Weight Reduction

[m1cxf]

I would like to reduce the gross vehicle weight of my Vito in an attempt to gain a smoother ride by fitting car tyres instead of the virtually solid van tyres. So far I have tried reducing the tyre pressures to match the current weight and have had air suspension fitted at the rear. This has smoothed the ride a little but I have a spinal injury which is screaming at me for a smoother ride. It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vito and going back to a car.

TJ

 

[belenda]

spine.

sounds like you are in quite a conundrum, have you considered the change of driving positions? ie, back to a car, vans being higher etc etc?, after all you seem to be spending £. wot a shame rolls royce dont do campers ! I`ve always thought of doing one..

 

[belenda]

back problem

just trying to take your mind off "pain"...
why not take out the drivers seat and sit in your "avitar`s lap ?

 

[Deleted member 951]

I would like to reduce the gross vehicle weight of my Vito in an attempt to gain a smoother ride by fitting car tyres instead of the virtually solid van tyres. So far I have tried reducing the tyre pressures to match the current weight and have had air suspension fitted at the rear. This has smoothed the ride a little but I have a spinal injury which is screaming at me for a smoother ride. It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vito and going back to a car.

TJ

Do you mean to reduce the gross weight Physically to suit the car tyres or legally?

 

[harrow]

I would like to reduce the gross vehicle weight of my Vito in an attempt to gain a smoother ride by fitting car tyres instead of the virtually solid van tyres. So far I have tried reducing the tyre pressures to match the current weight and have had air suspension fitted at the rear. This has smoothed the ride a little but I have a spinal injury which is screaming at me for a smoother ride. It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vito and going back to a car.

TJ

I know it is a bit off topic but don't the HGV lorry's have bouncy seats? (no expert at all about this) but maybe better seating could be an option?

As far as car comfort is concerned bigger french cars have a gentle ride, I had a Citroen Xantia from new for more than 10 years and now have a Citroen xsara piccasso again from new and they have been much better for my bad back.

 

[hextal]

I would like to reduce the gross vehicle weight of my Vito in an attempt to gain a smoother ride by fitting car tyres instead of the virtually solid van tyres. So far I have tried reducing the tyre pressures to match the current weight and have had air suspension fitted at the rear. This has smoothed the ride a little but I have a spinal injury which is screaming at me for a smoother ride. It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vito and going back to a car.

TJ

Apologies for what is probably an obvious question, but are the tyres rated to the load that you're running?

When we first stripped out the van the ride was godawful, but the conversion weight really softened out the ride. It's still only about 2.8t fully loaded with 2 week's worth of gear and 2 people, so not that heavy. So I'd have thought that reducing the weight might worsen the situation.

 

[kito]

Hi The link below may be of some help to you.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/v-class/1644137-tyre-load-ratings.html

 

[hextal]

Funnily enough I've just ordered a new shock for the rc8. The standard one was waaaay too harsh, even after having been set up by a specialist. Came back from Ireland and could barely walk straight.

Not sure what made the other guys laugh more, my ass constantly bouncing out of the seat or me suddenly jumping off the bike and throwing half my clothes off cos a bee had got into my top and stung me, twice somehow.

 

[Byronic]

The pneumatic seats found on larger commercial vehicles that Harrow O. the H. alludes to are made for ultimate comfort, so they say.
I shouldn't think the Vito has these seats as an option, but perhaps the Sprinter does. A disability vehicle specialist may be able to advise on the feasibility of adaption I would have thought.

 

[Byronic]

If we exit the EU. I foresee one big drawback with that vehicle; as soon as it disembarks at Calais it would be considered an invasion force you wouldn't get as far as Germany to experience their reaction! So Euro touring would be out.

 

[QFour]

I don't know if fitting car tyres to a Vito would invalidate your insurance. Tyres are constructed differently for different purposes. You could be accused of modifying the vehicle or fitting parts that don't conform to manufacturers specification. Perhaps you should consult one of the tyre manufacturers and see if they have a solution.

 

[QFour]

If we exit the EU. I foresee one big drawback with that vehicle; as soon as it disembarks at Calais it would be considered an invasion force you wouldn't get as far as Germany to experience their reaction! So Euro touring would be out.

More Scare Stories ....

 

[Byronic]

More Scare Stories ....

