Ride "quality" on unsealed roads

[greymad]

In the 4motion you have extra transfer case (bevel gearbox), drive shaft from it to the rear diff and 2 more drive shafts from the diff to the wheels; all that is missing on 2WD vans. This alone will make more noise.

The other thing to remember is that the insulation level from the factory could be different in the Multi and Caravelle.

Yep, I can see that could be the case, 'though I suspect there's more to it than just that.
I wonder if there's any possible way of comparing the spring rates between the various models?

[Transporter]

You could ring to the dealer and compare the part numbers?

[greymad]

You could ring to the dealer and compare the part numbers?

Thanks Miro ... I have to ask myself, though - why am I so cynical about $olitaire?
Maybe it's unjustified .. I'll give it a try when I take the van in for the EGR job in a week's time.
Thanks for the response.

[Seano]

Commercial versions have different spring sets from the Multivans. And each has different sets based on wheelbase. Toss on top of that the specialist spring sets for ambulance etc.

You only have to look at the VagCat to see the number of different options.

Add to that the simple fact that the commercial versions don't have anything like the sound proofing of the Multivan...and you have a recipe for a bit of noise.

As someone who belted his T4 over dirt roads for much of the first half of its life...I have some suggestions. Your shocks are probably useless...especially your front ones. Mine snuffed it after only 20,000km. The Konis have been there ever since.

Don't bother changing springs since anything else in the T5 won't cope with the weight of the camper. Aftermarket is an option though but its difficult to imagine how they'd help the ride.

Your tyre and wheel combo is a weak link that you probably can't fix given the size of the brake disc. 55 profile tyres on dirt roads are recipes for mediocrity...

Soundproofing is your other option - Dynamat will be your friend. If you can't hear it then it won't be a problem!!!

[greymad]

Commercial versions have different spring sets from the Multivans. And each has different sets based on wheelbase. Toss on top of that the specialist spring sets for ambulance etc.

You only have to look at the VagCat to see the number of different options.

Add to that the simple fact that the commercial versions don't have anything like the sound proofing of the Multivan...and you have a recipe for a bit of noise.

As someone who belted his T4 over dirt roads for much of the first half of its life...I have some suggestions. Your shocks are probably useless...especially your front ones. Mine snuffed it after only 20,000km. The Konis have been there ever since.

Don't bother changing springs since anything else in the T5 won't cope with the weight of the camper. Aftermarket is an option though but its difficult to imagine how they'd help the ride.

Your tyre and wheel combo is a weak link that you probably can't fix given the size of the brake disc. 55 profile tyres on dirt roads are recipes for mediocrity...

Soundproofing is your other option - Dynamat will be your friend. If you can't hear it then it won't be a problem!!!

I put the outfit on a weighbridge last w/end ... all up with driver/passenger & with full tanks both fuel & water it was 2650kg.
Agreed on the brake disc limitation of tyre choice, but I note that Bridgestone do ER300 215/60 R17 (96H) with rolling OD 690, the current 235/55's having OD of 695. A profile of 60 cf 55 isn't much, but it might just be that bit more cushioned. Comments?

[Seano]

They are almost the same in real terms...if anything the 60 profile is smaller in real terms hence the smaller rolling diameter.

Besides that a 96 load rated tyre has no business anywhere near a vehicle of your weight. I'd imagine it'd need to be more like a 103 load rating. Something like a 235/55R17 Continental VancoContact or GT Radial Champiro HPX - both have load ratings of 103 and a W speed rating.

If your current tyres have anything less than a 103 load rating then.....there's your problem.