HD suspension components from Marquart for the VW Crafter
The VW Crafter/LT and its special features
The VW Crafter has been approved in its current design since 2016. Its predecessor was called the VW LT and the first version was built between 1975 and 1996. From 1996 to 2006, the LT was almost identical to the Mercedes Sprinter in terms of its chassis. The LT was then renamed the VW Crafter in 2006 and retained the Sprinter chassis until 2016. Since 2016, the Crafter has been equipped with a completely redeveloped chassis that is also used in the MAN/TGE.
‘I’m not satisfied with the standard dampers,’ writes a customer. How does that show? Many Crafter drivers complain about a strong tendency to sway while driving – a quick build-up of sway even on slight road bumps or in tight corners. For example, after overtaking a truck, constant steering corrections are necessary to keep the Crafter on course.
Driving in a crosswind often causes problems. Roof-mounted objects such as kayaks or a motorbike on the rear rack exacerbate this problem even further. And many also find the rocking motion when stationary annoying. A number of customers write that the driving experience is far removed from that of a car.
Rocking, swaying, rolling in motorhomes?
This indicates that your Crafter 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 VW Crafter 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 Crafter will be.
Reinforced shock absorbers for VW Crafter motorhomes 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 VW Crafter drivers: ‘What can I do to improve the handling of my motorhome? What are the advantages of air suspension for my Crafter?’
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’.
Perfect rebound and pressure level
Reinforced shock absorbers for VW Crafter motorhomes with perfectly coordinated rebound and pressure levels on the front and rear axles keep the vehicle safely on track even in precarious situations. Regardless of which body you are driving, whether it is a Knaus or a Westfalia that you have converted yourself or from any other body manufacturer – our suspension optimisation will make your VW Crafter significantly more confident and safer to drive.
We have a variety of suspension optimisations for the current VW Crafter from 2016. Of course, our reinforced shock absorbers (rear) and damper struts (front) are included, along with dust protection sets and, on request, strut bearings. We can raise the Crafter using lift springs and spacers at the front and rear, and install an additional air spring. And we also carry out load increases.
For the Crafter based on the Sprinter 906 from 2006-2016, we also use our reinforced shock absorbers (rear) and damper struts (front), including dust protection sets and, on request, strut bearings. We offer a wide range of springs: auxiliary springs for the rear axle, auxiliary leaf springs and auxiliary air suspension. The rear axle can be raised using spacers. And, of course, we can also provide you with a load increase.
For the VW LT up to 2006, we offer our reinforced shock absorbers (rear) and damper struts (front) including dust protection sets.
We are happy to help you find the perfect chassis optimisation for your requirements. For example, a more comfortable ride, better directional stability, more ground clearance, a horizontal alignment of the Crafter will be the result.
Click below to see what our satisfied customers have to say and get an idea of the options we offer for optimising the running gear of your VW Crafter/LT. Send us an enquiry!
Tip!
For the Crafter with Sprinter 906 chassis, we have recently added an additional coilover spring to our range. The advantages of our coilover solution are the relief of the leaf spring, a reduction in bottoming out and a lift of the vehicle. Our coilover solution is ideal for drivers looking for more stability, comfort and durability from their suspension. They are perfect for off-road applications, for transporting heavy loads or for vehicles that are often used in demanding conditions.
