Suspension recommendation for campervan.

[Jon]

@pats it would handle like a 2.7 ton go kart I suspect !
In all seriousness if I was carrying that sort of weight all time it would look wicked but a very firm drive imo.
If it were me I would try dealer springs first as mine tracked up perfectly it was just too hard on the rear for me and my use.
With that weight in the back I would have tried the anti roll bars first, before investing in coil overs.
My experience is limited to a 64 plate T30 SWB Highline on 40mm springs and 18" wheels but that was perfect till the day I sold it.

 

[Dave F]

Hi guys, I thought I would stick my size 11 into the fore as I have just recently done similar.
Mine is a SWB 204 DSG so sits a bit lower on the front compared to some I have seen.
I had the dealer put on the 30mm Eibach lowering springs from new, however as I rarely have any weight in the back of real note I found the rear to be quite crashy and harsh so this was a complete waste of money. (as soon as I clean them I will have them on the for sale section)
So at just over 5000 miles I went all out and had B14's and H&R ARB's installed at the same time,
Well the difference is quite something although firm it just seems to be on a different level, only to be described as a 2.2 ton go kart.
The b14 have been set to there lowest setting, also the arbs to their stiffest setting this had to be done as I now know what its like set to the extreme (haha love it)
Having done about 1000 miles since with just about all driving scenarios covered I am considering perhaps raising it 10mm all round to see what its like.
I have the factory mud flaps on and they drag on the floor a lot going into drives etc but no issues with speed bumps although I am quite careful anyway.
I also have an aftermarket QB Carbon front splitter this also just seems to go over a standard kerb stone without causing any issues and never caught anything.
So I would say money well spent as I use her as a car and now she drives like it !
That said this has unearthed more annoying rattles I have yet to pin down but these vans always seem to be an on going project.
I am still on the standard 17" wheels and tyres that require 50+ psi so I am sure some 18" sportlines with sensible pressures will also help with the drive.
Early on I put her on 35mm rear and 25mm front H&R spacers to enhance the look, this made no difference to the handling by the way.
I hope this helps as this is a big investment of anyone's hard earned cash,
The below picture is as above on a pretty much flat car park. Jon
View attachment 16501

Looks good how much did that cost you if you don't mind me asking.

 

[pats]

@pats it would handle like a 2.7 ton go kart I suspect !
In all seriousness if I was carrying that sort of weight all time it would look wicked but a very firm drive imo.
If it were me I would try dealer springs first as mine tracked up perfectly it was just too hard on the rear for me and my use.
With that weight in the back I would have tried the anti roll bars first, before investing in coil overs.
My experience is limited to a 64 plate T30 SWB Highline on 40mm springs and 18" wheels but that was perfect till the day I sold it.

cheers @Jon I use it every day and do long motorway trips every other week. I don't want a hard ride but would be great to get it to handle a bit better and not roll quite so much

 

[Jon]

Looks good how much did that cost you if you don't mind me asking.

The Coil overs were £1100 fitted and anti roll bars £500. fitted.
I gained no additional discount for getting all done at once just thought I might as well go the whole hog !

 

[Dave F]

The Coil overs were £1100 fitted and anti roll bars £500. fitted.
I gained no additional discount for getting all done at once just thought I might as well go the whole hog !

I will start to convince my wife that this is something that we need !!

 

[Flashollie]

@pats it would handle like a 2.7 ton go kart I suspect !
In all seriousness if I was carrying that sort of weight all time it would look wicked but a very firm drive imo.
If it were me I would try dealer springs first as mine tracked up perfectly it was just too hard on the rear for me and my use.
With that weight in the back I would have tried the anti roll bars first, before investing in coil overs.
My experience is limited to a 64 plate T30 SWB Highline on 40mm springs and 18" wheels but that was perfect till the day I sold it.

The Coil overs were £1100 fitted and anti roll bars £500. fitted.
I gained no additional discount for getting all done at once just thought I might as well go the whole hog !

Ok cool. So no added £ saving in having both jobs done separately. But ARB appear to have the greatest impact on handling? So I'm thinking I'll get the conversion, ARBs and 18" sportlines done at same time then decide on the B14s if want a drop and it still to bouncy and wallowly

 

[Martbspike]

I have a 2 month old T30 dsg Edition’ kombi. Really pleased with the vehicle except it sits really high on the suspension. That being said it handles surprisingly well, and feels silky smooth compared to the T5 camper it replaced.
I am thinking of having the dealer fit vw lowering springs. I know it’s not a huge drop, but I’ve been told it’s the only way to go to maintain the warranty.
I am never going to carry a huge load. I will tow with it, which puts about 70 kg on the tow hitch. Apart from that I don’t imagine any more than a 100kg of load, and most of the time it will be empty.

