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NEWS
Kedron pumps up TopEnder
On-the-track repairs made easy with trick new airbag suspension for top-spec, off-road caravanThe
off-road suspension war went into overdrive at this year’s Queensland Caravan Show, with both Vehicle Components and Kedron Caravans showcasing their latest and greatest independent trailing arm coil and airbag systems.
Not far from the display of Vehicle Component’s latest military-grade off-road ATX suspension, which adds about $10,000 to the cost of the caravan and was first displayed in prototype form at the 2015 Queensland show, heavy-weight off-road caravan specialist Kedron was wowing the crowds with its flash new in-house airbag suspension, fitted exclusively to its range-topping TopEnder TE5 model.
Five years in development, including brutal testing on the
soon-to-be-released 10th Gall Boys DVD, the new KRS (Kedron Recovery Stub) set-up boasts an industry-first “recovery stub kit” including spare stub axle, air bag and bearings that allow for quick, on-the-spot repairs in remote areas.
“Common suspension systems typically fitted to caravans have a weld-on stub axle, this not only creates a weak point, but if the stub axle sustains damage, the entire swing arm has to be replaced,” the company says.
“In the unlikely event this happens (with KRS fitted), a (spare) recovery stub is standard in your TE5.”
Unlike other suspensions, where the whole suspension arm might need to be replaced following stub axle damage, Kedron says “to get back on the track with KRS, just the stub-axle itself has to be replaced, and you’re back on the road in a matter of hours not weeks”.
Other benefits of the new KRS suspension include improved road clearance as the “design recesses well up into the chassis, barely protruding below the water tanks” and larger than standard air-lines to facilitate air-flow more quickly when the roads get really bumpy.
“The removable stubs also make changing the offsets to suit your tow-vehicle upgrades much more cost effective as well, by only requiring to replace your stubs, not the entire swing-arm assemblies,” the 54-year old Queensland company says.
Ride height is easily adjustable via a control panel hidden inside an external locker; pump it up for improved road clearance during extreme off-road driving, or lower it for better stability on the highway.
The Kedron designed and manufactured suspension has been officially rated to seven tonnes by a government-approved testing facility in South Australia, or five tonnes for the tandem set-up.
Kedron collaborated with a number of local suppliers including Pedders, which supply the twin off-road shocks per arm, and electro-plated components improves corrosion resistance.
KRS is the headline act on a number of updates to Kedron’s top-spec TE5 van, which now comes standard with a 300Ah lithium battery system including three 150W solar panels, four water tanks including grey water storage, and a new 12V electric jockey wheel and slide-out external kitchen.
Interior improvements include a bigger rear ensuite with wall-mounted washing machine, dual side windows for the bedroom, a re-designed lounge including a wall-side ledge for the Alpine Bluetooth radio, and more premium touches such as a black, scratch-resistant glass sink.
It doesn’t come cheap though, with the optioned-up 22ft 6in Kedron TE5 on display in Brisbane retailing for $150,490.
The display model also featured a LandCruiser-unfriendly Tare weight of 3300kg and up to 3990kg ATM, but Kedron is reportedly working with truck maker Hino on a new motorhome-style 4WD tow vehicle that can handle all that weight.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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