Kombi on 20” - Ride Height Suggestions

[George007]

"Hey fellow VW enthusiasts,

I'm seeking some advice on choosing the right ride height for my new T6.1 SWB. After snagging some LV 20-inch alloy wheels, I've set my sights on lowering it to achieve that sleek look we all love. I've got CRS in mind for the job, but I'm torn between two options: a conservative 40mm drop or the more daring 50mm, which even stretches to 80mm.

Initially, I was sold on the 50mm, but a recent encounter with a VW URBAN camper at the dealership got me second-guessing. The dealer mentioned it was lowered by 50mm, but seeing it in person, it seemed incredibly low, even for a camper. Now, I know appearances can be deceiving, especially with the weight distribution of a camper, but it did give me pause.

So, here's where I'm at: 40mm seems like the safe choice, but I don't want to miss out on that extra drop if it's going to make a noticeable difference. However, I also need to consider practicality, especially since I'll be hitting country roads quite frequently.

I'd love to hear from you all about your go-to ride heights and any experiences you've had with similar setups. Practicality meets style – that's the sweet spot I'm aiming for. All advice and insights are welcome as I navigate this decision. Thanks in advance!"

 

[TallPaul_S]

"Hey fellow VW enthusiasts,

I'm seeking some advice on choosing the right ride height for my new T6.1 SWB. After snagging some LV 20-inch alloy wheels, I've set my sights on lowering it to achieve that sleek look we all love. I've got CSR in mind for the job, but I'm torn between two options: a conservative 40mm drop or the more daring 50mm, which even stretches to 80mm.

Initially, I was sold on the 50mm, but a recent encounter with a VW URBAN camper at the dealership got me second-guessing. The dealer mentioned it was lowered by 50mm, but seeing it in person, it seemed incredibly low, even for a camper. Now, I know appearances can be deceiving, especially with the weight distribution of a camper, but it did give me pause.

So, here's where I'm at: 40mm seems like the safe choice, but I don't want to miss out on that extra drop if it's going to make a noticeable difference. However, I also need to consider practicality, especially since I'll be hitting country roads quite frequently.

I'd love to hear from you all about your go-to ride heights and any experiences you've had with similar setups. Practicality meets style – that's the sweet spot I'm aiming for. All advice and insights are welcome as I navigate this decision. Thanks in advance!"

View attachment 240717

Is yours an empty van?

Yours does look very high, aka std height. Std height is 470mm from wheel centre to arch at the front I believe.

Mine is a Caravelle which is heavier than a std van, and is 20mm lower as std. It's had 30mm lower springs fitted to replace the std springs. So that would mean it's 30mm lower than std, right? That would be 440mm.

Nope! 390mm at the front, or 70mm down from a std van!

I'm willing to bet that camper might have had 70mm springs on it but it will have been lower than that thanks to the extra weight.

 

[George007]

Is yours an empty van?

Yours does look very high, aka std height. Std height is 470mm from wheel centre to arch at the front I believe.

Mine is a Caravelle which is heavier than a std van, and is 20mm lower as std. It's had 30mm lower springs fitted to replace the std springs. So that would mean it's 30mm lower than std, right? That would be 440mm.

Nope! 390mm at the front, or 70mm down from a std van!
View attachment 240741
I'm willing to bet that camper might have had 70mm springs on it but it will have been lower than that thanks to the extra weight.

Is yours an empty van?

Yours does look very high, aka std height. Std height is 470mm from wheel centre to arch at the front I believe.

Mine is a Caravelle which is heavier than a std van, and is 20mm lower as std. It's had 30mm lower springs fitted to replace the std springs. So that would mean it's 30mm lower than std, right? That would be 440mm.

Nope! 390mm at the front, or 70mm down from a std van!
View attachment 240741
I'm willing to bet that camper might have had 70mm springs on it but it will have been lower than that thanks to the extra weight.

Hi Tall Paul, My van is standard at the moment picked it up last week. My van is empty also my main dilemma is do I get it lowered by 40mm or do I get the adjustable but that starts at 50mm. In regards to what you said about the camper I think your right I seemed lower than 50mm I understand the extra weight will always make it sit a bit lower at the rear but this was nearly under the arches. If on lower mine by 50mm with a Leighton kit a little worried about the splitter etc. Thanks

 

[tommy_t6.1]

Nice and low is the only way to go!

 

[TallPaul_S]

I would firstly measure your wheel centre to arch to see where you currently are sitting. Then have a look through this thread, lots of heights and lots of pics of different heights!

Ride Height Survey

Ok - so I have to admit that I seem to have now developed OCTSSD (Obsessive Compulsive T-Six Suspension Disorder) it keeps me awake a night trying to figure out how to improve my ride comfort, is it my springs? Is it my dampers? Is it my wheel size? Or should I just admit I own a van :eek: I'm...

www.t6forum.com

 

[George007]

Nice and low is the only way to go!
View attachment 240746

Hi Tommy, I know I know but I’ve not got the balls even though I kinda want too. Just out of interest why’s your number plate Assen ? ✌

I would firstly measure your wheel centre to arch to see where you currently are sitting. Then have a look through this thread, lots of heights and lots of pics of different heights!

Ride Height Survey

Ok - so I have to admit that I seem to have now developed OCTSSD (Obsessive Compulsive T-Six Suspension Disorder) it keeps me awake a night trying to figure out how to improve my ride comfort, is it my springs? Is it my dampers? Is it my wheel size? Or should I just admit I own a van :eek: I'm...

www.t6forum.com

Paul you going to laugh never realised that’s how you measure it I was looking at the distance from the top of the tyre just went and measured and bearing in mind I have 20inch wheeels I have 460mm so lowering it 50mm would not put me that low.

