Camper conversion - ride quality differences between Kombi & Shuttle

[d8smt]

Hi all

I'm looking to get a T32 for a camper for a light conversion( poptop but no bed or fixed furniture). I'm wondering if there are any mechanical differences between the Kombi and Shuttle that makes one better than the other for driving or ride comfort. It will be used for occasional camping which I'll use a poptop bed for, but mainly carrying bikes and a large dog!

I'm aware of stuff like rear Aircon, vehicle class(M1/N1), extra rear windows and interior trim, etc. but are they mechanically the same and do they drive the same? Shuttles seem to be lower priced than Kombis in the 2nd hand market for like-for-like years/mileage, and I won't be using the rear seats anyway.
Many thx
Dave

 

[roadtripper]

Pretty much any T6 of the same area are the same under the floor and drive the same. The differences are down to engine/gearbox choice, suspension setup and tyre choice rather than interior trim.

The only thing that can make differences is the weight of the trim, so the California and camper conversions ride differently due to the weight (hence why changing the suspension setup is such a common conversation around these parts)

It's worth mentioning that the Caravelle tends to have a from factory 20mm drop on the suspension to give it a slightly more car/mpv like ride.

I suspect Shuttles may be a little lower as if what you want is mainly a van you want the load space not the windows and if you want the seats and a bit more comfort you're likely to head towards a Caravelle.

 

[d8smt]

Pretty much any T6 of the same area are the same under the floor and drive the same. The differences are down to engine/gearbox choice, suspension setup and tyre choice rather than interior trim.

The only thing that can make differences is the weight of the trim, so the California and camper conversions ride differently due to the weight (hence why changing the suspension setup is such a common conversation around these parts)

It's worth mentioning that the Caravelle tends to have a from factory 20mm drop on the suspension to give it a slightly more car/mpv like ride.

I suspect Shuttles may be a little lower as if what you want is mainly a van you want the load space not the windows and if you want the seats and a bit more comfort you're likely to head towards a Caravelle.

Brilliant- appreciate the info. That's what I suspected but wasn't sure.

 

[Bav]

Hi Dave. I don't have any experience of a Shuttle, so can't answer your question directly, but do I have a T32 with factory suspension and a full conversion

I would say that the ride provided by the standard T32 suspension is much improved when there's a pretty significant load (such as a full conversion) in the back. Without the load, the T32 ride is harsh, bouncy and unforgiving; with the load, the ride is... shall we say... passable.

Whether you go Kombi or Shuttle, if you value comfort and control, you should probably be looking to upgrade the suspension.

 

[d8smt]

Thanks for the input

 

[Edinkombi]

Any advice on how to soften without load? T32 4motion which sits v. high.

 

[Bav]

Any advice on how to soften without load? T32 4motion which sits v. high.

PM @CRS Performance for advice.

 

[Edinkombi]

Cheers, I’m in Scotland so a bit of a trek but he has given lots of great advice on posts.

 

[Bav]

Yeah - I did baulk at advising you to visit.

 

[Edinkombi]

I might be visiting my Lincolnshire relatives later in the year. Maybe a fortywinks and crs diversion an option then

 

[davecdjt]

I might be visiting my Lincolnshire relatives later in the year. Maybe a fortywinks and crs diversion an option then

If you’re in Scotland and thinking of a visit to forty winks while down south might you not consider a visit to The Ply Guys on Loch Lomond if you’re looking for a bed conversion for Kombi seats? I drive from Swindon to them to get my Kombi converted using their Torridon and Clachan setup.
I might add also that the first thing I had done on my Kombi was the suspension by Steve at CRS, well worth the drive.

 

[Edinkombi]

Loch Lomond is north for me They do lovely stuff but not seeing any that fits behind kombi bench? Need to sort suspension first.

 

[davecdjt]

Loch Lomond is north for me They do lovely stuff but not seeing any that fits behind kombi bench? Need to sort suspension first.

They do the Torridon to fit behind the Kombi bench. I have a SWB and a 1400 Torridon with the 400mm extension box. Take the extension box out and the Bruich Beag kitchen unit and I can put the Kombi twin seat back in. They do the Torridon in a height that levels up with the bench seats folded at a standard height. Edit: The Kombi height version puts the Torridon and cushions at the level of the seat backs so that your feet are on the seat backs as you lie down. This height of seating limits the head room when sitting on the Torridon, we chose the standard height as we had no intention of using the Torrid with the seats in for sleeping on. It means both my wife and I can sit top straight and comfortably in the back.