Added Spring Assist Kit to the Sprinter

[TheFitRV_James]

Hey all -

I've been obsessed with improving the handling of our Sprinter based Class B. I recently installed the Timbren SES kit on the front, which helped. But even with this, and the Koni shocks, and the stock rear sway bar, I still had significant problems with crosswinds.

So - based on some of the recommendations I got from members here, I called Upscale Automotive and ordered their Rear Spring Assist Kit for our 2003 Sprinter. This turned out to be tremendously helpful. Thanks to those on this forum that pointed me there.

There's a full review with pictures and such which I've posted (link below), but in short - WOW. This is the improvement I was looking for. Crosswinds are now a non-event, and passing 18 wheelers no longer push me around. It really is a night and day difference, and I can't believe I went this long without it.

Sprinter Suspension Improvements – Upscale Automotive’s Spring Assist Kit Review

Anyway - it was more expensive than the Timbren, but worth it. Upscale isn't paying me to say that - I'm just an extremely satisfied customer. Thanks again to those on here who pointed me there.

[gedupont]

Any idea who makes the rear spring assist kit for Upscale?

I know that RoadMaster makes the Performance Rear Sway Bar (1.375") and the Auxilliary Rear Sway Bar for Upscale.

George

[jjrai]

I think the dually units have stiffer rear suspension than the singles. It seems that all of the 2008 and later Srinter units are on the 3500 chassis. I will say that now that our 2500 has good shocks, properly inflated rear air springs and Timbren front SES bumpers, we are VERYpleased with our handling.

[TheFitRV_James]

Hey Fastpaddler -

I think the dual rear wheels probably help a lot. We're just in a 2500.

I did consider tire pressures. If you ask my wife, she'd say I over-considered them. I started out with what was recommended inside the driver's door - 55 front, 79 rear - for quite a while. Then I thought about changing them. I weighed the RV as full as we could stuff it. I weighed it empty. I downloaded Firestone's light truck tire load tables. I obsessed.

What I finally arrived at was 50 front and 70 rear. It didn't change the crosswind issue much, but the reduced pressures sure made the ride less harsh.

But again - I do think you're on to something with the dual rear wheels. All of the Sprinter RVs now are on the 3500 chassis, which may be why it's not complained about more often.

Cheers!

[Fastpaddler]

Jirai
Hi.Gee I put 60 psi in my 06 PW Plateau TS and it seems a bit hard ride on the road!! I have never had a problem with crosswinds or any type of swaying on the road. The Mercedes suspension system/nannies take care of that. I put 55 front and 80 rear which provides a little understeer. I tried 60 up front and the front end was a little twitchy. So perhaps FltRV James may or may not have considered tire pressures. Certainly, dualies handle differently.
AL

[jjrai]

I'm glad to see you got such great results! My Sprinter came with Firestone Airbags in the back. For months I drove it with about 25 pounds of air. Then I learned that you're supposed to run 70 to 80 pounds! Once I inflated them, it made a huge difference! I am thinking of getting an extra heavy duty anti-sway bar for the rear. Upscale seems to be a great company.