Help with ride improvement options please

[Bob Turner]

Hi All,
I have a 2017 T6 highline T30. It has been converted to a camper with Reimo pop top, Reimo sliding seat bed/rails/floor(more weight) and the common driver side furniture installation through to the tailgate. I believe this adds 400-450kgs overall. However, given the van has a 1000kg payload I was surprised how much it sits down at the rear. It is the ride rather than looks that I would like to improve though. The effect of the extra weight seems to be much more roll in corners, and the increased rise/fall over road bumps at the rear axle seems to cause the front seats to rock forwards/backwards which is not that comfortable. It is these ride issues that I would like to improve.
I want to improve ride/function not looks, and ground clearance is very useful to me, so I would not want any mods to greatly reduce ride height.
It has been suggested to me that fitting California rear springs would improve things (I dont know how else the California suspension differs from a T30, which might be useful to know?).

I would be very grateful for ideas on how to improve the above and for feedback on experience folks have had from tackling the same problems.

Thanks Bob

 

[Ed Webb]

Firstly I'd say read through here:

Back Heavy and Poor Traction

I have a T30 Highline SWB 150DSG Panel Van which has been prefessionally converted to a full blown camper. In addition I carry 3 bikes (about 40Kg) on a rear door mounted rack and tow a boat trailer with around 30Kg of down force. With this set up a large proportion of the weight is...

www.t6forum.com

This will possibly explain your issue and show that actually even the california can suffer with rear spring issues.
The search button is also your friend on this occasion, this question has been asked many time and may have a similar setup to yourself.
The two main suspension traders on the forum are @CRS Performance @BognorMotors and both will give you advice.
I personally have recently had some suspension work done by @CRS Performance I went with Steve based on his approach that everyone's van is different, has different uses and the owners want different things from their vans. He sits down with you to discuss all this and will recommend products based on your personal requirements. A quick search will bring up countless positive reviews for him.
@BognorMotors also come well reviewed on here.

 

[Skyliner33]

I would have a chat with @CRS Performance or @BognorMotors

 

[Paynewright]

I had suspension work done by Steve @CRS Performance and am really pleased with the outcome. I’d happily use @BognorMotors but it came down to location.

 

[Bob Turner]

Thanks both for the replies. I will have a good read through.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi All,
I have a 2017 T6 highline T30. It has been converted to a camper with Reimo pop top, Reimo sliding seat bed/rails/floor(more weight) and the common driver side furniture installation through to the tailgate. I believe this adds 400-450kgs overall. However, given the van has a 1000kg payload I was surprised how much it sits down at the rear. It is the ride rather than looks that I would like to improve though. The effect of the extra weight seems to be much more roll in corners, and the increased rise/fall over road bumps at the rear axle seems to cause the front seats to rock forwards/backwards which is not that comfortable. It is these ride issues that I would like to improve.
I want to improve ride/function not looks, and ground clearance is very useful to me, so I would not want any mods to greatly reduce ride height.
It has been suggested to me that fitting California rear springs would improve things (I dont know how else the California suspension differs from a T30, which might be useful to know?).

I would be very grateful for ideas on how to improve the above and for feedback on experience folks have had from tackling the same problems.

Thanks Bob

Bob , this is a classic problem , Ills send you a few suggestions to consider based on what you have detailed in the thread

 

[Markgf]

Hi Bob. I have a similar issue to you, and many other ‘camper’ owners. However my issue, is at the other end of the ‘leisure’ scale. I have racking along the off side, with tools/spares etc. Sometimes fresh air on the near side. I am looking at adjustable springs to try to level up the rear end. However, I believe they are lowered versions. Also, I eat through front near side tyres, which I can only put down to the imbalance at the back, as I’m not a kerb-whacked.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi Bob. I have a similar issue to you, and many other ‘camper’ owners. However my issue, is at the other end of the ‘leisure’ scale. I have racking along the off side, with tools/spares etc. Sometimes fresh air on the near side. I am looking at adjustable springs to try to level up the rear end. However, I believe they are lowered versions. Also, I eat through front near side tyres, which I can only put down to the imbalance at the back, as I’m not a kerb-whacked.

I have sent a message to Bob offering some sensible solutions , i can send them to you as well if you wish ?

 

[Markgf]

Yep, that would be a great help, thanks