Rear suspension upgrade, Fiat Ducato 3500Kg.

[Happy Jack]

Hi all. Did post about this a while ago but not got round to doing anything about it. Now ready.
My rear end is a little low and the single leaf springs have just a bit curve left on them.
Was going to get double springs from Sanderson springs to restore ride height and I didn't think this would result in being "oversprung", my reasoning being that now the van is fully loaded then extra springing will compensate but not compromise.
However, have been looking at semi air bags. Rubena type with 12v compressor and 2 lines for independent control, from Mar_Tech on fleabay.
Also been thinking of Sumo springs from Rhodes vans.
Prices are £375 for double springs, £469 for air; and £399 for Sumo.
Your comments much appreciated and also can better prices be found and where.
Will be getting weighbridged when I've done the upgade.
Happy Jack.

 

[Landy Andy]

Fitted air assist to mine and can raise the rear by 100mm if required and at 2.5bar 50mm which is where I tend to run it. Simple fit, easy to adjust from drivers seat.

 

[Bobby-gg]

Air, and you just missed out on a set of dirt cheap bags on here recently!

But, I wouldn't bother with on board compressor, I use a £5 emergency tyre compressor for how often I adjust mine

 

[Happy Jack]

Air, and you just missed out on a set of dirt cheap bags on here recently!

But, I wouldn't bother with on board compressor, I use a £5 emergency tyre compressor for how often I adjust mine

hi Bobby. Have got a battery operated compressor for tyres so it might be worth looking at air without the on board compressor, will save money and space.

 

[Bobby-gg]

hi Bobby. Have got a battery operated compressor for tyres so it might be worth looking at air without the on board compressor, will save money and space.

Yup, I occasionally dump air to help level if required, and I've the emergency compressor, or occasionally, I'll pack my dewalt cordless inflator, just takes seconds to pump them up.
I've actually got a spare airtank, 12v on board compressor, and a 4 way 12v valve block to fit if required, but I've never found the need to so far

 

[Orion]

Air, and you just missed out on a set of dirt cheap bags on here recently!

But, I wouldn't bother with on board compressor, I use a £5 emergency tyre compressor for how often I adjust mine

Yes, as above. Combined inflation valves and gauges panel fitted in the rear storage/garage so only a short run from the bags. Using my Milwaukee battery inflator to adjust the pressure - infrequently, as after experimenting they sit at just under 3bar for best ride etc.

 

[Cush]

Have fitted rear yellow sumo. Not had the chance to do big trip yet but felt improved on short run. Lift by about an inch. Not adjustable like bags. Maintenance free. Easy day fit. Will feed back again mid august.

 

[Mikeco]

Fitted Dunlop ones a few years ago which have been good, if you fit them you need to tell your insurance company.

 

[Guigsy]

I had airbags on the rear of my last van. The volumes and pressures required are tiny. Didn't bother with a compressor. I just used a micro bike pump to adjust them.

 

[Happy Jack]

Has anyone fitted both double springs AND airbags.
My thoughts are that if the springs are at their limit at the mo, then double ones will do the job the originals did and air bags as well would perhaps give better ride and the advantage of adjustability when needed.

 

[TheBig1]

airbags are great to remove any rocking as you overtake HGVsand coaches, but the extra leafspring is a better solution to over stressed suspension

 

[Orion]

I’d suggest you get the fully laden van on the weighbridge before you decide on the spring/airbag options. Reason being that if you are marginal or overweight then you’re likely to go with the rear air to achieve a weight increase anyway. Weigh it and then consult with Dee at VWE for the best way forward.

 

[Happy Jack]

I’d suggest you get the fully laden van on the weighbridge before you decide on the spring/airbag options. Reason being that if you are marginal or overweight then you’re likely to go with the rear air to achieve a weight increase anyway. Weigh it and then consult with Dee at VWE for the best way forward.

hi Orion tried searching for VWE, not finding it.
Also, would have thought double springs would achieve weight increase also?

 

[Orion]

Van Weight Engineering

Best ask them before splashing out.

 

[Happy Jack]

Van Weight Engineering

Best ask them before splashing out.

OK Orion, will do.

 

[roadwarrior]

Having now done 4 MH's 3 with air and one spring it's worth mentioning that while a spring upgrade will do the job it isn't recognised by the DVLA and won't legally increase your load capacity and Svtech are not licenced to do the paperwork on it. One of those strange but true things eh. So while it will do the job as you would expect it's not an upweight. I used Dunlop bags as it's a known and constant but you can get any amount of different makes and capacity. As stated you can get an onboard compressor but it adds weight remember! And as many have said you don't need to blow it up very often and can be easily blown up by a very baby tyre inflator very quickly. You can fit the valve on the dash or slung under the van as the cheapest option.

