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Owl Sprinter Vans Tech Series: Suspension

Let's talk about suspension: why you need it for your Sprinter van, Revel, or Storyteller and how it makes such a huge difference for overland vans. 

 

 

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The video provides an in-depth exploration of suspension systems for adventure vans, emphasizing how modern suspension upgrades significantly enhance ride quality, especially for off-road use. It begins by explaining the limitations of factory suspension setups, which are designed for empty cargo vans and thus poorly suited for heavily built-out vans weighing 8,000 to 10,000 pounds. The video dives into the importance of adding spring rate and upgrading shocks to improve handling and ride comfort. It compares traditional leaf springs, coilovers, and advanced suspension options like those from Van Compass and King, highlighting their features and benefits. The discussion includes the role of shock fluid volume and cooling in preventing shock fade during intense use, as well as the advantages of adjustable shocks for switching between on-road firmness and off-road compliance. Different suspension components, such as Opti Leaf packs, piggyback reservoirs, and double shear brackets, are explained with visual examples. The video concludes by reaffirming that regardless of the brand chosen, upgrading suspension systems transforms the driving experience by improving stability, comfort, and off-road capability.

Highlights

  •  Factory van suspensions are designed for empty vans and perform poorly when the van is heavily loaded.
  •  Upgrading springs and shocks increases spring rate and significantly improves ride quality and handling.
  •  Larger shock bodies and remote reservoirs help keep shock fluid cooler, reducing shock fade during off-road use.
  •  Adjustable shocks allow switching between firm on-road and compliant off-road settings for optimal performance.
  •  Leaf springs are cost-effective but less performant compared to coilover setups that provide better ride and adjustability.
  •  Van Compass and King suspensions offer high-quality, customizable options with distinct design philosophies.
  •  Suspension upgrades not only improve performance but can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of adventure vans.

Key Insights

  •  Undersprung Factory Vans Limit Load Capacity and Ride Quality: Factory suspensions are optimized for empty or lightly loaded vans, resulting in poor ride quality once the van is fully built out with heavy gear. This causes the vehicle to ride on bump stops, leading to harsh, unstable rides. Upgrading spring rates is essential to accommodate the increased weight and maintain ride comfort and control. This insight underscores the necessity of suspension modifications for any serious adventure van build.

  •  Leaf Springs vs. Coilovers: Balancing Tradition and Performance: Leaf springs, especially on the rear solid axle of Sprinter vans, offer a simple and cost-effective suspension solution. However, their performance pales in comparison to coilovers, which allow for finer tuning, adjustability, and improved compliance. Coilovers work alongside leaf springs to add spring rate and improve handling. This comparison illustrates the trade-off between cost and performance, guiding buyers on what to prioritize based on their use case.

  •  Shock Fluid Volume and Cooling Are Critical for Suspension Longevity: The analogy of a radiator cooling engine water highlights how shock fluid volume affects performance. Larger shocks with piggyback or remote reservoirs hold more fluid, which dissipates heat better and prevents fluid degradation. This reduces shock fade — a common problem when driving on rough terrain at speed — thus preserving damping performance and extending shock life. This technical understanding is vital for off-road enthusiasts planning extended or aggressive driving.

  •  Adjustability in Suspension Is Key for Versatility: Road and off-road driving demand opposite suspension characteristics. On-road, drivers prefer stiff, tightly valved shocks to reduce body roll and improve stability, while off-road requires softer settings to maintain tire contact and absorb rough terrain. Adjustable shocks enable users to toggle between these modes, providing optimal performance in both environments without compromise. This flexibility is a significant value proposition for adventure vans that operate in mixed conditions.

  •  Front vs. Rear Suspension Requirements Differ Due to Weight Distribution: The van’s front end, housing the engine and transmission, carries much of the vehicle’s original weight and thus requires minimal spring rate increase. The rear, burdened by additional gear and modifications, demands much stiffer springs. Over-springing the front can cause a harsh ride and mechanical failures, such as blown shock mounts. This insight highlights the necessity of a balanced suspension setup tailored to the vehicle’s weight distribution for both durability and ride comfort.

  •  Design Innovations Improve Suspension Durability and Performance: Features like double shear shock brackets provide more robust mounting points to prevent failure, a common issue with factory suspension systems. Similarly, bump stops and helper springs (like the Opti Leaf) progressively engage as weight increases, preventing harsh bottoming out and improving ride smoothness. These engineering improvements show how aftermarket suspension kits address weak points in factory designs to enhance reliability and comfort.

  •  Brand Choices Reflect Different Approaches to Suspension Tuning and Customization: Van Compass and King offer distinct but equally effective suspension upgrades. King’s coilover and rally strut designs focus on performance with large piston shocks and sophisticated adjusters, including micro-adjustments. Van Compass offers modular builds, allowing users to upgrade part-by-part. Understanding these brand philosophies helps consumers make informed decisions aligned with their specific adventure needs and budgets.

In summary, the video comprehensively covers why and how suspension upgrades are crucial for adventure vans, detailing technical aspects and practical benefits. It educates viewers on the components, functions, and options available, empowering them to make better choices for their off-road and on-road adventures.