Seeking Solutions for Drowsiness While Driving T6 California – Insights Needed!

Californication said:
What setup did you go with? (It probably can’t carry over to mine as I’m always with a lot of weight, curious nevertheless)
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Completed my electrics over the past few days, which meant I could fix down my furniture ready for the RIB. Almost complete!
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Probably best to talk to a suspension specialist, afaik Calis tend to be bit nose light. I have 2043 kg gross weight in registration, 4motion DSG.
 
Californication said:
Hey ShooglyStu,

That’s kind of been my guess although didn’t want to influence the discussion. I tried measuring dominant frequency but could not get reliable results using the app stated above. I’ll try to get some fresh numbers this weekend and see if I’m between the 4-8hz them seem to describe. Might just take some replacement shocks! Thanks!

Tom

EDIT: I’m talking about this study here. They’re talking about 4-8hz, which coincides with theta EEG brain waves, or light sleep.
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Interesting research. I used to occasionally get short periods of intense drowsiness when driving on longer journeys which I attributed to either an illness I have or the medication for it. Now that I think about it, I have not had any episodes since I sold the car (Passat), altho' I have not been on any long journeys in the T6 Transporter yet.
 
I can't imagine the stock VW suspension sending anyone to sleep, detach their retinas and give palpitations maybe?
This sounds more like the corrugated EGR pipe that leaks it's contents into the cab to tell you when it needs replacing, that might make you sleepy.
 
Just another thought. Tailgate / barn doors seal - check it’s tight everywhere. Seals can harden and deform, and your van is the same age as mine.

[Fully expecting you to say your part time job is maintaining tailgate seals on VWs :) ]
 
DaveD said:
When I bought my T6 I likened driving on twisty B Roads to being on a bouncy castle, a visit to @CRS Performance sorted that out.
I think it's worth speaking to such a suspension specialist, it might allow you to enjoy long drives again.
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My feeling exactly. Had original suspension on my standard height T32 LWB camper for 18 months but wallowing seemed progressively worse than originally. Beefier T32 set-up just wasn't up to the extra permanent weight distribution change. Took CRS advice, they sorted me back in July with Koni Actives and H&R ARB. What a difference! Almost 10k miles later and still a pleasure to enter and exit those roundabouts! Should have thanked you sooner Chris & Co. Well worth the upgrade imo.
 
I suspect you have exhaust leaking into your Cali and suggest you have it checked out.
 
Regardless of the soporific qualities your van is blessed with if you have the standard suspension fitted getting the Koni Special Active shocks fitted all round would make a massive difference to the ride quality handling of your van. It may also change the tendency to put you to sleep but if not you won't really have wasted your money as it will probably be a good selling point even you you decide to sell.
@CRS Performance did ours a few years ago and it is still one of he best value upgrades we made. I kept standard springs and just had the shocks changed but if you have a California with a saggy bottom its a chance to level it up as well.
I am sure you could get this done more locally than CRS and there is a lot of good info in the suspension threads.
 
Koni special active does sound good. They transformed my Abarth and remained comfortable. The bouncy castle feeling detached from the road I think is a large part of the issue.

Are these the right part numbers for Koni Special Active? They’re about 750euros, locally.
Front 8705-1392
Back 8205-1009

Bilstein B4 (OEM): 360euros.

Plus new bolts from dealer.
Plus proper alignment.



Does not look like too bad of a job.
Easier than the EGR with updated pipe.

Where may I find torque specifications?

Thanks for all the input, will report back.

Tom
 
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Californication said:
Are these the right part numbers?
Front 8705-1392
Back 8205-1009
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These are correct for T28/T30 and what I used in mine. T32 front shocks have have a different hub attachment. Check out weight plate from under the hood:

1708257330379.jpeg

Not sure about Koni parts for T32, I think I saw some 3rd party adapters being mentioned somewhere

Californication said:
I’ll have a look locally, first.
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Maybe you have a Koni factory outlet nearby! :laugh:
 
Sorry, unable to advise on the right part numbers, we had ours done proffesionally by @CRS Performance . But, If you are doing the job yourself you might find it needs strut top bearings and drop links while it's in bits.
The torque settings are pinned in a post early on in the VIP section of the forum and I can see your a VIP member so you should be able to find them no problem.
 
Farnorthsurfer said:
Sorry, unable to advise on the right part numbers, we had ours done proffesionally by @CRS Performance . But, If you are doing the job yourself you might find it needs strut top bearings and drop links while it's in bits.
The torque settings are pinned in a post early on in the VIP section of the forum and I can see your a VIP member so you should be able to find them no problem.
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Thanks! I’ll go have a look.
Was on the fence about the drop links but might as well. Strut bearings for sure and the best money can buy :)
I’ve got the tools and my buddy will let me use his lift in exchange for lunch.
Is dealership main place for single use bolts?
Strut tower iirc
The two brace/clamp ones
Hub

Part numbers are confirmed.
 
Sounds like your are ahead of the game.
Let us know if it keeps you awake when you get it back on the road :)
 
I have something similar when driving our Skoda Octavia. Anything over about 30 minutes and my ears are ringing when I get out and I feel like my head’s been in a washing machine.
I’ve put it down to some sort of ambient vibration or background noise frequency that I can’t actually hear. It doesn’t affect the wife at all.
When I used to borrow the Octavia to go to work I would sometimes put those little foam earplugs into my ears for the journey and that prevented the problem. Maybe confirming my noise frequency theory.
So……maybe worth popping some of those in nice and tight for your next journey. Only cost a few cents.

These things…
 
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Tinnitus, walking alongside a busy road and the tyre roar gets my ears hissing, not sure when the fashion for wide low profile tyres on cart wheels will fade but I'll probably be deaf by then. :unsure:
 
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