matzpenetration
New Member
There are so many different threads on this forum relating to camper sag / handling / CRS, so I’ve chosen this one to share my own experience. Went to see Steve @CRS last week. Took the van 80% loaded to get the set up right. T30 original springs retained, new spacers, drop links, mounts and Koni active dampers all round. It’s a real transformation and makes the van handle like it did prior to being converted. Bump absorption is far more compliant with less rattling from the various components of the conversion. This is still running the original Davenport 17” alloys (which will be replaced with 19” alloys when the budget allows). The handling in corners is markedly improved and I did give it a bit of stick on the way home with less understeer than before but had to slow down after the pan set flew out the cupboard!
Hopefully the before and after pictures do it justice and show the change in ride height at the rear. I know some detractors will point out that it sits higher at the back now but we have set it up to be level when carrying a bit more weight than shown here and parked up on a campsite with boxes under the bed, a full water and lpg tank and our family of 4 sleeping in it. With this set up, the van now sits level without wheel ramps needed. It also removes the nail biting tension of scraping the underside when going over speed humps and festival fields fully laden. In fact, the van now handles speed humps like a family car.
I am very pleased with the service received from Steve and his colleague and am happy to recommend their services to other Transporter owners. Obviously, my set up is no good for those who love to lower their vans but it’s worth noting that Steve can set up your van any way you choose. The more thought you give to what you actually want to achieve and take the time to explain this to Steve, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the end result. Don’t just say “cure the sag” and expect a massive change from just spacers other than rear ride height. Have a clear idea of what you want fixed and he will use his expertise to meet your criteria. I wanted a level van when loaded, improved ride comfort and better bump absorption. A lowered appearance, reduced body roll and sporty handling were not a priority. Steve delivered on that brief with the bonus of better handling as a result. Also, if you do plan to use them, loading the van up to the weight where you wish to see the biggest improvement is a real help in getting much closer to your desired outcome.
Before and after pics. The first one does look level but the spirit level on the kitchen said otherwise. The after pic has the benefit of low winter sunlight ruining the effect but hopefully you can see the change at the rear.
Hopefully the before and after pictures do it justice and show the change in ride height at the rear. I know some detractors will point out that it sits higher at the back now but we have set it up to be level when carrying a bit more weight than shown here and parked up on a campsite with boxes under the bed, a full water and lpg tank and our family of 4 sleeping in it. With this set up, the van now sits level without wheel ramps needed. It also removes the nail biting tension of scraping the underside when going over speed humps and festival fields fully laden. In fact, the van now handles speed humps like a family car.
I am very pleased with the service received from Steve and his colleague and am happy to recommend their services to other Transporter owners. Obviously, my set up is no good for those who love to lower their vans but it’s worth noting that Steve can set up your van any way you choose. The more thought you give to what you actually want to achieve and take the time to explain this to Steve, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the end result. Don’t just say “cure the sag” and expect a massive change from just spacers other than rear ride height. Have a clear idea of what you want fixed and he will use his expertise to meet your criteria. I wanted a level van when loaded, improved ride comfort and better bump absorption. A lowered appearance, reduced body roll and sporty handling were not a priority. Steve delivered on that brief with the bonus of better handling as a result. Also, if you do plan to use them, loading the van up to the weight where you wish to see the biggest improvement is a real help in getting much closer to your desired outcome.
Before and after pics. The first one does look level but the spirit level on the kitchen said otherwise. The after pic has the benefit of low winter sunlight ruining the effect but hopefully you can see the change at the rear.
