The outbound unit is very well made but a little pricey
Pre birth of a camper - No laughing!
- Thread starter ianc
- Start date
The outbound unit is very well made but a little pricey
As some of you will recall, I've had a b it of a struggle with the handling of this machine and even when I reverted to the original wheels it was still only “Ok”. I have been toying with the idea (prevaricating) of putting airbags on the front to support the weak springs as they only have about 40mm of compression available.
On Friday I decided to chance a call to MB to see how much a new set of OE parabolic springs might run to. First answer was €450 per spring plus VAT. But then he said that had been in stock since 2008 and he'd let them go for €150 each. The springs were bought and collected within the hour and I started the fitment that evening.
One thing did bother me once I got the first one out of the van - They look like they have the same shape. I had expected to see a noticeable difference.
However when fitted I had nearly 120mm of compression available.
I had the second one in by lunchtime yesterday and took it for a spin on the same road I did the suspension movement videos a while ago. A marked improvement. I was able to boot along at 70kph without bottoming out or diving for the ditch.
I could still do with softening the rear up a bit (or add more weight
) But the handling is now in the happy zone at last.
On Friday I decided to chance a call to MB to see how much a new set of OE parabolic springs might run to. First answer was €450 per spring plus VAT. But then he said that had been in stock since 2008 and he'd let them go for €150 each. The springs were bought and collected within the hour and I started the fitment that evening.
One thing did bother me once I got the first one out of the van - They look like they have the same shape. I had expected to see a noticeable difference.
However when fitted I had nearly 120mm of compression available.
I had the second one in by lunchtime yesterday and took it for a spin on the same road I did the suspension movement videos a while ago. A marked improvement. I was able to boot along at 70kph without bottoming out or diving for the ditch.
I could still do with softening the rear up a bit (or add more weight
) But the handling is now in the happy zone at last.
Last edited:
docka
Adventurer
Glad to hear it's getting there.
Mine is still tight and springy on the rear, adding more weight definitely helps though as I found out when I helped some friends move house in mine a few years back before it was converted and just an empty panel van, the handling and ride was hugely better when filled to the brim with furniture and stuff.
Mine is still tight and springy on the rear, adding more weight definitely helps though as I found out when I helped some friends move house in mine a few years back before it was converted and just an empty panel van, the handling and ride was hugely better when filled to the brim with furniture and stuff.
Thanks Ian
I blame you for building such a great looking Machine and the hours I have spent reading your detailed process post LOL,
Still talking with the landlord so there is still hope two years from now we will be finished, not even sure what its worth being cut into a single cab now
Im just asking if anyone would be interested rather than for sale (at the moment)
Thanks Again for your Post and support Charlie
I blame you for building such a great looking Machine and the hours I have spent reading your detailed process post LOL,
Still talking with the landlord so there is still hope two years from now we will be finished, not even sure what its worth being cut into a single cab now
Im just asking if anyone would be interested rather than for sale (at the moment)
Thanks Again for your Post and support Charlie
Ian, nice truck very tidy work.
New to the forum have had plenty of campers but nothing this big. Just about to start on a build and read the thread with great interest.
Quick question for you. The material you used for the cabinetry and interior fit out looks great. What is it and where can it be found?
I'd be glad to hear it was available here locally. I'm not a million miles away from you. Based in Carlow so I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
Thanks,
Kevin
New to the forum have had plenty of campers but nothing this big. Just about to start on a build and read the thread with great interest.
Quick question for you. The material you used for the cabinetry and interior fit out looks great. What is it and where can it be found?
I'd be glad to hear it was available here locally. I'm not a million miles away from you. Based in Carlow so I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
Thanks,
Kevin
I don't think you can buy Marine Ply with a laminate already applied. I'll look for the company name in my file (not well kept!) who did the laminating for me.
I'm sure http://www.woodworkers.ie will also do it. This is a great company to have an account with when taking on a job like this
I'm sure http://www.woodworkers.ie will also do it. This is a great company to have an account with when taking on a job like this