Fiat Ducato suspension

Posted on 26/08/2022 17:25 by JVB66

Not so different chassis  just upgraded for the later and even more so for the very latest

Posted on 26/08/2022 16:58 by KeefySher

We are looking toward a PVC (Adria Twin Sport / Malibu currently catch our eye) as we approach retirement and watch a fair few YouTube posters.  There appears a trend to change wheels and tyres from factory fitted to  alloy with all terrain tyres  that run at much lower pressures (IIRC 45psi) than the OEM set up at 65psi+. Said posters mention a better ride.

Posted on 25/08/2022 12:27 by Shandyhaggis

Dear all

Im hope your enjoying the holiday season and the good weather we've been having.  Apart from today! Its raining here but I wont complain as the garden needs it!

I have a fiat ducato (6.4 m) Globe Car PVC.  When I ordered it I ticked the box that offered a suspension upgrade. It wasn't an expensive option and I just thought it would be sensible given the weight of the vehicle being nearly 3.5t to have it.  

However its turing out to be very crashy and I wondered if anyone had any experience of the standard ducato suspension vs the uprated suspension. I was thinking of getting it converted back with the hope it gives a more comfortable ride?

I don't really want to go down the route of air suspension (although Im sure my wife would love the idea) but I'd be happy to hear your views / experience of various set ups.

Best

Andrew

Posted on 27/08/2022 09:39 by Shandyhaggis

thats interesting,  would you be able to post a link to the article?

Ive got winter M&S tyres fitted.  The van came like that so Im assuming its a standard ducato thing for the UK.

Posted on 27/08/2022 09:39 by Shandyhaggis

thats interesting,  would you be able to post a link to the article?

Ive got winter M&S tyres fitted.  The van came like that so Im assuming its a standard ducato thing for the UK.

Posted on 27/08/2022 10:07 by

Have you tried using the correct tyre pressure for the load, make and type?  If not I suggest you put the van into fighting trim, i.e. everything you would normally carry on board including passengers, a full tank of fresh water and 90% fuel.  Take it to a weighbridge and check its weight, front axle, back axle, and all.  Then contact the tyre manufacturer, give them the data and they will recommend the correct tyre pressures.  

With regard to air suspension we have an A class with VB_FullAir 4C.  I run the tyres at the pressure the manufacturer advised for the vehicle fully loaded.  In that configuration the ride is very comfortable but with the fuel tank below one third full and the freshwater tanks down to about one quarter it gets a bit harsh.  

PS.  No end of info on Motorhome Fun and with 55k or more member loads of very knowledgeable advice available.

Posted on 28/08/2022 08:54 by young thomas

Agree with DD, tyre pressures make a big difference. Our 2017 Ducato runs at 3500kg and I weighed both axles and asked/emailed Continental to recommend pressures. Here is the reply...

ContiVanco Camper 225/75 R16 (CP*) 116 R tyres.
 
Front Axle: 1600 Kg - 3.0 bar/ 43.5 psi (maximum weight for pressure given = 1730 kg)

Rear Axle: 1820 Kg - 3.75 bar/ 54.3 psi (maximum weight for pressure given = 1840 kg)

I've done a bit of experimenting and, for me, the best mix of ride comfort and handling falls at about 48 psi front and 60 psi rear.

Running any 3.5t van with pressures approaching 80 psi will seem rock hard.