Maximize your off-road adventure with the right suspension upgrades for your overland rig.
When you’re out on the trail, the last thing you want is your vehicle bouncing around or losing control on rough terrain. Whether you’re building a new overland rig or upgrading your current one, choosing the right suspension is crucial to your comfort, safety, and capability off-road.
Here are the best suspension upgrades to enhance your overland experience.
1. Long-Travel Shocks
Why They Matter:
Long-travel shocks are essential for overland rigs, especially if you plan on tackling uneven terrain or rock crawling. These shocks provide greater suspension travel, which allows your vehicle to absorb bigger impacts and handle rougher roads without bottoming out.
Best Options:
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Fox 2.5 Performance Series: These shocks offer excellent performance with a large oil capacity for better heat dissipation during off-road adventures.
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Bilstein 5160 Series: Known for their durability and off-road performance, these shocks provide more travel and better control in tough conditions.
Pro Tip: Look for shocks with an external reservoir if you plan on doing extended off-roading or traveling through hot climates to prevent shock fade.
2. Coilovers
Why They Matter:
Coilovers combine shocks and coil springs into one unit, providing better control over ride height and spring rate. They are ideal for vehicles that need to handle heavy loads while maintaining ride quality and stability.
Best Options:
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King Racing Coilovers: These coilovers are adjustable, allowing you to dial in your suspension for different loads and road conditions.
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Fox 2.0 Coilovers: Durable and effective, they offer improved performance and adjustability for overlanding vehicles.
Pro Tip: Adjustable coilovers are great for vehicles that will experience varying load weights, as they let you tweak the suspension to your needs.
3. Sway Bars and Anti-Roll Kits
Why They Matter:
When you’re off-roading, body roll can affect your ride comfort and control. Sway bars and anti-roll kits help reduce body roll and provide more stability, making your overland vehicle feel more planted on rough roads.
Best Options:
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Hellwig Sway Bars: Designed to reduce body roll and improve handling, they are perfect for heavy-duty overland rigs.
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ARB Anti-Roll Kits: Built for off-road rigs, ARB’s kits improve balance and handling when navigating uneven terrain.
Pro Tip: For maximum stability, install sway bars at both the front and rear of your vehicle.
4. Airbags or Helper Springs
Why They Matter:
For those who often tow trailers or carry heavy loads on their overlanding setup, airbags or helper springs are an excellent addition. Airbags provide adjustable support that can be tailored to the weight you’re carrying, ensuring your vehicle maintains a level stance and stable handling.
Best Options:
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Air Lift 1000: These airbags are perfect for reducing sag and leveling the load.
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SuperSprings: These helper springs automatically adjust under load, providing more support without manual adjustments.
Pro Tip: Airbags are perfect for those who frequently change the weight load, while helper springs are a more permanent solution for constant weight-bearing.
5. Lift Kits
Why They Matter:
If you want to tackle more challenging terrain or gain more clearance for larger tires, installing a lift kit is one of the best upgrades you can make. A suspension lift kit will give your vehicle the clearance it needs to avoid obstacles and enhance off-road performance.
Best Options:
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Old Man Emu Suspension Lift Kit: Known for improving ride quality and handling while providing added ground clearance.
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Skyjacker Suspension Kits: Designed for heavy-duty off-road use, Skyjacker lift kits offer greater travel and flexibility in rough conditions.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of your vehicle's center of gravity when installing a lift kit—while it adds clearance, it can also affect stability if not properly balanced.
6. Steering Stabilizers
Why They Matter:
When driving off-road, especially in rough conditions, steering stabilizers help reduce wandering and improve control. They provide additional support to your steering system, making it easier to handle rough, uneven trails.
Best Options:
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Safe-T-Plus Steering Stabilizer: Excellent for reducing steering wander in large motorhomes and off-road rigs.
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Bilstein Steering Stabilizer: Provides additional damping and control when driving in rough terrain.
Pro Tip: Steering stabilizers are especially helpful for vehicles that experience crosswinds or uneven steering on bumpy roads.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your overland rig’s suspension system is one of the best ways to improve comfort, safety, and performance on challenging trails. Whether you're lifting your vehicle for added clearance or adding long-travel shocks for better off-road performance, these upgrades will ensure that your rig is ready for whatever the road (or trail) throws your way.