[goddardzilla]

Hi all,

I went to discuss the possible towing combinations on the 300c at my local (Canadian) dealer today.

I am disappointed, though not particularly suprised, by the lack of detailed info from the dealer about available factory and aftermarket towing equipment.

We are all probably aware that the 300c and Magnum share the same platform, and use essentially though not exactly the same rear suspension components.

The Magnum has listed as available " Nivomat " load levelling shocks, and I would like to fit them to the 300c as an aid to towing.

In a previous lifetime (or so it seems) I owned a national brand shock absorber distributorship. I was aware that with Nivomat shocks, vehicle spring rates could be different. What springs will the 300c need to make this work? Will the Magnum Nivomats directly interchange?

Does anyone in forum have, or can find a definitive answer?

Supportive guesses are OK, but the one who provides the answer backed by knowledge, and by part numbers will get my respect and gratitude.

John

 

[Vanilla]

I posted on this previously... A quick search on load leveling will find the link to that post...

I spoke to the people that make this shock (actually several people that kept passing me around), and they said the shocks would not be available for another year aftermarket and it would require a spring change. If bought from the dealer, they told me to expect to pay tripple the cost.

Do you know for sure that the Magnum has these shocks available today? It talks about load leveling shocks in the 300C manual, but they obviously don't exist...

I need these shocks, because a trunk full of luggage with 2 or 3 adults and a 1200lbs trailer (130lb tongue weight) has the car sitting lower than I would like...

Since the shocks are coil over, spring bags are out... Any other reasonably priced solutions?

 

[AndyK]

They are shipping Magnums w/ the tow package.

 

[Bobs05RT]

I have an Magnum RT with the tow package. The rear springs are the same as the AWD version uses so that would be the difference along with the Nivomat shocks. The tow package also comes with a heavy duty cooling system.

 

[Vanilla]

Any idea if there are part numbers and prices for the Novimat shocks and the AWD springs from Chrysler?

What would be the consequence of leaving the original springs?

 

[goddardzilla]

300c towing options

[Vanilla quoted about Nivomat shocks]

" it would require a spring change."

Absolutlely correct!

The counterintuitive thing is that because the Nivomat shocks add to the spring rate, the actual springs used are lighter poundage than those used with non-Nivomat shocks. The Nivomats have a mechanical pump and are totally non-electrical in their levelling operation.

Previously when Nivomat shocks fitted to Jaguar and Volvo cars eventually failed, the cars would drag their asses. This was because the springs were rated lighter than non-Nivomat equipped cars. Because Nivomats though great shocks were always expensive, through our shock absorber distributorshipto we used to sell replacement kits (cheaper than a pair of Nivomats). These consisted of 2 replacement standard rear shocks and higher than Nivomat poundage springs to get back to a standard factory ride height.

So the problem is that the Nivomat spring rate for the 300c is the unkown. It will be less than standard shock car but by how much?

My nearest Chysler dealer said that he cannot identify which shock part numbers relate to the Magnum Nivomat shocks because the way their computer system operates: part numbers relate to the original build of the specific car.

At another dealer (not the nearest to me) the parts guy said he has a "back door" to find the factory Magnum RT Nivomat shock part numbers. If I can find time to get face to face with him and his computer, to verify the part numbers of Magnum RT shocks/springs, I will post them. Will they be OK for the 300c, or will the springs be too stiff, because of the extra weight of the body and tailgate on the Magnum?

The poundage of the springs for the Nivomat equipped Magmum could be determined by a suspension specialist (by dismantling a shock/spring unit from a towing packaged Magnum RT). An educated guess as to the 300c spring rate requirement could be made.

I took this directly from the Canadian Magnum "build and price" website. Factory at time of build Canadian Magnum towing package :
A pair of Nivomats/Springs and Uber-cooling system appears to be a deal. Price in Canadian $.

Trailer Tow Group
$410.00
Load Leveling and Height Control
Severe Duty Engine Cooling

Chrysler engineers could know the 300c Nivomat answers already, and probably considered Nivomats for the 300c. I bet that marketing profiles determined the existing 300c non-towing package situation. Perhaps they think that they will sell less trucks if more people adopt stylish but relatively inexpensive utility trailers instead of a second Dodge 'haulin' vehicle! Customer pessure may bring a factory 300c towing package or the aftermarket could respond.

I came across this website for 300c towing accessories:

http://leeparts.com/300.html#towing

They are apparently covered by a Mopar guarantee. Has anyone purchased one of their hitch recievers? Any comments re fit and useability?


The saga continues