Ride Quality & Load

[littlebrownbike]

How is a vehicles ride and handling affected when it is laden? I find most cars seem a bit stiff and bouncy at the rear, but when laden they ride more smoothly which is odd as you would think an extra 500kg over the rear axle would generate more work for the suspension.

[Tony]

The suspension is working harder but what you would feel is the effect of a lower centre of gravity and more predictable handling because the geometric gains are reduced, in fact this is why people lower cars.

[littlebrownbike]

So is the car any more comfortable, or just less bouncy?

[Tony]

So is the car any more comfortable, or just less bouncy?

 

Depends on the example.... A loaded car would be more bouncy, probably have very light steering and push like made corner in, whereas the lowered car would have tuned coils-oils, less roll and less geometric dynamic gains maintaining the tyres contact patch.

[littlebrownbike]

For example, Ford Ranger Pickup. The front rides over speed bumps well, but the rear suspension bangs. However when loaded up, the back is silent. I would say my ST220 is similar, but by no means abrupt.

 

I have noticed though, that flogging a laden Mondeo round the ring takes away all the confidence LOL. (and yes steering goes lighter but not something Joe bloggs would notice)

[Tony]

The Ford Ranger Pickup unladen is designed to expect a tonne anytime soon so the rebound would be bouncy.