We have had a few questions from clients about the similarities / differences between the VanCompass 4.3 kit and the products Elevate Vans can provide. Below we compare the products.
Front:
Elevate Vans = Falcon Rally strut.
VanCompass = 4.3 kit
The rally struts replace the (weak) OEM shocks. In the VanCompass 4.3 kit the OEM shock is retained and an extra shock absorber is added with brackets. (drilling is required) The additional shock solution was created before the Falcon rallye strut was available. When installing the Falcon Rally struts the use case for the add-on shocks is greatly diminished and just adds complexity. In our opinion it is better to replace the weak link than to add extra components to compensate.
Rear:
Elevate Vans = Falcon Fast adjust shock
VanCompass = 4.3 kit
The shock absorbers in the 4.3 kit are similar to the shocks offered bij Elevate Vans.
The 4.3 kit come with a standard leafpack to add to the original leafspring(s) in 2 weight variants. Below 3855kg or above 3855 kg. The above 3855 kg kit is to hard for most european vans and might lead to a uncomfortable ride.
In our opinion the need for additional leaf springs is dependent on each use case. There is no one size fits all solution. The placement of extra leaf springs can result in an unnecessarily harsh ride. It is our suggestion to first install the shock upgrade and if needed the rear lift kit and to test the van/camper. In many use cases there are no changes or additions to the leaf springs required.
If desired / needed Elevate Vans can supply the follwing range of solutions:
– adjustable helper springs
– additional leaf springs
– full replacement leafpacks
Helper springs can be added to the OEM leaf springs on vans/camper. By adjusting the tension on the helper springs the OEM springs will be able to handle a higher load with less sag. The helper springs have limitations in what they can handle in weight / bumps. When overloaded the helper springs can contact the floor of the van.
Next step up is the adding or replacement of the leafsprings. The choice is based upon the type of the OEM leafspring, axle weight and usage of the van/camper. This because there are lotts of variants in the OEM leafsprings. We work with specialists who can select the correct solution for each specific van/camper.
As a additional benefit it is possible to select leafsprings that also achieve a raise in rideheight without negatively affecting the ride comfort.
VanCompass products are based on lotts of experience with the Sprinter van. The only downside is that the Sprinter vans in the USA are often used with higher weights than most usecases in the EU.
