top of page
Caravan Suspension Renders no section-1 (2)_Camera_SOLIDWORKS Viewport 4.png
Caravan Suspension Renders no section-1 (2)_Camera_SOLIDWORKS Viewport 2.png
Caravan Suspension Renders no section-1 (2)_Camera_SOLIDWORKS Viewport 3.png
Caravan Suspension Renders no section-1 (2)_Camera_SOLIDWORKS Viewport.png
Case Study

Suspension Development

Snowy River Caravans

Snowy River Campers is a well-recognised Australian caravan manufacturer, known for producing affordable, stylish, and adventure-ready caravans.

 

They engaged Quantech Design to develop a new suspension system that would stand out from existing offerings by delivering superior handling performance while embodying the rugged aesthetic expected by their adventurous customer base.

snowy suspension 2.jpg
snowy suspension.jpg
snowy suspension 1.jpg
snowy river suspension.jpg

Challenges

Designing this unique suspension solution for Snowy River meant overcoming a range of challenges.
 

  • Differentiation in a Crowded Market – Snowy River wanted a suspension system that was distinct from common trailing arm designs, combining technical innovation with visual toughness to appeal to their brand identity.
     

  • Superior Handling & Ride Quality – The suspension needed to reduce sway and roll, deliver stability for the tow vehicle, and protect the caravan’s interior by improving ride comfort.
     

  • Complex Geometry Requirements – Achieving higher roll centres, minimising toe variation, and enabling greater wheel travel demanded careful geometry development and multiple design iterations.
     

  • Strength & Reliability – The suspension had to be robust enough to withstand demanding off-road use, validated by both simulation and real-world testing.
     

  • Tight Integration – The solution had to balance aesthetics, strength, and adaptability while fitting seamlessly into Snowy River’s caravan platforms.

Solution

Collaboration between Quantech Design and Snowy River Caravans produced a brilliant solution.

​

  • Industry Benchmarking – The project began with a comprehensive review of existing caravan suspension systems, identifying limitations and defining the design attributes needed to meet Snowy River’s objectives.
     

  • Concept Development – Quantech presented multiple suspension concepts, outlining pros, cons, and recommended directions. This consultative approach allowed the client to make informed choices and gain confidence in the selected path.
    ​

  • Iterative Design Refinement – Using CAD, the design was progressively developed to:

    • Minimise toe angle variation across the suspension travel range.

    • Provide extensive adjustability in toe and camber for fine-tuning.

    • Achieve a higher roll centre than most independent suspensions, reducing sway while allowing greater wheel travel and softer setups.
       

  • Engineering Validation – Spring and shock absorber combinations were optimised for ride quality and ride height across expected weight ranges. Engineering-grade FEA was carried out to confirm structural integrity, strength, and fatigue resistance.
     

  • Prototype & Testing – Quantech managed the build of the first prototype test chassis and supported Snowy River through full-load road trials. Extreme durability testing at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) further validated long-term reliability and alignment with simulation results.

Results

The collaboration delivered a robust, high-performance suspension system that fully met Snowy River Campers’ objectives of differentiation, superior handling, and rugged appeal.

 

  • Superior Stability – The higher roll centre reduced sway and roll, providing a safer and more stable towing experience.
     

  • Enhanced Comfort – Greater wheel travel and softer ride tuning improved ride quality and reduced stress on caravan internals.
     

  • Proven Durability – The combination of FEA, road trials, and AARC testing confirmed the suspension’s long-term reliability in harsh real-world conditions.
     

  • Brand Differentiation – The suspension gave Snowy River a distinctive, tough-looking system that set their caravans apart in a competitive market.

bottom of page