I think you was spot on about the urban camper that’s got me into this dilemma I think your correct it a lot lower than 50mm.

Thanks for taking the time help.

Many thanks

 

[TallPaul_S]

Yeah the wheel centre to arch measurement takes out the variable of different wheel and tyre sizes. They'll affect the arch gap and the overall ride but not the centre to be arch. 460 is doing to be stock suspension. And yeah 50mm on a non camper won't be that low, on something fully loaded with several hundred kg of kit it's going to be 30/40/50mm lower!

Borrowing a pic from that thread, this van is 90mm lower than std on 20's


There's also this thread which should give you some ideas!

Show us your 20’s

opinions on these two wheels???

www.t6forum.com

 

[George007]

Paul I think I owe you a pint.

You have answered my question and put my mind at rest if you are ever in the Kent area shout me up

That picture sums it up. I wish I took a photo earlier of that camper because it was definitely lower than the van above I understand campers additional weight etc.

But this was seriously low to be only lowered than 50mm but what you mentioned earlier with regards to be lower than a standard makes sense as it did throw me out when the dealer said that to me.

Will be ordering the 50-80mm adjustable tomorrow.

 

[TallPaul_S]

Paul I think I owe you a pint.

You have answered my question and put my mind at rest if you are ever in the Kent area shout me up

That picture sums it up. I wish I took a photo earlier of that camper because it was definitely lower than the van above I understand campers additional weight etc.

But this was seriously low to be only lowered than 50mm but what you mentioned earlier with regards to be lower than a standard makes sense as it did throw me out when the dealer said that to me.

Will be ordering the 50-80mm adjustable tomorrow.

I'm in Maidstone

Good to see another Kent member! Oh and this won't be the last time someone on here posts something that gets you to part with money, so get used to it

 

[George007]

I'm in Maidstone

Good to see another Kent member! Oh and this won't be the last time someone on here posts something that gets you to part with money, so get used to it

I have no excuse then I am in West Malling. I got used to it very quickly as mentioned I only bought it last week and I have not stopped spending I said to I will do all external this year wheels bumpers etc and next year I will do internal leather etc. Well that lasted 4 Minutes booked in to Leighton for the leather in June. But then I have always wanted a transporter and when I heard they are going over to ford I had to do it and px my transit and I will say best move I ever made.

 

[tommy_t6.1]

Hi Tommy, I know I know but I’ve not got the balls even though I kinda want too. Just out of interest why’s your number plate Assen ? ✌

Assen is my surname! Finally got the plate last year after chasing it for 20 years!

 

[George007]

"Hey VW T6.1 crew,

Just wanted to follow up with some exciting news – I've officially 'done a thing' and got my ride lowered! Huge shoutout to Steve over at @CRS Performance for being an absolute legend and fitting me into his schedule. Made the 138-mile journey, and let me tell you, it was well worth it.

Steve and the team worked their magic, dropping it 65mm on the front and 55mm on the rear, leaving a bit of wiggle room for any extra weight. And let me tell you, the result is nothing short of spectacular. I'm over the moon with how it's turned out.

Thanks again to everyone here for the advice and support. Can't wait to hit the road and turn some heads. Cheers!"

 

[TallPaul_S]

Jeez, you don't mess about, do you!?

Straight in, boom, CRS'd in the time most of us would still be researching options!

It does look great now, low but not too low.

What did you have fitted?

 

[George007]

"Cheers for the nod, mate! Couldn't resist diving straight in, you know how it is! And I gotta say, I'm chuffed with how it's turned out – low but not too low, just the way I like it!

So, for the setup, went with the Koni Active fully adjustable paired up with H&R lowering springs. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. The ride quality is wey wey above the standard – you feel it instantly, especially tackling our less-than-ideal roads. The suspension handles the bumps and dips like a champ, dealing with them in a positive way, making the driving experience so much smoother and more enjoyable. It's like gliding over those rough patches with ease.

Compared to the stock suspension on standard wheels, which feels like it's two seconds behind what's just gone on – that's how much of an improvement it is! Definitely worth every penny! Couldn't be happier with the decision." and it's not harsh at all in my opinion.

 

[George007]

And she is finished including interior got her back from Leighton Vans this week including interior. Over the moon is an understatement Leighton provided the best service.

 

[Pau1GTI]

Looks awesome. Which kit you go for in the end with CRS? Coilovers or their Koni Definition kit?

 

[George007]

Thanks. I went for the coilovers.

CRS - Koni Definition kit on 20's

Good evening chaps, After reading reviews and speaking with Steve at CRS today I'm definitely going to order from them next week. Thanks for taking time out today to talk over my all options Steve. It looks like the Koni Definition kit with a 40mm drop is the option for me. I'm planning on...

www.t6forum.com

 

[TheGrapeEscape]

My T6 Camper on 20" lv-2 and 30mm springs on standard shocks.

Only had a kitchen pod and rock n rock bed

 

[Curlynot]

What Leighton interior did you go with please? I liked the look of their "sports" front seats with the added foam and they felt really comfortable when I tried one but I haven't done anymore about it yet.

 

[George007]

What Leighton interior did you go with please? I liked the look of their "sports" front seats with the added foam and they felt really comfortable when I tried one but I haven't done anymore about it yet.
View attachment 249230

I went for the Bentley leather red stitching game changer. In my opinion. Sports seats look epic btw