AWD L2H3 camper: worth lifting?

[Funkyjazzlover]

Long story short: I bought a semi-converted van which we are altering to our spec and plan to do some continental travelling in. It came with new Maxxis Bravo 771 AT 255 / 60 on 18" rims which are a little tight in the arches.

Should I stick with these tyres and plan to raise the van a little? Or get smaller – closer to OEM – size tyres? Or just trim the arches?

To add some context: we aren't planning any serious offroad travel and I'm not fussed about 'stance' or getting a swamper look – it's really more about safer driving in mountains, getting access to more remote spots and getting out of muddy fields. I would consider uprated suspension to take the weight of the conversion (our last van had air supports we could add pressure to when loaded up) Extra clearance wouldn't be a bad thing, visibility is a little better and it's suggested handling is improved, which would be great.

But - I'll happily admit I know very little about 4WD vehicles and I realise it's potentially not as simple as just raising the van, which is why I'm asking.

Cheers!

[Airthies]

If I'm not mistaken the front end is basically similar to the previous versions, (I've very little experience with the Mk8) but I knowing the basic configuration I'd reckon you can quite easily raise the front by adding strut crown spacers, which will give better ground clearance on the subframe and return the suspension position to around that of an empty van.
I'd be inclined to recommend a lift max of 25-30mm (talking from Mk7 experience) if you go to 35mm or above you not only start to reach tighter angles on the drive shafts at full extension, there is a risk of the steering rod (between inner ball joint and TRE) fouling on the wishbone on full lock at full extension.

If your planning on traveling more remote regions and poorer roads ( that'd be some going nowadays considering the current state of UK roods) I'd recommend changing wheels and reducing the rim size and upping the tyre profile.
If you find a more common size of tyre it'd be easier to source replacements if anything unfortunate happens and also it's less likely for something unfortunate too happen.
But depending on what rims are available for the Mk8 then 16" or possibly 17" are both common similar sizes for the likes of Hilux or Navara.

If your fully loaded then airbags are always worth considering for the rear and I suspect if set up right can assist in leveling the van when stopped, though not aware of any kits for the front of any transit "off the shelf"
You may find heavier rated springs for the front to help with reducing the likelihood of the tyres catching anywhere around the arches.

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[Funkyjazzlover]

Brilliant - thank you. That's good food for thought and sound advice re. travelling further afield.

We're not planning going anywhere too off the beaten track, but I do fancy Romania and getting to the north of Finland/Norway (although the other half doesn't know this yet...)

I'll do a bit more research into what's on the market. There's a few US options which seem to be rather expensive (at over £2k) - I imagine there will be something else, preferably based nearer to home.

[Airthies]

The American options tend to be full subframe drop and strut lift for RWD (which is basically what I've done with my Mk7)
But on an AWD a subframe drop will not be practical since the front drive shaft outputs are part of the Gbox so can't be dropped either.

I can make strut crown spacers any hight you want but I'd need to check the crown top to confirm its shape and bolt pattern as not aware of anyone else in the UK making Mk8 spacers.

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[Airthies]

Just had a quick research and looks like Mk7 & Mk8 are the same so that makes life easier.

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[Funkyjazzlover]

Yeap - it does.

I may give you a shout about spacers; I'll get an idea of how much it'll cost to install first (I don't have the tools or space).

Cheers!

[Airthies]

It's probably a bit far to justify popping round here for them though I reckon but your more than welcome to
I get the plates and make up my own centre tubes the hight I want but I think the ones Christopher is doing are about £75 complete.
Doesn't take that long to fit, should be done in a couple of hrs for a mechanic that knows what there doing.

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[Willber37]

Long story short: I bought a semi-converted van which we are altering to our spec and plan to do some continental travelling in. It came with new Maxxis Bravo 771 AT 255 / 60 on 18" rims which are a little tight in the arches.

Should I stick with these tyres and plan to raise the van a little? Or get smaller – closer to OEM – size tyres? Or just trim the arches?

To add some context: we aren't planning any serious offroad travel and I'm not fussed about 'stance' or getting a swamper look – it's really more about safer driving in mountains, getting access to more remote spots and getting out of muddy fields. I would consider uprated suspension to take the weight of the conversion (our last van had air supports we could add pressure to when loaded up) Extra clearance wouldn't be a bad thing, visibility is a little better and it's suggested handling is improved, which would be great.

