Best Suspension Enhancement for 2010 2010 Roadtrek 201P Chevy Express 3500 Chassis

Question:

2010 Roadtrek 210P Chevy Express 3500 Chassis Hello, Ive been researching ways to increase load stability on this heavy van. Its equipped with the factory 25756366 leaf springs rated at 2485 lbs ea or 4970 lbs axle which have an overload spring as the bottom leaf. With the stock weight of 5000-5400 lbs the van currently rides flat on the overload spring, meaning that these springs are at max capacity. Before I change out the rear springs Im considering installing the AL88205 kit, not to increase overall load capacity, but to help take a bit of weight off of the leaf springs and provide dampening vertical and side to side as well. After removing the stock rubber jounce bumpers, there is 5.25 in of clearance between the bottom of the boxed frame and the top of the axle, with the van sitting level and gas/water tank filled. I know that these bags have a working range of 5 to 100 psi for load capacity, but can you please tell me what the height is of the assembly, meaning air bag with top/bottom brackets installed onto it? Im trying to see if the available space will compress the bag too much and essentially just ride on the internal jounce bumper. My goal is not so much to raise the ride height as it is to provide some load sharing with the leaf springs. Im aware that Sumo Springs are also an option, but I wanted to find out about these airbags as well. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Roadtrek 210P built on a Chevy Express 3500 chassis the best suspension enhancement solution I can provide is the RoadActive Suspension kit part # RAS2611-V which is very easy to install, is easily adjustable to tailor the perfect amount of support you want, and unlike other options this will improve the ride quality, stability, and handling whereas other options like the air bags you mentioned are known to be pretty harsh.

An air bag kit can give you additional support but to give your vehicle as much support as you mentioned needing you will have a noticeably harsh and bumpy ride quality so it's not what I would recommend. Based on your height dimension the bags would engage pretty soon which would accentuate the harshness.

expert reply by: Jameson C