Is There Something Wrong?

[Bobster1974]

We recently bought our 2016 Transporter Shuttle SE and can’t help noticing that it can be uncomfortable for passengers on short journeys as it seems to throw them around on tight corners. We’ve just driven over 1,300miles from Calais to South of France and back and it was amazingly comfortable on the motorways but something doesn’t feel right on short journeys around town...could it be tire pressure? Suspension?
Before we bought we tried a Caravelle but then opted for Shuttle as it gave us more room and flexibility with seating (we felt) but at the time didn’t feel any difference in drive comfort.
Are there any suspension differences in Shuttle and Caravelle? I would have thought they are the same?
Are we expecting too much out of essesntially ‘a van’ compared to our previous car (Touran)?
Your experience and advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Dave F]

We recently bought our 2016 Transporter Shuttle SE and can’t help noticing that it can be uncomfortable for passengers on short journeys as it seems to throw them around on tight corners. We’ve just driven over 1,300miles from Calais to South of France and back and it was amazingly comfortable on the motorways but something doesn’t feel right on short journeys around town...could it be tire pressure? Suspension?
Before we bought we tried a Caravelle but then opted for Shuttle as it gave us more room and flexibility with seating (we felt) but at the time didn’t feel any difference in drive comfort.
Are there any suspension differences in Shuttle and Caravelle? I would have thought they are the same?
Are we expecting too much out of essesntially ‘a van’ compared to our previous car (Touran)?
Your experience and advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

The caravelle could have the shorter springs in? If that is the case you will be riding 30mm higher. It made a big difference when I lowered our van. It’s a relatively cheep fix having them replaced.

 

[Dellmassive]

Lower/shorter springs normally means a firmer stiffer ride.

Tyre pressure will also effect the ride firmness. Lower pressure = softer ride.

Now the van is never going To feel as smooth and plush as your car......but suspension/tyres and pressure can be used to tweek the ride quality.


What I'm not sure of is why you seem to get a different ride on short or long journies...... I would expect a similar. (Warm tyres only increases tyre pressure by a bit)

 

[Pauly]

And if you got bench seat in the back then there’s no side cushioning/bolsters like a single seat that hold you in place

 

[Dave F]

Lower/shorter springs normally means a firmer stiffer ride.

Tyre pressure will also effect the ride firmness. Lower pressure = softer ride.

Now the van is never going To feel as smooth and plush as your car......but suspension/tyres and pressure can be used to twerk the ride quality.


What I'm not sure of is why you seem to get a different ride on short or long journies...... I would expect a similar. (Warm tyres only increases tyre pressure by a bit)

i

And if you got bench seat in the back then there’s no side cushioning/bolsters like a single seat that hold you in place

I found it really frustrating trying to find out the exact difference between each model of vans. They only tell you the main parts but nothing about insulation, sound proofing, carpets,. I found more out after I got it on this forum. I’ve been to France and when people look at my van I have told them they need to join this as you get so much help and ideas.

 

[BognorMotors]

Have you checked what suspension the shuttle has. They do a suspension upgrade for carrying the heavier weights, or used to, this would make it more of an issue round town.

 

[Dellmassive]

Have you checked what suspension the shuttle has. They do a suspension upgrade for carrying the heavier weights, or used to, this would make it more of an issue round town.

We had a T32 rear spring set fitted to a T30 a few years ago, to stop a rear sagging issue due to weight.

The difference was immediate and very noticeable making the rear very solid, you could feel every bump.

This eased off a bit as we reloaded the van and started to add the weight back in. After a few weeks of driving we had adjusted to the new feel.