Are the lowered springs stiffer and do they affect road noise? Is there any noticeable increase in noise? From what I’ve read it’s a sensible conversion. I guess I am most concerned that I could potentially ruin something that is already pretty good, albeit it looks a little awkward on the road.
Any advice appreciated.

 

[Fish]

Always good to have a warranty backup, and if thats via main dealer then great..however, if you out sourced the work due to cost then VW would have to prove your mod caused the warranty rejection, if there was one.

As for noise, can't imagine it would create more as most come from tyre-to-road contact..

lowering centre of gravity can only improve handling.

 

[Martbspike]

Always good to have a warranty backup, and if thats via main dealer then great..however, if you out sourced the work due to cost then VW would have to prove your mod caused the warranty rejection, if there was one.

As for noise, can't imagine it would create more as most come from tyre-to-road contact..

lowering centre of gravity can only improve handling.

Thanks for the reply. I’ve booked it in at vw dealer to be done in 2 weeks. £450 which I don’t think is too bad.

 

[Martbspike]

Thanks for the reply. I’ve booked it in at vw dealer to be done in 2 weeks. £450 which I don’t think is too bad.

Van has now been lowered. Still very smooth and no extra noise. Marginally stiffer and reduced wallow. Having measured the ride height before and after, the lowering has come out at 40mm on the front and 30mm at the back. The van looks in better proportion.

 

[362bkr]

Can we see it ? Please ?

 

[Wheelz]

That’s really interesting and helpful as I have the standard ride height and find it wallows a lot and leaves me feeling quite sick which I’ve never encountered before but this is my first van!!

Do you find the handling much better?

At £450 that seems very reasonable as well!!

Before and after photos would be great to see.

Cheers

 

[Martbspike]

Posted 2 pictures. The measuring stick marks are where the ride height used to be before the work.

There is a lot less wallow. You notice it most on roundabouts. Its stiffer but the ride has stayed smooth. It looks a lot better kerbside as well.
The important thing for me was that I didn't ruin what was already a good van. Very pleased with the way this has turned out.

I am thinking I may fit wheel spacers now to improve the look a bit more. Not sure yet and I don't know how to get long enough locking wheel nuts.
I should probably spend a bit more time driving it and less time tinkering!

 

[Wheelz]

Thanks a lot, that’s really helpful. I certainly need to get rid of the “wallowing “and stiffness and right height seems the most sensible way of dealing with this. Would love some 18 inch staggered wheels but need to look at the budget. Hey Ho!

 

[Jongall]

hi guys,
Need advise on to what suspension. Obviously want b14s but the boss said (the wife) I’m not allowed yet.
My local garage is quoting today but want to know what people suggest. Was looking at H&r 50mm springs and standard shocks for now. It’s on standard 17inch davernports atm but looking to upgrade to 18 or 19’s.
It’s a lwb t32 shuttle 2016.

Any help will be appreciated.
Pic is my bus currently.
Cheers

 

[Davenjo]

To my eye, your van looks great as it is. If you are set on B14s why not hold fire until you get the budgetary approval from the boss rather than spending on an interim setup?

 

[Sjacko20]

There have been plenty of instances where people have ended up swapping out cheaper alternatives to go B14s. Really depends what you want from your van, looks, ride, handling etc. I would highly recommend seeing if you have any local members with different set ups to experience as everyone’s idea of ride quality varies.

 

[Jongall]

To my eye, your van looks great as it is. If you are set on B14s why not hold fire until you get the budgetary approval from the boss rather than spending on an interim setup?

I’m not set on b14s but that’s just going from this forum although with a house extension etc might be a while. Want it to not be so boat like and quite like the lowered look although not too low

 

[Jongall]

There have been plenty of instances where people have ended up swapping out cheaper alternatives to go B14s. Really depends what you want from your van, looks, ride, handling etc. I would highly recommend seeing if you have any local members with different set ups to experience as everyone’s idea of ride quality varies.

I’m near Stratford-upon-Avon if anyone with a t32 set up is local

 

[StudleyGlass]

I’m near Stratford-upon-Avon if anyone with a t32 set up is local

I am 20 mins from you. I have B14s with H&R anti roll bars (T32) fitted. Your welcome to call in anytime 8-5 weekdays