KDDS or no KDDS

Thanks Stephen,

That's good advice. I think we are also pretty well decided to go without the KDDS.

Cheers,

Thanks Stan & Trish,
That information is most useful. We have arranged to speak to ARB in Brisbane next week, and will speak to BT about the HR hitch.
Roll on November (BT delivery date)

Brian & Faye,

I am thinking of getting a 200, so I was interested when I read your "If you want to fit airbags don't get KDSS". Could you please explain the reason behind this.

Thanks a lot,

Willie.

Willie,

That was a comment from Stan & Trish (Bushtucker Man). I assume it means that the air bags allow you level the vehicle and reduces body roll. I have a set currently on a 100 series and that's exactly what they do.
I am also looking at putting BFG 285R70R17 tyre replacements on. I read on the LCOOL website that they may foul the KDDS equipment. I will be speaking to ARB in Brisbane next week and would happy to swap notes with you.

Regards,

Brian,

Yes, I have airbags on my current 100 Series as well. They are great and I would be sorry not to have them on my new car, to level me up front to back.

I thought the KDSS would only be levelling you up side to side and the rear air bags would not affect the front suspension. I will ask around and report back if I here anything.

Thanks,

Willie.

Willie,

KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is ALL about wheel articulation, ie, wheel travel. If you are on bitumen KDSS tightens up the sway bars and reduces body roll in corners. OFF road KDSS relaxes the sway bars and allows the wheels to drop into uneven terrain and retain contact, and drive, with the ground.

When this is happening the springs are elongating while the wheel drops. If airbags are fitted, and inflated, they may restrict the stretching action of the springs and therefore the wheel travel.

However, when towing a van you would probably appreciate the airbags because they would stop the springs compressing under the hitch weight.

My way of thinking is this: If your order a GXL, KDSS is an option ($2500) but you get the supplementary fuel tank (138 litres total). I would prefer the extra fuel but I chose KDSS as well because I thought it's a good thing (and still do).

If you order a VX then you have to delete the standard extra tank and the std sunroof in order to get KDSS. In this case its value is debatable. However, personally, if I was ordering a VX I would go for KDSS, delete sunroof (it reduces headroom) and the sub tank and have a 70 litre aftermarket tank fitted which still allows the spare wheel to stay in place.

Confusing? Absolutely.

Stephen,

I was thinking that KDSS was only on the front suspension and would not be affected by the airbags on the back. Is it on the front and back ?

Thanks,

Willie

All 4 wheels Willie

Kanga, I'll stand corrected on this because I'm not sure of my facts, however, I saw a post about the middle row of seats being removed and the connector under the seats for the airbag in the seat obviously has to be disconnected.

Apparently (all disclaimers here) when this is disconnected the airbag warning light comes on and the entire airbag system is disabled.

Again, let me emphasise, I'm not sure if this is fact or fiction but it may be worth asking your dealer.

cheers

I removed the 2nd row and both 3rd row seats from a GXL without any problems.

I think other models have a different set up for the air bags, there is a yellow air bag plug under the second row of seats that is not connected in the GXL model.