Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

Yesterday I travelled 30 miles to collect seven 3 x 2 paving slabs from a farm in N. Wales. I checked, they weigh around 1.5 hundredweight each, so I had over half a ton on the van floor (Hi-Top camper on good condition standard suspension).

Interestingly on the journey home (lots of windy, bumpy "B" roads) whilst you could obviously "feel" the extra weight on acceleration and braking, (but not to an extent worth any concern) I did notice the ride quality and general "feel" of the van was actually better than normal. The suspension was working much better over undulating surfaces and even in cornering. There was a more "controlled" feeling to it and less jolting over bumps etc.

Now I know these vans were designed as work horses and to carry heavy loads and an average camper conversion will weigh much less than even a half laden builders T25 van.

So, in the light of all this, it set me wondering if, on a camper van conversion, the standard springs and shocks are too stiff ? Maybe softer springs and shocks would actually improve ride and handling ? (the opposite to most suspension upgrades )

I know exactly what you mean - I carried one hell of a lot of old hand made roofing tiles and I liked the feel also. (Mind you I think I well over the weight limit )

When I was remaking the interior for The Bus I was still driving the empty van to and from work .... it wasn't half as nice to drive empty.

I can beat that! I had seven barrells of ASSORTED REAL ALES!!!!! Various sorts, including a Porter, and a couple of Strong Bitters.

She went beautifully and I got to drink some of them a few days later. Don't remember much after that but I do know that the ride was great and the steering actually felt LIGHTER??!!!

On a serious note I'm gagging to know more about this Electric Power Steering conversion. I have that system on my Vauxhall Combo Van (sorry to swear) and it feels just the same as any other hydraulic set up I've ever used but with much less install issues I would think.

It is a common conversion in the Competion/Rally car world, which is another one of my too many hobbies.