High-performance shock absorbers compensate for disadvantages of heavy external loads
With the boom of e-bikes, the demand for trailer couplings has also increased noticeably. After all, the practical hook can be optimally used for a bicycle rack. Thanks to good loading possibilities, this transport position is ideal especially for the heavy pedelecs. However, there is also a downside: the issue of driving safety. Due to the high drawbar loads and leverage forces on the trailer coupling, the standard shock absorbers quickly reach their limits in dangerous situations. The car can break away and there is an increased risk of an accident. High-performance shock absorbers can provide a clear safety plus. Products such as the registration-free BILSTEIN B6 gas pressure shock absorber offer a significant increase in damping force compared to the standard part.
A brief look at the technical background shows why this is so. Weight and centre of gravity play an important role in suspension tuning. However, these two parameters can fluctuate wildly due to external loads such as e-bike racks. The damping force of the original shock absorbers often is no longer sufficient to ensure safe, comfortable and agile handling. By the way: even if a trailer hitch has already been installed ex works, the standard shock absorbers do not automatically offer sufficient safety reserves with full load. High-performance shock absorbers such as the BILSTEIN B6 almost always bring about a significant improvement in safety. If shock absorbers need to be replaced soon anyway, there are hardly any additional costs compared to normal standard replacement components.
Of course, performance shock absorbers also pay off when towing trailers or with heavy roof loads. With this popular transport method, the vehicle’s centre of gravity shifts unfavourably upwards. When swerving quickly or in alternating curves, this can cause the car to sway dangerously or react much too sluggishly. With high-performance shock absorbers, drivers are protected from unpleasant surprises even with heavy loaded bicycle racks, and reach their destination safely.
