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carol

We own a 2001 Hymer Starline 640 - and we found when going to Ireland early this year that the rear end hit the ground when getting on and off the ferry. This concerned us somewhat, no serious damage was done, but it is not a pleasant sound when sat inside when it happens.

When we returned, I asked on the motorhome-list on yahoogroups for people's comments and thoughts on the above system.

I had many emails both privately and on list, and everyone of these was in favour ot it.

We booked in having discussed it with John at the Bath & West Show in September and he explained that he thought our Mercedes chassis needed some extra something - don't ask me what they are - but newer chasis (last 12 months) don't need these, which bumped up the cost by £150.

BUT the situation has been that we have noticed a marked difference in its handling, and we are off in a few weeks to Europe and will be taking the ferry again, this should not now be a problem

I would recommend this system if you have a sagging rear end...

An extra benefit of this is also that you can let the air out of one side or the other to level up the motorhome to a certain extent, and then using a small compressor put the air back in to move off again and level up the motorhome.

Symondspeed are in Torquay and the main shops are only a 5/10 mins walk from the garage - so it is a nice spot to go to and the work takes only about 90mins - 2hrs. (I believe they also allow TB Turbos to do the work in Lancaster for those living up north). Also John will install at the shows he attends.

Carol

Anonymous

What exactly is this Carol - extra suspension? Is it very expensive?

carol

Hi Caz

Now fancy asking me WHAT it is? As far as I understand it, it is two large black rubber bags that you fill with air to get a better ride, if you go to the web site at

Anonymous

Thanks Carol, sorry was being a bit thick should have looked at website shouldn't I?

My problem with my motorcaravan is that the underslung water tank hits some speed bumps as it "grounds" going over, no matter how slow. Don't know if this type of system would help, will ask at my garage. May be it needs new somethings on the suspension anyway.

Thanks for the link.

webwobin

If your vehicle has a leaf spring each side at the back then an additional leaf each side is a far simpler way to stiffen up / raise the rear end. No question of any air leaks.

Try "Midland Springs" of this applies to you.

Our motorhome has an extended chassis. The spare wheel was left by the converter in its original position and the fresh water tank hung behind it right at the back. I have swapped them over moving weight forward considerably, the tank is now close to the axle.
The spare wheel is now quite accessible without crawling underneath the vehicle. I noticed with smug satisfaction that the converter now does the same with more recent models.

Phil905

Hi Caz, I have these fitted to my Swift, I find them very useful when I've got the motorbike on the back to pump them up a bit more to increase the ground clearance, especially getting on and off the ferries because the back end can easily 'ground' if it is too low. Definitely worth having.
Phil.

webwobin

I forgot to add, ours has two motorbikes on the back!!

Phil905

Hi WW, have you ever had your rear axle weighed when the van is fully loaded with the bikes on the back? I took mine in last week and with only one bike my back axle was on maximum, the rack overhang is 600mm and the bike weighs 105kg.
Phil.

webwobin

I,ve also shifted the batteries all the way to the front, directly behind the drivers seat and we only keep light weight gear under the bed and rear lockers. Bikes weigh 65 KG and 85 Kg.
But no, I have never tempted providence! But it looks OK as do the Michelin 225 R70C 8PR tyres.

Its a Sprinter 312.

Phil905

Hi again WW, unless the batteries are forward of the front axle that wont reduce the weight on the back axle. If you travel abroad much I suggest you get your weights checked as some countries are clamping down on overloaded vehicles. If you get stopped and are found to be overloaded you will not be allowed to carry on unless you leave the excess behind. I also know of at least 2 places in the UK where they are doing random weight checks.
Phil.