Improving ride comfort on MWB Fiat Ducato suspension

[DucatoMan2]

I did, both at the same time so I can't comment on the effects, though I have seen reports the front is marginal compared to the rear. I could say the Sumos made a bigger difference than the switch from Conti camper tyres to Mich van Crossclimates. It was the Sumos that 'stopped the banging' over large bumps. The tyres I think really only improve compliance over surface unevenness. But since I'd been been stranded on wet grass with the Contis I wanted to swap anyhow. (Witth trailer, incidentally unlike a farmer Club sites can't help so you're on you're own if that happens. In future I'll have a good check before driving where told, an expensive mistake).

 

[Graham Mew]

Anyone upgraded their front and rear suspension? We have a MWB Fiat Ducato 2015 we had Dunlop air bags fitted in 2017 they didn’t seem to make much difference to the ride.
we would be interested to know if anyone’s changed their springs or other parts to make the ride more comfortable?.
we only have one leaf spring fitted.

That’s why I spent 3 years on researching before buying our vehicle and dis

I did, both at the same time so I can't comment on the effects, though I have seen reports the front is marginal compared to the rear. I could say the Sumos made a bigger difference than the switch from Conti camper tyres to Mich van Crossclimates. It was the Sumos that 'stopped the banging' over large bumps. The tyres I think really only improve compliance over surface unevenness. But since I'd been been stranded on wet grass with the Contis I wanted to swap anyhow. (Witth trailer, incidentally unlike a farmer Club sites can't help so you're on your own if that happens. In future I'll have a good check before driving where told, an expensive mistake).

Thats why I spent 3 years researching before purchasing, hence, decided on a Crafter to match the ride of a car. Let’s face it the use is for pleasure not a working vehicle. It drives/ride beautifully.

 

[Peppadog]

I’ve changed from 15” to 16” wheels on my Ducato 6m van conversion. Fitted Falken Wildpeak tyres plus a rack for my 130kg scooter. Then added Air ride (Dunlop I think) air at the rear. The latter bought as an unfitted kit in our classifieds. Now that I’ve got the pressure set at 3 bar, and the tyres at 60/65 psi, it rides much better than before. The ride height is up about 70mm, which is ideal when the scooter is on the back. With the van fully loaded, it is just about on the max axle weight and the gross vehicle weight (3500kgs).

From memory, the alloy wheels and tyres were about £1100. The Brink tow bar and electrics about £400 and the AirRide kit about £300. I already had the Watling scooter rack from our previous Hymer. Not a big spend for such changes.

It still doesn’t ride as well as my LR Discovery 4 with its standard full air suspension. But not many vehicles do. But its much more comfortable than when we bought it, and high enough to avoid dragging the rack on a ferry or similar.

 

[tinkertaylor]

The hardest part when fitting the rear air suspension is removing the bump stops mounting brackets (mine broke the weld on the nut holding them in and had to be ground off) which would have to be removed to fit sumos.

Sumos also bounce when they are bottomed out, like a bouncy ball. If your going to the trouble to fit sumos you may as well fit air bags IMHO. Fully adjustable, if you fit uprated (double springs) on the back then you have to raise the front as well to keep thing level. Air bags all the way for me.

 

[bigtree]

I’ve changed to full VB air but beforehand the van had VB air springs fitted on the front, I found the ride very comfortable compared to what others said about how their Ducato felt. Anyway I have them for sale if anyone is interested, they are in the classified section or message me.
From a ‘21 year which I think does from 2014, only driven for around 1500 miles before changing.

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[DucatoMan2]

That’s why I spent 3 years on researching before buying our vehicle and dis

Thats why I spent 3 years researching before purchasing, hence, decided on a Crafter to match the ride of a car. Let’s face it the use is for pleasure not a working vehicle. It drives/ride beautifully.

I don't think it takes 3 years research to determine the VW is a cut above the Fiat.
There's must have been some reason I went for the Fiat..... now what was it
Although seriously there is also more choice of layout with Fiat, which is another important factor.

 

[Jewellbags]

Totally agree, ours is a 7m Chausson and the stability and reduction in roll at 2.5-3 for most roads is brilliant, up to 4 in fast roads with bad crosswinds. Dropping one side is helpful for levelling without chocks too

Have to agree , makes a noticeable difference on the twisties and in the wind