 

[Happy Jack]

Having now done 4 MH's 3 with air and one spring it's worth mentioning that while a spring upgrade will do the job it isn't recognised by the DVLA and won't legally increase your load capacity and Svtech are not licenced to do the paperwork on it. One of those strange but true things eh. So while it will do the job as you would expect it's not an upweight. I used Dunlop bags as it's a known and constant but you can get any amount of different makes and capacity. As stated you can get an onboard compressor but it adds weight remember! And as many have said you don't need to blow it up very often and can be easily blown up by a very baby tyre inflator very quickly. You can fit the valve on the dash or slung under the van as the cheapest option.

Hi Roadwarrior. Not really wanting or need weight upgrade.
I should have said that double springs would support the weight, as the single spring has very little "bow" left.
Van is probably fully loaded, but as the underbed "garage" has no extra room other than what we normally take, then as long as we are not overweight then all is ok.
Anyway, have now received Sanderson double springs last Tuesday and fitted them on same day.
Yet to take it out for a run, if it's oversprung, will have to think again. Maybe back to single spring and air or helper coil spring.
The possible mod below depends on the results of the run out.
Van is now 100mms higher at the back. Front is now too low !!!
Now looking at KYB struts and Kilen 12205 coil springs for the front. Also KYB shocks for the back.
Will have to get off to a weighbridge.
Happy Jack.

 

[roadwarrior]

you need to to take it to be weighed - take it with a full tank of fuel and no water with wife/kids/dog aboard whatever you usually go with ( water is a kilo a litre) clothes and food are heavier than you think too !double springs are double heavy grins - and yes i did that too first time out - bum high - front isnt too low trust me, but i went back to single spring too - ask them to weigh front and back and total - my guess is you will get a big surprise

 

[Happy Jack]

you need to to take it to be weighed - take it with a full tank of fuel and no water with wife/kids/dog aboard whatever you usually go with ( water is a kilo a litre) clothes and food are heavier than you think too !double springs are double heavy grins - and yes i did that too first time out - bum high - front isnt too low trust me, but i went back to single spring too - ask them to weigh front and back and total - my guess is you will get a big surprise

Yes, We will take it fully loaded.
It is low at front compared to back. Defo. See photos.
Happy Jack.

 

[roadwarrior]

Incase I wasn't clear you need to get it weighed BEFORE you make any alterations but your idea of kyb shocks is a good one. On their own will make a big difference to stability and passing trucks.

 

[Cush]

Have fitted rear yellow sumo. Not had the chance to do big trip yet but felt improved on short run. Lift by about an inch. Not adjustable like bags. Maintenance free. Easy day fit. Will feed back again mid august.

Happy with the difference. Less wallow on corners / roundabouts and with hgv passing on motorway. potholes still rattle your teeth though.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Happy with the difference. Less wallow on corners / roundabouts and with hgv passing on motorway. potholes still rattle your teeth though.

What tyre's are you using at what pressure's ? That has a huge bearing on the ride quality.
Mike.

 

[Cush]

Just back from longer trip. Happy with the difference they made. Can’t offer a comparison to air assist though.

 

[Happy Jack]

you need to to take it to be weighed - take it with a full tank of fuel and no water with wife/kids/dog aboard whatever you usually go with ( water is a kilo a litre) clothes and food are heavier than you think too !double springs are double heavy grins - and yes i did that too first time out - bum high - front isnt too low trust me, but i went back to single spring too - ask them to weigh front and back and total - my guess is you will get a big surprise

Hi Roadwarrior.
Have taken it for weighing.
Gross is 3120Kg. Front axle is 1620Kg, rear is 1500Kg.
Got it done at Gateshead weighbridge which can do both axles.
Had nearly full tank diesel, 3/4 tank fresh water, 20l grey water.
Also had all our clothes, dry goods, fridge/freezer full, and all other paraphernalia. (Camping table and chairs, windbreaker etc ,etc,beer,beer,beer). Oh and the better half. Everything we normally travel with. Don't normally travel with much water though.
Are those axle weight distributions OK ?

 

[PDrill]

We had the 'airbags' on our previous. Didn't want to pay for the whole set with compressor and it was all good after I found the correct pressure and just checked it every now and then. The next one will have assisting coil springs, don't see the need for anything more complicated.

 

[Billy192]

I put yellow sumos on my last van and semi air on the van before that. i found the sumos very harsh after all they are just big bump stops removed. the semi air was very good. and adjustable. i also used it to raise the rear to help with levelling.

Billy