Technical Max weight and suspension types/upgrades

[Roadtonowhere]

Hi all,

Im looking to get some clarity on suspension types and the corresponding max weight for these vans.
I've got a 2009 3.0 liter, L2H2 van with a max weight of only 3000kg. On the typeplate it says front axle is rated at 1630kg, rear at 1650. Now, I have been looking at upgrading the suspension, and if needed the tyres and/or rims to possibly get up to 3500kg.

I suspected to have the single leaf spring in the rear as I have a 'light' van. But after inspection I sem to have the more heavy duty double leaf spring. On youtube there a plenty videos op people 'upgrading' theri single leaf suspention to a double one. The van also sits pretty high with plenty of room te spare under the bump stops and above the wheels.
On the front I cant make out what kind of suspention is installed. Is there a way to identify what suspention is curently on the van (front and rear) and for what axle loads it is rated?

Thanks!

 

[bugsymike]

Hi all,

Im looking to get some clarity on suspension types and the corresponding max weight for these vans.
I've got a 2009 3.0 liter, L2H2 van with a max weight of only 3000kg. On the typeplate it says front axle is rated at 1630kg, rear at 1650. Now, I have been looking at upgrading the suspension, and if needed the tyres and/or rims to possibly get up to 3500kg.

I suspected to have the single leaf spring in the rear as I have a 'light' van. But after inspection I sem to have the more heavy duty double leaf spring. On youtube there a plenty videos op people 'upgrading' theri single leaf suspention to a double one. The van also sits pretty high with plenty of room te spare under the bump stops and above the wheels.
On the front I cant make out what kind of suspention is installed. Is there a way to identify what suspention is curently on the van (front and rear) and for what axle loads it is rated?

Thanks!

The detail is usually on the chassis/Vin plate under the bonnet in most cases as you have found, so depending on the laws where you are, you may be required to upgrade brakes, wheels, tyres, etc. as well as the obvious springs, bump stops and notify insurance company etc.
So may not be straight forward.
What is the reason for the conversion?

 

[Roadtonowhere]

The detail is usually on the chassis/Vin plate under the bonnet in most cases as you have found, so depending on the laws where you are, you may be required to upgrade brakes, wheels, tyres, etc. as well as the obvious springs, bump stops and notify insurance company etc.
So may not be straight forward.
What is the reason for the conversion?

3000kg is quite low and it leaves not a lot of wiggle room for extra luggage. Its a self-coverted campervan now and with a fullt ank and 1 person it weights 2870kg. So guaranteed to go over with water/food/luggage on board.
On the plate is no info on the chassis type unfortunately. Maybe its the brakes but everything that I can see points to a much heavier chassis than 3000kg max...

 

[bugsymike]

3000kg is quite low and it leaves not a lot of wiggle room for extra luggage. Its a self-coverted campervan now and with a fullt ank and 1 person it weights 2870kg. So guaranteed to go over with water/food/luggage on board.
On the plate is no info on the chassis type unfortunately. Maybe its the brakes but everything that I can see points to a much heavier chassis than 3000kg max...

I agree not a lot of margin in weight capacity.
I have seen this on many camper vans and unlike normal work vans which generally carry a load and then are emptied , a camper van carries that load almost continuously, which does put more strain on the suspension.
The other problem with camper vans is a lot more of the weight is higher up, beds, awnings, roof rack with boxes etc. All these put more leverage when cornering adding to the strain on antiroll bars, springs and shock absorbers, unlike many work vans where the weight is lower down and more dense.
If you are unlikely to go much above the recommended limit, then I would just fit stronger rear springs.,
However the best but not cheapest alternative is a larger load capacity van which is made from the factory with suitable suspension,wheels , brakes etc.