HD suspension components from Marquart for the Mercedes Vario
The Mercedes Vario and its special features
The Mercedes Vario, as the successor to the Mercedes T2, was built from 1996 to 2013 and was often converted into a motorhome. These conversions result in significant changes to the centre of gravity, such as retrofitted water tanks (moving load), rear-mounted motorcycle racks (rearward centre of gravity) or elaborate roof structures (raised centre of gravity). Since these changes were not intended by the manufacturer, many Vario drivers complain of a strong rocking of the body – even when entering the vehicle while it is stationary.
The driving behaviour is often described as ‘floating’, which is particularly noticeable in lane grooves, in crosswinds, when driving quickly through curves on country roads and on rough roads. In short, the vehicle rocks around its longitudinal axis, especially with rear-heavy bodies, and gives a very spongy ride.
In addition, many Varios are used as expedition vehicles and have been raised for this purpose. This further exacerbates the tendency to roll, as does the fact that many vehicles are constantly being driven at the permissible weight limit.
Rocking, swaying, rolling in motorhomes?
This indicates that your motorhome’s shock absorbers are too weak or even defective. Campervans are usually based on series-produced light commercials or on a truck chassis that has been de-rated. Original shock absorbers from a Mercedes Vario delivery van or bus are usually not up to the diverse requirements of motorhomes, because the significantly different use is not taken into account and motorhomes almost always drive at the weight limit. The standard chassis is often not designed for this constant load:
- A completely changed vehicle height and width,
- a long rear overhang,
- additional tanks (movable load),
- a motorcycle bridge at the rear (changed centre of gravity) or
- a boat on the roof (increased centre of gravity).
Not adapting the dampers to these changed requirements is negligent.
Special challenges with the chassis of motorhomes
Marquart offers suspension components for the Mercedes Vario for every need. Stronger and firmer shock absorbers for the rear axle, firmer yet comfort-oriented spring struts for the front axle. In addition, we not only have different characteristics in the compression and rebound stages for the dampers, we also supply the spring struts with springs tailored to your needs. We have these in stock for you in different thicknesses and heights to suit your needs. You determine how comfortable or sporty the driving behaviour of your Vario will be.
Shock absorbers from Marquart Germany offer you
- increased stability in crosswinds and when driving over bridges,
- better driving behaviour in storms and gusts,
- stability on winding roads, no more rocking and pushing out in corners,
- very good driving stability on roundabouts,
- rocking, bouncing and spongy steering are a thing of the past.
Individual solutions for more driving safety
We are often asked by Mercedes Vario drivers: ‘What can I do to improve the handling of my motorhome? What are the advantages of air suspension for my Vario?’
An air suspension makes particular sense if the level of the vehicle is to be raised or if unevenness in the ground is to be levelled out at the parking space. This is particularly advantageous for vehicles with a long rear overhang (centre of rear axle to the end of the vehicle). For example, if you often use ferries or drive onto steep ramps. Air suspension can also be advantageous if you are sensitive to wind. However, an air suspension always works only vertically.
To improve driving safety, however, it is particularly important to consider the horizontal forces (lateral rocking and swaying and all pitching and rocking movements). To significantly improve a vehicle’s handling, progressive (quick-acting) shock absorbers are the first choice. As soon as the body moves out of the horizontal position, it must be held in place by a strong yet finely tuned rebound stage. The pressure stage of our dampers allows for rapid compression without allowing the cabin to ‘sink through’.
Marquart shock absorbers with perfectly matched compression and rebound damping on the front and rear axles keep the vehicle safely on track even in precarious situations. No matter which body you are travelling with, whether it is a Bimobil or a Phoenix, Vario Mobil or Bocklet, with a self-conversion or whichever body manufacturer – the driving behaviour of your Mercedes Vario will be significantly more confident and safer with our suspension optimisation.
We have a wide range of suspension optimisations available for the Mercedes Vario. Starting with raising the rear axle using additional spring layers and/or blocks, right up to completely new spring packages on the front and rear axles. Upgrading after individual testing or installation of air suspension. Our reinforced Marquart HD shock absorbers are an absolute must.
We are happy to address your wishes when finding the perfect suspension optimisation for your requirements. For example, a more comfortable setup, better directional stability, more ground clearance, a horizontal alignment of the vehicle will be the result.
Click below to see what our satisfied customers have to say and get an idea of the options available to you for optimising the chassis of your Mercedes Vario. Send us an enquiry!
Tip!
Due to the long construction time of the Vario, the suitable shock absorber diameter kept changing. To take this into account, we need the vehicle identification number (VIN) to find the perfect shock absorbers.
With some Varios, the history is not always clear. Please provide us with all the information you have about possible suspension modifications. No matter how the vehicle has been modified, we can help in every case. The better we know the vehicle, the better we can advise you, especially with regard to the tuning levels.
