To Air or not to Air?

[T Rex]

Hi, I am a new member seriously contemplating a Touareg V6 TDI (test drive next Thursday). Previously have owned 2 Range Rovers, an X5 and currently a 2005 Prado. We need to tow a heavy trailer (race car) and we also want to be able to do outback camping trips as we did in the RRs. Why the Touareg? - hopefully it will combine the fantastic qualities of the X5 with the offroad ability of the others.
My initial thought was to go the conventional steel spring suspension (simple, nothing to go wrong etc) but there are some serious arguements for the air springs given my intended use (keep car level when towing + extra clearance for off road).
I would opt for the air setup in a flash if I knew it was reilable (unlike land rover) - can any members share their experiences with Touareg air suspension with me? Thank you

[dmm_au]

I hope you're impressed with your test drive.
I suspect you're going to find, air is an option that only the V10 owners have.
I considered it, but it is an expensive option, that frankly I figured had great potential to make me unhappy. Also I couldn't find a vehicle with air to test drive, which meant I couldn't disprove the Topgear review, where they said the air suspension created a seasick inducing motion.

I reckon you should ask you question on clubtouareg.com
There are more US drivers with air suspension.

[T Rex]

Thanks David - I have now posted the same message with clubtouareg. My test drive will be in a steel sprung model. Today I have checked with Polyair and they would be willing to make/install a set of polyair springs for about $600. I have these on the Pardo and keep things level with a trailer hooked up or a heavy load on board. Could be a smarter (and much cheaper option than air).
Geoff

[FLOSPOLOGTI]

Hi TRex

All of the current model Euro 4wds that have air suspension feel like crap ....IF set to the 'comfort' setting !

Set to Auto or sport .........most are fine. I have GL320 cdi Mercedes and on 'comfort' it would not be wise to travel down a undulating/bumpy/poorly maintained pothole road - as per all others you feel like the vehicle is over compensating for the bumps it feels by 'floating' the body over the suspension. This is the same for the Cayenne, Q7 and V10 Treg. These same vehicles feel fine in 'auto' of 'sport'........having said that.......do not pay for air on a V6. Only if you are after the V10 (becuase it has it standard) would I get it in a Treg. The standard sprung car is absolutely fine for your intended use. Also if you get the chance have a look at all the plumbing and wiring in an air suspended car...........geezus.........wouldnt want them out of warranty !

[T Rex]

Thanks for the responses so far. Can someone with steel springs confirm for me if the rear springs have the shock external to them or do they have the shock/strut running through the centre. The latter would preclude fitting Polyairs, the former would open up that option.
Geoff

[T Rex]

Today I have learned vis clubtouareg that the rear springs have the shock up through the centre so Polyairs are out. Before I decide on airsuspension am I worring about nothing? Given the experince in this forum I guess I should ask you folks with steel springs if the back of your Treg drops noticeably with a heavy load and/or when towing a decent sized trailer - do you find your lights hitting the tree tops rather than the road? Thanks
Geoff

[phaeton]

Welcome to VWwA T Rex

Most of the Aussie 4x4 mags have been happy with the steel suspension as the ride is better out in the sticks.......but if you need ground clearance go the air suspension although its around 8.4K last time I looked up the VW pricelist

Good Luck with your purchase

[bobzed57]

T Rex (great handle btw, was a bit of a fan in my youth)

I have the steel springs and regularly tow a 1.3t camper trailer, and while the there is a sag of about 10mm, it doesn't affect handling. VW rates the towbar at 350kg ball weight, which is a fair bit.

I'm not sure that the polyairs (or something similar) couldn't be done. There was an R5 owner from Wollongong who had air bags fitted to his rear suspension and a compressor and tank installed in the luggage compartment. He had someone in Dapto fit the system, and it was pretty exy as I recall. I haven't heard from him in a couple of years.

The Treg also has height adjustable headlights. There's a thumb switch that raises and lowers the headlight angle, so you shouldn't have any trouble.

I'm looking at getting new springs and shocks to give me a little more lift. Bilstein make shocks for the Treg, and I believe Lovell will do some springs. Another R5 user in Sydney has this combo and is very happy. I suspect it won't be a cheap fit.

Cheers

Bob