But - I'll happily admit I know very little about 4WD vehicles and I realise it's potentially not as simple as just raising the van, which is why I'm asking.

Cheers!

Interesting thread chaps, Funky do those tyres rub at all? What's your offset? Have you seen these : https://rhodesvans.co.uk/ford-transit-150250350-2013-to-present-part-css-1195-coil-sumosprings-7826-p.asp apparently will add 1" of height depending on spring condition. Note they do something for the rear too if you're sitting heavy?

My situation is have FWD MK8 camper need to level it out as stance is very raked, will have similar wheel / tyre size but in 16" - 255 70 16 K02's. I will add Bilstien B6 shockers with spacers. AFAIK the Bilstiens don't fit the 4x4's but spacers should work?
You'll want as much clearance as possible really without going too Swamper look as you say, those tyres add 1" already over OEM but I'd personally opt for a 16" alloy over 18". More tyre = More comfort.

Airthies gonna send PM re spacers if that's cool?

Ta

[Funkyjazzlover]

Funky do those tyres rub at all? What's your offset? Have you seen these : https://rhodesvans.co.uk/ford-transit-1 ... 7826-p.asp apparently will add 1" of height depending on spring condition.

That is interesting - thanks.

Being honest, I'm not going to change the rims unless I have to at this point, really just for the expense. If I ever get to drive through Africa I'll reconsider. But yes, there is a little rub when if braking harder than usual into a turn, which is one reason to lift things a little. Not sure about the offset - I'd need to investigate.

Oddly enough I was looking at B6s for the car (probably get some B4s) - no idea if they'll fit the van tho.

It's probably a bit far to justify popping round here for them though I reckon but your more than welcome to
I get the plates and make up my own centre tubes the hight I want but I think the ones Christopher is doing are about £75 complete.
Doesn't take that long to fit, should be done in a couple of hrs for a mechanic that knows what there doing.

If I'd have known I'd have popped up when I picked the van up from Newcastle! The vans reg plates are SP – it'd be like going home.

[Willber37]

That is interesting - thanks.

Being honest, I'm not going to change the rims unless I have to at this point, really just for the expense. If I ever get to drive through Africa I'll reconsider. But yes, there is a little rub when if braking harder than usual into a turn, which is one reason to lift things a little. Not sure about the offset - I'd need to investigate.

Oddly enough I was looking at B6s for the car (probably get some B4s) - no idea if they'll fit the van tho.

No worries bud, that's interesting re rubbing.. must be a combination of sorts. Although got me thinking about the 245 70 16's instead.
BTW I think the B4's will fit your van..According to Autodoc anyway : https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/shock-absorber-10221/ford/transit/transit-box-2013/101109-2-2-tdci-4x4?sort_supplier%5B0%5D=bilstein.

Ta

[thebarber]

I've been tempted by a set of alloys shod wi k02's but worried that there's not enough room.
Not bothered about height just doesn't seem like there's little room as is, current tyres it came with are Goodyear marathon cargo 235, 65r, 16c load 115/113r

[Airthies]

I've been tempted by a set of alloys shod wi k02's but worried that there's not enough room.
Not bothered about height just doesn't seem like there's little room as is, current tyres it came with are Goodyear marathon cargo 235, 65r, 16c load 115/113r

Depends what size Ko2's your going for?

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[thebarber]

These are the nearest I can find size and load wise...
https://www.4x4at.com/245-70-16-bf-good ... errain-ko2
There's also these keeping the 65 sidewall but comprising load rate AND look at the price.....
https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/Tyres/B ... L/R-293229

[Airthies]

These are the nearest I can find size and load wise...
https://www.4x4at.com/245-70-16-bf-good ... errain-ko2
There's also these keeping the 65 sidewall but comprising load rate AND look at the price.....
https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/Tyres/B ... L/R-293229

245/70R16 is what I'm running and reckon on STD rims you may be ok. 225/75R16 have been reported to fit no problems on STD rims.
The 225/75but only by about 4mm is taller than the 245/70

https://www.tyresizecalculator.com/char ... l-diameter

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[thebarber]

These seem canny...
https://www.roguealloy.co.uk/
225/70/16 &225/75/16
With the promise of no rub