Reinforced shock absorbers for Mercedes Vario motorhomes

The Mercedes Vario, the successor to the Mercedes T2, was manufactured between 1996 and 2013 and was frequently converted into a motorhome. These conversions result in significant changes to the vehicle’s centre of gravity, such as retrofitted water tanks (moving load), motorcycle racks fitted to the rear (centre of gravity shifted rearwards) or elaborate roof structures for storage boxes or spare wheels (raised centre of gravity). As these modifications were not intended by the manufacturer, many Vario drivers complain of significant body roll – even when simply walking around the vehicle whilst it is stationary.

The handling is often described as ‘floaty’, a characteristic that is particularly noticeable when driving over ruts, in crosswinds, when taking bends at speed on country roads, and on rough stretches of road. In short: the vehicle rocks about along its longitudinal axis, particularly with rear-heavy bodywork, and gives a very spongy feel when driving.

What’s more, 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 maximum permitted weight limit.

This suggests that your motorhome’s shock absorbers are too weak or even faulty. Campervans are usually based on standard light commercial vehicles or on a stripped-down truck chassis. Original shock absorbers from a Mercedes Vario are usually not up to the diverse demands of motorhomes, as they do not take into account the significantly altered usage and the fact that motorhomes almost always travel at their weight limit. The standard chassis is usually not designed for this continuous load:

• A completely different vehicle height and width,
• a long rear overhang,
• additional tanks (moving load),
• a motorcycle bridge at the rear (shifted centre of gravity) or
• Load on the roof (raised centre of gravity).

Failing to adjust the dampers to these new requirements is negligent.

• Greater stability in crosswinds and when crossing bridges,
• Improved handling in stormy weather and gusts,
• Stability on winding roads; no more body roll or being pushed out of bends,
• Excellent handling in roundabouts,
• Swaying, bouncing and spongy steering are a thing of the past.

We are often asked by Mercedes Vario drivers: “What can I do to improve the handling of my motorhome? What are the benefits of air suspension for my Vario?”

To improve driving safety, it is particularly important to take account of lateral forces (lateral roll and sway, and all pitching and rocking movements). To significantly improve a vehicle’s handling, fast-acting shock absorbers are the first choice. As soon as the body moves out of its horizontal position, it must be held in place by a strong yet finely tuned rebound damping. The compression stage of our dampers allows for rapid compression without letting the cab ‘bottom out’.

Reinforced shock absorbers for Mercedes Vario motorhomes, with perfectly matched rebound and compression settings for the front and rear axles, keep the vehicle safely on track even in tricky situations. No matter which body type you’re driving – whether it’s a Bocklel, Phoenix or another model – our chassis optimisation will make your Mercedes Vario’s handling significantly more composed and safer.

In an interview with Reisemobil International, Christian Marquart explains the importance of suitable shock absorbers for the handling of motorhomes.

We offer a wide range of suspension upgrades for the Mercedes Vario. These range from raising the rear axle using additional spring layers and/or shims to completely new spring assemblies for the front and rear axles. We can also increase the load capacity following an individual assessment or fit an air suspension system. Our reinforced Marquart HD shock absorbers are an absolute must.

Peter D. from Elsfleth

We are happy to take your preferences into account when determining the perfect suspension setup for your needs. This could result in a more comfortable ride, improved directional stability, increased ground clearance or a level vehicle alignment.

Click on the testimonials from our satisfied customers below to see how we can optimise the suspension of your Mercedes Vario. Send us an enquiry!

Tip!

Due to the lengthy development period of the Vario, the correct shock absorber diameters have changed from time to time. To take this into account, we need to determine the perfect shock absorberämpfer die Fahrzeug-Identnummer (FIN).

With some Vario models, the history isn’t always clear. Please provide us with all the information you have regarding any suspension modifications, particularly regarding the springs and the resulting change in ride height. We will then find shock absorbers in the correct lengths for your vehicle. No matter how the vehicle has been modified, we can help in almost every case. The more we know about the vehicle, the better we can advise you, particularly regarding the tuning stages.