ATX off-road systems.

Like the previous generation CRS and Cruisemaster’s XT suspension systems, it employs gas filled shocks for temperature control. but for the first time can be specified – or retro-fitted – with Cruisemaster’s D-Max ventilated disc brakes that previously were only available on the company’s XT and ATX suspensions.

Because of its easier installation, CFS2 is expected to cost a similar price or less than the system it replaces, but the price to customers is up to individual caravan manufacturers.

The CR2 has been developed in-house at Cruisemaster’s Geebung, Brisbane headquarters, with the company’s Marketing Executive, Nathan Smith, saying it had been tested extensively over the past 12 months in the company’s gruelling real world ‘R.A.T. Run’ program, as well as on Cruisemaster’s newly developed on-site corrugation simulator.

“All our suspension systems have been conservatively rated and can actually exceed their stated limits,” he explained, “but there has been consistent demand in recent years by caravan and camper trailer buyers for greater Tare weights to allow them to carry more water, multiple batteries, more solar power and other items to allow longer self-sustainability on their travels.

"At the same time, we have seen an increase in popularity in medium-sized SUVs, so what we have achieved with CRS-2 is a weight saving, combined with greater load-carrying capacity.”

Smith said that CRS2 was intended for caravans that spent most of their time on bitumen, but gave them the capability to access National Parks and other sights a short distance on unsealed and even mildly corrugated main roads off the beaten track.

Like all Cruisemaster products, CRS2 is covered by a five-year conditional warranty.