You hear people talking about suspension upgrades all the time, but do you really need one? When we start talking to clients about suspension, they oftentimes reply, “Oh I don’t plan on doing any major off-roading.” And that is when we put our teacher hats on and pull out the dry erase board. Kidding of course, but this is certainly a misconception.

Does every van conversion need a suspension upgrade? Our answer is yes, and this blog will explain why.

STABILITY

One word for this section: WIND. I will never forget driving I-40 west when the first semi-truck blew by me. I thought our van was going to tip over! Or the straight line winds in Wyoming. If you’ve ever been driving your van, and you’ve felt that feeling of being blown over or blown into the lane next to you, it’s time for a suspension upgrade. I went from white-knuckle driving at 65mph on the interstate to cruising at 75mph not sweating each semi that passed me.

HANDLING

Vans come with suspension on them, but the stock suspension is generic and not tuned for specific loads or driving styles. Upgrading your van suspension can provide better control and reduce body roll. Orry loves to ask clients if their entire van rocks side to side when they turn into a parking lot. Upgraded suspension minimizes that feeling while also providing better control in turns.

RIDE QUALITY

Upgraded shocks and springs can absorb impacts from rough roads and potholes, making for a more comfortable ride. This is huge when you’re driving on those forest roads trying to get to an epic camping spot. It also improves your ride quality just driving down normal roads; I haven’t driven down a road that didn’t have potholes. Suspension makes every ride more smooth.

PROTECT YOUR BUILD

Camper van conversions are not cheap. Why not do everything you can to protect them? That includes suspension. A robust suspension system can help protect the van's interior and other components from the wear and tear of travel, especially if the van is heavily loaded. The less your van is rocking side to side, the easier your van hits potholes, etc. the better it is for the interior of your build.

PERFORMANCE

While I know that not everyone wants to go off-road in their van — a lot of people do. Whether it is dirt roads or 4wheel-drive-only off-roading, an upgraded suspension can provide better performance and handling. A heavy build can cause your van to sag since the stock suspension wasn’t built or tuned for that heavy of a build. That sag reduces your ground clearance and can limit where you go. One of the main draws to #vanlife is the ability to go beyond the campgrounds, beyond the pavement. Don’t let your suspension limit that.

SAFETY

I saved the best for last! From interstate travel to dirt roads, suspension upgrades make your travels safer. Improved handling and stability can contribute to a safer driving experience. Being blown all over the interstate by crosswinds or passing semi trucks isn’t safe. It can also be dangerous to be overlanding without the proper suspension and get stuck. And while I mentioned the investment it takes to build a camper van, the biggest asset in a van are the driver and passengers.

If you are interested in a suspension upgrade for your van, please reach out to us! We are installers for both Agile Offroad suspension upgrades, as well as VanCompass. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and recommend what suspension we think works best for you and your rig.

VAN LIFE | do I need a suspension upgrade?