And tragically some people actually believe them, and their vote is worth as much as anyone else's.

 

[m1cxf]

Thanks for the suggestions.
My plan would be to reduce the legal gross weight to suit a more flexible tyre. I currently use Goodyear Cargo in summer and Continental Vanco winter tyres when it gets a little colder. Both are very rigid.
Insurance isn't an issue as reducing the gross weight formally avoids legal hassle and being a self build I am running on a "modified" policy already.
A sprung seat isn't do-able as their is quite a bit of equipment installed under the seat, most of which, for various reasons can't be moved.
Returning to a "normal" car is out of the question. They are far too close to the ground for me to be able to get in or out of. I am 6'4" and need a seat which is bum height and the semi-recumbent position is just too painful.
Adding all the factors together I think I am going to have to part company with the vito and possibly get a discovery. I often travel in a friends and it is a much nicer ride. I did make a camper from a 110 defender once, I could do similar with a discovery.

Trevor

 

[Byronic]

I think you'll find that by just reducing the vehicles weight will not mean that you can put on lower load rated tyres than what the vehicle was originally plated at, unless you get it re plated to show the new lower limits. Presumably you intended to re plate? If not then;

If Mr Fluoro was to pull you over and your Vito was found to be eg plated at 2800kg, but actually weighs in at 2000kg I doubt he's going to be happy if the tyres are only suitable for the 2000kg application. It's axle loads for the tyres he'd be most interested in of course, but the general principle applies.

Insurers wouldn't regard under spec. tyres as merely a modification, they would regard them as an 'illegal' modification.

 

[m1cxf]

I think you'll find that by just reducing the vehicles weight will not mean that you can put on lower load rated tyres than what the vehicle was originally plated at, unless you get it re plated to show the new lower limits. Presumably you intended to re plate? If not then;

If Mr Fluoro was to pull you over and your Vito was found to be eg plated at 2800kg, but actually weighs in at 2000kg I doubt he's going to be happy if the tyres are only suitable for the 2000kg application. It's axle loads for the tyres he'd be most interested in of course, but the general principle applies.

Insurers wouldn't regard under spec. tyres as merely a modification, they would regard them as an 'illegal' modification.

I was thinking of the full legal version. I have been involved in the re plating of quite a few trucks. Some were just a paper exercise other were quite involved with changing prop shafts, springs and even the bolts holding the fifth wheel.
Hopefully the Vito will be the more simple paper exercise.

TJ

 

[wildebus]

Just noticed this thread and not sure if a solution has already been found, so my comments may be too late?

There is no reason why you cannot fit car tyres to a Vito as long as they have sufficent load rating - and for a Vito, I would have thought a 100 rating would be within the spec as that gives you approximately 3t total load (need to check plate for front and rear axle ratings). 102 tyres are also pretty common place for heavier car tyres.
If you take the VW T5 as an example, most are fitted with commercial van tyres as they are commercial vehicles and owners want tyres that go on and on. But the Caravelles and Shuttles with optional Alloy Wheels have car tyres fitted - same load requirements and delivery, but better ride and comfort, with the downside of a shorter life.
I am running original spec Bridgestone Turanza on my T5 which has a 3t GVW

 

[The laird]

Air seat

Isris is the seats fitted to trucks they're air operated and expensive.a breaker s yard would be the way to go ,and if you've got air susp fitted air supply to a holding tank shouldn't be a prob

 

[mark61]

I'd be looking at this the other way. Fit bigger higher load rated tyres which you can then run at lower pressure. Of course not as easy as just swapping, need to do some homework first.

 

[saxonborg]

I would like to reduce the gross vehicle weight of my Vito in an attempt to gain a smoother ride by fitting car tyres instead of the virtually solid van tyres. So far I have tried reducing the tyre pressures to match the current weight and have had air suspension fitted at the rear. This has smoothed the ride a little but I have a spinal injury which is screaming at me for a smoother ride. It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vito and going back to a car.

TJ

Why not air suspension all round as on some 4x4's. Nissan use to fit driver suspension seats in their Patrol. Tried one in Africa some time ago, you get a lot of movement in the seat but they do reduce a harsh ride, the other possibility is that they may be a little less complicated than truck suspension seats so potentially easier to fit.