What Is a Long Travel Suspension and Why Do You Need One?

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What Is a Long Travel Suspension?

When you’re driving on a rough road, you want a suspension that can soak up the bumps and keep you comfortable. A long travel suspension is designed to do just that, providing more suspension travel than a standard suspension. This allows the wheels to move up and down more, absorbing more shock and providing a smoother ride.

Long travel suspensions are often found on off-road vehicles, where they can help to improve traction and handling on rough terrain. However, they can also be beneficial on road-going vehicles, providing a more comfortable ride over bumps and potholes.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at long travel suspensions, discussing their benefits and drawbacks, and how to choose the right one for your vehicle.

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What is a long travel suspension? A long travel suspension is a type of suspension that allows for greater wheel travel than a conventional suspension. This can provide improved performance on rough terrain, such as off-road driving. Long travel suspensions typically have more suspension travel than conventional suspensions, which allows the wheels to move up and down more without bottoming out. This can provide a smoother ride over rough terrain and improve handling.
Advantages of a long travel suspension
  • Improved performance on rough terrain
  • Smoother ride
  • Improved handling
  • Increased weight
  • Increased cost
  • Reduced fuel economy
Disadvantages of a long travel suspension

What is Long Travel Suspension?

Definition of Long Travel Suspension

Long travel suspension is a type of suspension that is designed to provide more wheel travel than a standard suspension. This allows the wheels to move up and down more, which can improve handling and comfort on rough terrain. Long travel suspension is often used on off-road vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, but it can also be found on some performance cars.

History of Long Travel Suspension

The earliest forms of long travel suspension were used on military vehicles in the early 20th century. These suspensions were designed to allow the vehicles to travel over rough terrain without damaging the wheels or axles. In the 1950s, long travel suspension began to be used on off-road vehicles, such as Jeeps and Land Rovers. These vehicles needed a suspension that could handle the bumps and ruts of the trail, and long travel suspension provided the necessary performance.

In the 1980s, long travel suspension began to be used on performance cars. These cars needed a suspension that could handle the high speeds and cornering forces of the racetrack, and long travel suspension provided the necessary stability and control.

Today, long travel suspension is used on a variety of vehicles, including off-road vehicles, performance cars, and even some luxury cars. Long travel suspension provides a number of benefits, including improved handling, comfort, and performance.

Benefits of Long Travel Suspension

There are a number of benefits to using long travel suspension on a vehicle. These benefits include:

  • Improved handling: Long travel suspension allows the wheels to move up and down more, which helps to improve handling on rough terrain. This is because the wheels can stay in contact with the ground more easily, which provides better traction and control.
  • Comfort: Long travel suspension can also improve comfort on rough terrain. This is because the suspension absorbs more of the bumps and vibrations, which reduces the amount of shock that is transmitted to the passengers.
  • Performance: Long travel suspension can also improve performance on a vehicle. This is because the suspension provides better traction and control, which can help to improve acceleration, braking, and cornering.

How Does Long Travel Suspension Work?

Long travel suspension works by using a number of components to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride. These components include:

  • Springs: Springs are the primary component of a suspension system. They absorb shock by compressing and expanding. The stiffer the spring, the more force it takes to compress it, and the more shock it can absorb.
  • Shock absorbers: Shock absorbers work in conjunction with springs to dampen the motion of the suspension. They do this by converting the kinetic energy of the suspension movement into heat.
  • Coilovers: Coilovers are a type of shock absorber that is mounted directly to the spring. They provide more adjustability than traditional shock absorbers, and they can be tuned to provide a specific ride quality.

Long travel suspension systems can be very complex, and there are a number of different designs available. However, all long travel suspension systems work on the same basic principles. They use springs and shock absorbers to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride.

Long travel suspension is a type of suspension that is designed to provide more wheel travel than a standard suspension. This allows the wheels to move up and down more, which can improve handling, comfort, and performance. Long travel suspension is often used on off-road vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, but it can also be found on some performance cars.

There are a number of benefits to using long travel suspension on a vehicle. These benefits include improved handling, comfort, and performance. Long travel suspension works by using a number of components to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride. These components include springs, shock absorbers, and coilovers.

What Is A Long Travel Suspension?

A long travel suspension is a type of suspension system that allows for more wheel travel than a standard suspension system. This increased wheel travel provides a number of benefits, including improved off-road performance, increased comfort, and better handling.

Long travel suspensions are typically used on off-road vehicles, such as trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. They are also sometimes used on high-performance cars and racing vehicles.

Types of Long Travel Suspension

There are a number of different types of long travel suspensions available. The most common types are coilover suspensions, air suspensions, and leaf spring suspensions.

