Kedron pumps up TopEnder

Bushtracker is not the only off-road caravan builder from the Sunshine State dabbling with easy-riding, multi-adjustable airbag suspensions.

Fellow Queenslanders Kedron Caravans is currently testing one of its top-spec, 23ft TopEnder models fitted with an independent airbag suspension system specially developed by air suspension specialists Airbag Man and independent suspension experts Vehicle Components.

"Airbag Man do the kits for them, and Vehicle Components build the unique, stub size axle. We just wanted something unique for our own vans that no-one else can get,” explained Kedron’s Glenn Gall, who has been towing the air-suspended TopEnder van behind a just-released Toyota LandCruiser 70-Series dual-cab ute through some testing off-road conditions including creek crossings, boggy mud and slippery, rock-strewn inclines.

"We've pretty much put it through everything but sand at the moment," says Gall, who is part of the infamous, caravan-torturing crew, The Gall Boys.

Apart from the smoother ride, Gall says using airbags also helps reduce overall weight “because you delete the spring packs, which are obviously very heavy”.

“You've also got the ability to drop it lower or level it on uneven ground so you don't need wheel chocks... you can just lower one side of the van down at the flick of a switch.”

Lowering the ride height also makes entry to the van easier. “So with some-one with limited movement it is a great option to get in and out of the van easier.”

Galls says the airbag-equipped TopEnder “offers a bit more road clearance” than the standard version, which normally rides on Vehicle Components' Cruisemaster load sharing leaf spring suspension. The airbag system is operated by two switches located inside the entry door.

"You've got the adjustment when you can have it riding soft or you can lift it right up and have it riding hard with a bit higher in the clearance," he says.

Kedron has been testing airbag suspensions for the last 18 months, but Gall says this latest, production version should be the most reliable as it’s “a much simpler system; there’s less chance of loss of air because there’s less connections and hoses”.

The airbag suspension will be available as an extra-cost option on the TopEnder caravan, which currently retails for around $117,000 towaway.

Gall has also been impressed with the performance of the new dual-cab 70-Series LandCruiser, which has previously only been available in ute form as a single cab.

He reckons the tough, five seater truck, powered by a gutsy 151kW/430Nm turbodiesel V8 engine, is making light work of hauling the three tonne caravan over a variety of terrain.  

He says the four door ute's longer wheelbase also makes it feel more stable on the highway with “less pitching” than the single cab ute.

Gall’s dual cab ute is the top-spec GXL version, so it also benefits from factory-fitted 16-inch alloy wheels, over-fender flares, remote central locking, differential locks, fog lamps, power windows, carpet and cloth seats. The retail price is $67,990.