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whats best psi for front suspension in kombi?
snifter - August 5th, 2005 at 10:45 AM

10 months after coming over here to travel round ozz in a kombi and we have finaly!!!!!!!! got it in good enough condition. Off we go through the middle. Final question however. We will be on a lot of bumpy unsealed roads, what psi should I set the front suspension. What are the best setting for various conditions. We leave todays so any sdvice, as always, will bw welcome

regards

Philip


tassupervee - August 5th, 2005 at 11:58 AM

M8
Just set it around 30 to 32 psi.
You cant go wrong there.
L8tr
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mnsKmobi - August 5th, 2005 at 01:23 PM

I generally have the pressures up towards 40 psi all round. Seems to handle well and probably helps with the fuel economy but you tend to feel every bump b/c you're sitting over the front wheels!


VWCOOL - August 5th, 2005 at 02:15 PM

Do you have gas shocks? PSI in suspension...? Or tyres?


Desert Bug - August 5th, 2005 at 02:34 PM

G'day snifter,

Too many variables:
> assuming Bay window
> how heavily loaded
> what size tires
> ply rating of tyres
> type of shockers
> etc, etc, etc.

General "rule of thumb":
> on the bitumen around 40psi if reasonably loaded (heavy) will give better fuel economy and handling
> on good gravel roads I drop to around 26-30psi
> heavily corugations I drop to around 22-26psi depending on the other conditions of the road, ie. rocky, loose stones, sandy, muddy, etc.

On corrugations the ride starts to smooth out at around 70-80kph (45-50mph). I found with the Desert Splitty I could comfortably sit on 90-100kph while travelling up and down the Tanami Rd in outback WA, even with the trailer (Kombi suspension) on behind.
In heavy sand I go down to 15psi all round and if I get stuck I drop to 10 in the back and have always been able to drive out.
Make sure you carry an air pump to reinflate the tyres.

There is a long way between populated areas out in the center of Aus so carry enough food, water and fuel to get to the next place.

Have a great trip, I can thoroughly recomend it, the Outback is awsome.
Cheers, Ian.


tassupervee - August 5th, 2005 at 06:23 PM

What he said!
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