Rough ride

[adamlfoster]

OK. Just to conclude this post.

On FB marketplace today I saw a guy about an hour away selling some 17" Cascavelle Alloys which were taken off a California with 235/55R17 103 tyres for just £280. Not the best condition but I figured it would be worth trying them out and I could always sell the 18inch ones they were replacing.

It was such a softer ride that. They don't look as good but its all about comfort these days (and it solves the issue that one pointed out on the fact that the other tyres were 101s so not fit for the load.

Thanks to eberyone who tool the time to help me out.

 

[temporarysecretary]

Glad you have managed to get it to your liking.

I would still measure your ride height as the van does look low in that picture.

My van has 20s and is lowered, it still looks like you have a smaller arch gap than me.

 

[adamlfoster]

Glad you have managed to get it to your liking.

I would still measure your ride height as the van does look low in that picture.

My van has 20s and is lowered, it still looks like you have a smaller arch gap than me.

Yeah. I have that worry. With the 17" on flat ground its 69cm from floor to wheel arch and 72cm at the front. Are these way off?

 

[adamlfoster]

Yeah. I have that worry. With the 17" on flat ground its 69cm from floor to wheel arch and 72cm at the front. Are these way off?

Or 38cm/40cm from centre of the wheel to the wheel arch.

 

[WelshGas]

Or 38cm/40cm from centre of the wheel to the wheel arch.

The front wheel arch is cut higher on the Transporter so measure to the horizontal body line.

 

[temporarysecretary]

Or 38cm/40cm from centre of the wheel to the wheel arch.

On my T6 it is 400mm from centre of wheel to top centre edge of the arch.

The advice I got from CRS performance is that this represents a 60mm drop. With standard being 460mm.

Assuming 6.1 is the same to me that confirms you are lowered and is worth looking at the suspension. If you can get some photos someone may be able to identify what's on there.

 

[adamlfoster]

Finally confirmed that it was lowered by the team at Welsh Coast Campers who did the leather upholstery as well. I've gone back to them to see if I cana find out how much by. Its reassuring to know that this was done professionally as opposed to an issue. I think its does look better but I guess that takes away that bit of smoothness over rough roads/pot holes etc.

 

[pchmlk]

It always amazes me that people have their camper vans lowered. I get it with something sporty.

 

[sidepod]

It always amazes me that people have their camper vans lowered. I get it with something sporty.

Simple aesthetics. The improvement in handling is pure placebo.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Simple aesthetics. The improvement in handling is pure placebo.

Now THAT's what I'm talkin 'bout.

 

[Kimbo]

Ah thanks guys. Do you think thats the reason for the rough ride though?
I'm going back to 17 inch Devonports I reckon

I changed to 18s from the Devonports and it definitely screwed up the ride, just don't want to go back cause the 18# look better and I would have to concoct another story to reverse the reason that I gave my wife for changing out the wheels to 18s

 

[Up10]

I suppose it's all about perspective. Our other car is an S3 with a suspension that allows you to feel every stone on the road.
Compared to that, the T6.1 with the 18" wheels and CC2s is as smooth as silk.
Just buy yourself a sporty car and you really won't notice the rough ride in the van!

 

[adamlfoster]

OK so just got back from collecting the van from the garage as I decided to get the original springs back on it. Here's what they did:

1. Front springs
2. Front shocks
3. Rear springs
4. Rear shocks
5. Rubber stops /bump stops etc
6. Oil service
7. Oil pressure swwitch (causing the EPC light to come on)
8. 4 new 17" all weather tyres that were 103v

The drive is so different. So comfortable and in my opinion the way it should be. Sure you don't get that lowered look but at my age its not what I'm after.

Cost me an arm and a leg but worth it.

 

[Alexlex85]

First dips if you are giving away the old parts

 

[willwander]

Refreshing to hear someone changing suspension for a soft, comfortable ride.

I also like silver wheels and quiet exhausts, I must be getting old.

 

[sidepod]

Refreshing to hear someone changing suspension for a soft, comfortable ride.

I also like silver wheels and quiet exhausts, I must be getting old.

You’ll be getting a caravan and sitting inside watching tv next?

 

[adamlfoster]

You’ll be getting a caravan and sitting inside watching tv next?

Don't. First car was a lowered xr2i with pepperpot alloys and now this: )

Talking of TV was just going to find out the best wifi router so I can use the laptop. Netgear nighthawk m3 is the one I've been recommended.

 

[Up10]

Don't. First car was a lowered xr2i with pepperpot alloys and now this: )

Talking of TV was just going to find out the best wifi router so I can use the laptop. Netgear nighthawk m3 is the one I've been recommended.

My husband uses an ipad with a ID mobile sim card. We are currently in Norway and he can watch i player and Netflix. His ID tarrif costs £10 per month (my phone costs £7 per month and we both get 30gb per month in Europe).
Alternatively, tether you laptop to your phone and use your phone as a Hotspot.
Just another couple of options!

 

[adamlfoster]

My husband uses an ipad with a ID mobile sim card. We are currently in Norway and he can watch i player and Netflix. His ID tarrif costs £10 per month (my phone costs £7 per month and we both get 30gb per month in Europe).
Alternatively, tether you laptop to your phone and use your phone as a Hotspot.
Just another couple of options!

Thanks. I use a laptop for work so will probably go for the router.

 

[FairyCakes230]

OK so just got back from collecting the van from the garage as I decided to get the original springs back on it. Here's what they did:

1. Front springs
2. Front shocks
3. Rear springs
4. Rear shocks
5. Rubber stops /bump stops etc
6. Oil service
7. Oil pressure swwitch (causing the EPC light to come on)
8. 4 new 17" all weather tyres that were 103v

The drive is so different. So comfortable and in my opinion the way it should be. Sure you don't get that lowered look but at my age its not what I'm after.

Cost me an arm and a leg but worth it.

I’m coming to this thread very late but wanted to say I’m so glad you got your van sorted and how you want it. I have spoken quite a few times to the owners at my local (brilliant) VAG specialist about suspension. They both have Transporters as it makes more sense for VAT, but rave about the ride on Caravelles and Californias so they talked me out of Swamper suspension and lift kits. Same with the local wheel guy and OEM wheels. If you ever do want to go back to 18”s I’ve just replaced the 17” Caracajacavals (or whatever their name is) on Michelin CC2 that my van came with for 18” Springfields on Conti All Seasons and the ride is still lovely, no difference in road noise either, but it looks incredible. Hope you’re having the best time with your beautiful California!

 

[Fass Dug]

Glad you have managed to get it to your liking.

I would still measure your ride height as the van does look low in that picture.

My van has 20s and is lowered, it still looks like you have a smaller arch gap than me.

What tyre are you running on your 20s out of interest?

 

[temporarysecretary]

What tyre are you running on your 20s out of interest?

245/45/20 so overall larger diameter than stock. With these fitted the speedo reads the same as a GPS rather than under reading by 10%.

Alot of wheel sellers will do bundles with 275/40/20 which is far too big and will rub inside the arches on full lock, if you go for 20s avoid that size.