  • Coilover suspensions are a type of suspension system that uses coil springs and shock absorbers to provide suspension travel. Coilover suspensions are typically the most expensive type of long travel suspension, but they also offer the best performance.
  • Air suspensions are a type of suspension system that uses air bags to provide suspension travel. Air suspensions are less expensive than coilover suspensions, but they do not offer the same level of performance.
  • Leaf spring suspensions are a type of suspension system that uses leaf springs to provide suspension travel. Leaf spring suspensions are the least expensive type of long travel suspension, but they also offer the least amount of performance.

Pros and Cons of Long Travel Suspension

Long travel suspensions offer a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved off-road performance: Long travel suspensions allow for more wheel travel, which provides better ground clearance and articulation. This allows off-road vehicles to traverse obstacles more easily and with less damage to the vehicle.
  • Increased comfort: Long travel suspensions can help to improve ride comfort by absorbing bumps and shocks more effectively. This is especially important for off-road vehicles, which often encounter rough terrain.
  • Better handling: Long travel suspensions can help to improve handling by providing more stability and control. This is especially important for high-performance cars and racing vehicles.

However, long travel suspensions also have a number of drawbacks, including:

  • Increased cost: Long travel suspensions are typically more expensive than standard suspensions.
  • Increased weight: Long travel suspensions are typically heavier than standard suspensions. This can increase fuel consumption and reduce performance.
  • Increased complexity: Long travel suspensions are more complex than standard suspensions. This can make them more difficult to install and maintain.

Long travel suspensions offer a number of benefits, but they also have a number of drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to install a long travel suspension on your vehicle depends on your individual needs and budget.

What is a long travel suspension?

A long travel suspension is a type of suspension system that is designed to provide more travel than a standard suspension. This can be beneficial for off-road vehicles, as it allows them to absorb more bumps and obstacles. Long travel suspensions typically have more shock absorbers and springs than a standard suspension, and they are often made from stronger materials.

What are the benefits of a long travel suspension?

There are a number of benefits to having a long travel suspension on an off-road vehicle. These include:

  • Increased off-road capability: A long travel suspension can help to improve a vehicle’s off-road capability by allowing it to absorb more bumps and obstacles. This can make it easier to traverse difficult terrain, such as rocks, mud, and sand.
  • Improved comfort: A long travel suspension can also improve a vehicle’s comfort by reducing the amount of impact that is transmitted to the cabin. This can make it more enjoyable to drive on rough roads or over long distances.
  • Improved handling: A long travel suspension can also improve a vehicle’s handling by providing more stability and control. This can be beneficial when driving at high speeds or in tight corners.

What are the drawbacks of a long travel suspension?

There are a few drawbacks to having a long travel suspension on an off-road vehicle. These include:

  • Increased weight: A long travel suspension is typically heavier than a standard suspension. This can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption and make it less fuel-efficient.
  • Increased cost: A long travel suspension is typically more expensive than a standard suspension. This can make it a more expensive option for off-road enthusiasts.
  • Reduced ground clearance: A long travel suspension can reduce a vehicle’s ground clearance. This can make it more difficult to drive over obstacles, such as rocks and logs.

Is a long travel suspension right for me?

Whether or not a long travel suspension is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, then a long travel suspension can be a great option. It can provide you with increased off-road capability, comfort, and handling. However, if you do not plan on doing much off-roading, then a long travel suspension may not be necessary. It can add weight and cost to your vehicle, and it can reduce your ground clearance.

How much does a long travel suspension cost?

The cost of a long travel suspension can vary depending on the brand, the type of vehicle, and the specific components that are used. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a long travel suspension.

Where can I buy a long travel suspension?

Long travel suspensions can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers, auto parts stores, and specialty off-road shops.

In this article, we have discussed the key features of long travel suspension, including its benefits and drawbacks. We have also provided a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right long travel suspension for your vehicle.

Long travel suspension can provide a number of benefits for off-road enthusiasts, including increased ground clearance, improved handling, and more comfort. However, it is important to weigh the benefits of long travel suspension against its drawbacks before making a decision.

If you are considering adding long travel suspension to your vehicle, be sure to do your research and choose the right system for your needs. With proper care and maintenance, long travel suspension can provide you with years of trouble-free performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Long travel suspension is a type of suspension that provides increased ground clearance, improved handling, and more comfort for off-road enthusiasts.
  • Long travel suspension systems typically feature longer springs, larger shock absorbers, and more robust components than traditional suspension systems.
  • The benefits of long travel suspension include increased off-road capability, improved handling, and more comfort.
  • The drawbacks of long travel suspension include increased cost, complexity, and weight.
  • When choosing a long travel suspension system, it is important to consider your vehicle’s intended use, budget, and skill level.
  • With proper care and maintenance, long travel suspension can provide you with years of trouble-free performance.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.