What is considered a long travel?

Understanding Long-Travel Suspension Systems

In the realm of off-road vehicles, suspension systems play a crucial role in enhancing performance and handling over rough terrain. Among the various types of suspension systems, long-travel setups stand out for their exceptional articulation and off-road capabilities.

Defining Long-Travel Suspension

The defining characteristic of a long-travel suspension system lies in its wider control arms. These extended arms provide increased track width for the wheels, enabling greater articulation and suspension travel. The precise definition of “long-travel” can vary depending on the application and vehicle type, but generally refers to systems that provide significantly more wheel travel than standard suspensions.

Benefits of Long-Travel Suspension

The wider control arms and increased wheel travel of long-travel suspension systems offer several key benefits:

• Enhanced Articulation: The additional range of motion allows each wheel to independently follow the contours of the terrain, maintaining grip and traction even on uneven surfaces.
• Improved Off-Road Performance: The increased articulation enables the vehicle to navigate obstacles and negotiate steep inclines with greater ease.
• Increased Ground Clearance: The wider track width often results in increased ground clearance, providing additional protection for vital components from rocks and other obstacles.

Applications and Considerations

Long-travel suspension systems are primarily used in off-road vehicles designed for navigating challenging terrain, such as:

• ATVs and UTVs
• Jeeps and other 4x4s
• Trophy trucks and desert racers

It’s important to note that long-travel suspension systems can affect handling characteristics at higher speeds and may require specialized components for optimal performance. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the intended use and environment when selecting a suspension system.

Conclusion

Long-travel suspension systems provide superior articulation and off-road performance, enabling vehicles to navigate challenging terrain with confidence. The wider control arms and increased wheel travel allow for greater articulation, improved grip, and increased ground clearance. While the precise definition of long-travel suspension may vary, these systems offer significant advantages for off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers.