How to Upgrade to Sumo Springs on a Fiat Ducato

[@Martin37vg]

I fitted the air bags and were amazing for the 6 years I had the van. Will be fitting bags again to my vext van as adjustability was fantastic and also you do not need to do anything wish the springs

[@nickharper6436]

Cool, sounds like a great solution. Thanks for the comments Martin

[@nooneidaho333]

Thanks for sharing this video and for supporting our company! -Adam

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments Adam. I’m thinking of fitting the supersprings and hoping these will work well with the Sumo springs. Thanks for great products 👍

[@nooneidaho333]

@@nickharper6436 hey Nick they work well together but you’ll likely want to switch to the black or blue SumoSprings with the SuperSpring. The yellow and the SuperSpring may be a bit much.

[@nickharper6436]

Hi Adam, I’m looking to fit the front coil sumosprings to the front of the vehicle and make a KZbin video. I have the Fiat Ducato and I believe the CSS - 1195 would be the correct ones?

[@nooneidaho333]

@@nickharper6436 Typically the CSS-1195 or the CSS-1168 are great fit for the Ducato. 👌🏼

[@nickharper6436]

Adam many thanks. Do they add any lift?

[@PompullaMaailmalle]

That's a big difference. I have been thinking doing the same upgrade to our van next summer.

[@nickharper6436]

Yes it’s a good upgrade and you can also get softer version too. I also installed double leaf springs which made a big difference to the overall handling of the van. I did another video on that which may be worth a watch. Thanks for the comments 👍

[@PompullaMaailmalle]

@@nickharper6436 That's great to hear. I'll watch the other video too. Thanks for sharing your upgrades. I feel like the stock suspension in our van is too compressed even with a light load.

[@markbur1503]

Good video, i came across it by chance (thanks youtube). I am currently looking at getting the Air Suspension fitted as my 2022 Swift Select is the same as yours. On a seperate note, the original items you removed are not bunp stops but officially Spring Assisters according to Fiat/Swift.I think this is because they are already sitting on the rear axle....

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments Mark and yes I’ve heard this too.

[@Bloomy086241]

Nice one, keep up the improvements, I’ll look forward to the next video

[@y0rkiebar]

Nice one Nick, you made that look pretty simple.

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments and yes it is an easy job to be honest. If you can jack the vehicle up you can do it but don’t go under the van without a axle stands incase the jack fails!

[@intheyear2510]

Interesting video , almost same reg as me , we have one letter difference , i opted for the air on the rear combined with the same wheels and tyres and the ride greatly improved, thanks for the upload

[@nickharper6436]

Did you get your van from TMD?

[@intheyear2510]

@@nickharper6436 Yes last year , and wheels from reading (elite) I think they are called if I remember correctly

[@nickharper6436]

Picked mine up in May last year so must have been a similar time I would have thought!

[@EduardoDulceChamorro]

This is a pretty good video. Thank you for sharing

[@nickharper6436]

Many thanks for your positive comments

[@LockieandAsh]

great video! We might look into getting these!

[@nickharper6436]

Many thanks for the comments

[@aviewonwheels5843]

Thanks Nick, really informative video.

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments and glad you found it useful!

[@t5jayson]

Well done Nick 👏 another fab informative video 😁👍

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks Jay and thanks for the camera work 👍

[@vanlovefest]

Great video as ever Nick!

[@nickharper6436]

Many thanks for the comments!

[@91kristjan91]

The best option for your van would be a thicker 22mm single leaf spring camper version, plus bilstein B6 shock absorber. Not so expensive and it is amazing upgrade.

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the information. I wasn’t aware of the single leaf spring camper version however I’ve installed double leaf spring now and they soon to have made a great improvement. I’ve heard good things about the B6

[@91kristjan91]

@@nickharper6436 You will see what the ride will be, probably the OEM shocks will be to soft for double spring and the van will oscillate too much on highway. Do you have any upgrades on front axel also ? You will see what the ride will be, probably the OEM shocks will be to soft for double spring and the van will oscillate too much on highway. Do you have any upgrades on front axel also ?

[@nickharper6436]

It certainly seems better with the HD leaf springs as I have the sumo springs on the rear which assist things. I’m looking at putting sumo springs on the front.

[@91kristjan91]

@@nickharper6436 A better and cheaper option for the front will be the new spring from LESJOFORS LS4026198 (Fiat OEM number 50711909), you will get a 3cm lift in front. The van will be level and the ride will be much more comfortable.

[@nickharper6436]

Cool, thanks for the information. I’ll have a look at those Kiki

[@ScottGoody71]

Hi nick , looks like a good upgrade , I see it was a few years ago you fitted these , are you still running with both sumo springs , I’m thinking of doing this to my Hymer ( Ducato also ) Tha so for another reallly good video⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@nickharper6436]

Hi Scott yes I’m still on the SUMO springs and they are working great. I’ve also added double leave springs and the combination works great. I’ve added the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ6WkpmhrNqMpqMsi=rB_DR4DhJlLoF5Sg

[@davidlindley485]

I fitted these on my car over 30 years ago. They were called doughnuts and were used by caravaners to lift and firm up the rear suspension on the towing vehicle to help cope with the added weight on the lowball. It use to make the suspension much firmer and you certainly felt the potholes more.

[@nickharper6436]

Interesting and thanks for the comments David

[@liong006]

Hi, Thanks for this video, very helpfull. Could you please tell me what kind of GPS you have and if it's works well with the steering buttons ? many thanks Lionel

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments Lio, the satnav radio etc came fitted to the van and is installed by Fiat. I’m not sure what make it is but it does work with the steering wheel buttons.

[@liong006]

Thanks for your answer, I am looking to find the same than you on google images but no way....

[@briangoodland9106]

Hi nick what wind Defactors have you got on your motorhome pls They look wider than the ones I've seen

[@nickharper6436]

Hi they are the HEKO ones which I got of eBay

[@trevorford9432]

Might sound a silly question but do these sumo springs have springs in them to assist,?? I have a similar thing on my 97 boxer but mine are just heavy duty rubber buffers.

[@nickharper6436]

Trevor no springs in them it’s a composite material. You can get 3 different densities depending how heavy the van is or whether you prefer a stiffer ride

[@rhodesvans]

great video

[@nickharper6436]

Many thanks for the comments

[@krisbird4323]

I’m about to fit rear sumos on my twin. Single leaf springs. Is it worth trying with both spacers? Or is it going to take too much load vs the leaf spring?

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for watching the video Kris. I would only put one spacer on because as you say with 2 I think it will only be resting on the sumo and you need both the leaf spring and the sumo to take the weight of the vehicle and not just the sumo. Even with one spacer it may rest on the sumo while parked but on the road the leaf spring will also come into play. Just my thoughts 🤔

[@soulstyledevon]

Interesting video. My Hymer Ducato 2022 van has a terrible ride. 8 months on, how are you getting on with these and can you still recommend the upgrade…? Cheers 👍🏾

[@nickharper6436]

Yes I would still recommend them but don’t expect it to be a super smooth ride. I think they benefit the body roll and stability more. I also added double leaf springs which made a difference to mine. Also the BFG tyres which don’t have to be o flayed as hard as the tyres normally supplied with campers and Motorhomes. You can also see these videos on my channel.

[@1WHATSUP1]

Thanks. Do you have any mechanical problems with the fiat ducato??? Is yours reliable??

[@nickharper6436]

Hi I only had the DPF sensors changed after about 1500 miles but this is a common problem apparently but still not satisfactory in my opinion as Fiat are aware and wait for customers to bring them in to change. Not sure how it is on the newer ones as mines a 2021 model. The result was an amber engine management light and stop start not working. No problems since then though and happy with both the Fiat side and Adria side. Ill keep my fingers crossed as only done 23000 so far!

[@AdrenalineWings]

Thanks for the great video Where did you buy the sumo springs ?

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments. I bought them of Amazon and they came from the US but had to pay tax but were still cheaper than uk prices at the time!

[@ChrisTewkesbury]

Do you have a link?

[@briangoodland9106]

Thank you 👍

[@nickharper6436]

No worries and glad you found it useful.

[@daviddredge1178]

So you add spacers to increase the ride height?

[@nickharper6436]

Yes you can but I haven’t relied on SUMOs totally and also fitted HD leaf springs!

[@nickfry9723]

Did you notify your insurance and if so was there any additional cost?

[@nickharper6436]

Hi Nick I did notify them but there was no additional cost.

[@robertprice5087]

Hi Nick, I have just received my sumo-springs and have attempted to remove the two spacers in order to go down to one. You made it look easy in your video! Did you have problems undoing the bolt on the first one? I’m reluctant to start clamping it in a vice in case I damage it. Any tips?

[@nickharper6436]

I didn’t clamp it in a vice and a bit of force with a socket and hand holding the Sumo spring on the floor did it for me.

[@robertprice5087]

Ok thanks. I’ll try and source a longer socket wrench handle.

[@nickharper6436]

I’m sure that will sort it Robert. Hope it all goes well

[@robertprice5087]

Hi Nick, Success! I invested in a strap wrench that allowed me to get enough purchase on the sumo spring in order to undo the bolt. Thanks for the info.

[@nickharper6436]

@@robertprice5087 cool glad you got it sorted Robert 👍

[@paulhumphrey3402]

Very interesting and well filmed video , off topic but can you tell me what tyre pressure you are using with the BFG tyres

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for you comments Paul. I’m running mine at 60psi in the rear and 55psi in the front. I’ve been told that if you weigh the van and then contact the tyre company they will advise the correct presume. I’ve yet to do this but will get round to it!

[@paulhumphrey3402]

@@nickharper6436 that’s the pressure I’m running on the thing is I get a rubbery smell when they get hot so I was thinking of upping the pressure I have 2 ebikes on the rear

[@nickharper6436]

I’ve never noticed that to be honest Paul. Give it a go and see if it sorts it

[@jamesmccormick2977]

Hi NIck, great video. did you ever consider the timbren rubber spring ?

[@nickharper6436]

Hi James. I hadn’t heard of them so didn’t consider them. Just had a look out of interest and they look like they do a similar job. Not sure on their longevity and materials though but worth looking into so sure !

[@ronecc2]

Where did you buy Sumo Springs. Their website says no dealers in Europe. Do they have to be imported from the US?

[@nickharper6436]

Hi thanks for watching the video. I got mine off Amazon and they did come from the US. Rhodes vans also used to sell them but not sure if they still do.

[@anthonybyrne168]

Thanks for the video been looking at sumo springs for the rear of my fiat ducato great review Did you have any issue with the bigger wheels, bf goodrich tyres rubbing or hitting the rear arch over bumps or ramps while driving??

[@nickharper6436]

Many thanks for the comments Anthony. No problems with the wheels or tyres as I got the same size as the originals that came with the van from the factory!

[@anthonybyrne168]

What size are the tires? Thanks I want to put 215/75r16 on mine

[@nickharper6436]

Mine are 225/75//R16

[@anthonybyrne168]

Thanks for the info Nick Just wanted to make sure they wouldn't hit the lip on the inside of the wheel arch Looking forward to the double spring leaf video 👍🏻

[@nickharper6436]

Yeh just fitted so will edit soon and get it out there although busy for a few days!

[@regnbean67]

Hi Nick. Many thanks for creating this video. I’m thinking of adding these rear Sumo Springs to my Ducato. Are you still pleased with them? I read somewhere you were also thinking about upgrading the rear leaf springs. If so have you installed them and do you have a link to your video? Many thanks, Nick - keep up the great work 😎👍

[@nickharper6436]

Thanks for the comments Nick. The Sumo springs are a great relatively cheap upgrade on their own and work well. That said it still felt the van was heavy at the back as the single leaf spring was literally flat with no curve in it. I saw a set of second hand double leaf springs on eBay that only had delivery millage for £265 so thought I’d give them a go. In my opinion with the double leaf spring and the Sumos they work very well together and I’m very happy with the ride now. I’ve done a video with the double leaf springs but just need to finalise it so will hopefully upload it this weekend!

[@markandrews70]

Do you think that heavy duty rear springs might be a good idea

[@nickharper6436]

I was thinking of that but had a chat with my local garage who said the ride would be very harsh with them so not sure at the moment. Those with the maxi chassis might be able to confirm or deny as they have the HD double leaf spring as far as I’m aware!

[@Mondo0126]

I’m due to collect my Twin Sport which has the heave chassis, in a couple of weeks. I’ll let you know what I think.

[@nickharper6436]

Hi Raymond many thanks. I’ve just picked up a pair of the HD ones that came off a 2021 van that had only travelled 50 delivery miles. Got them a lot cheaper than Fiat prices so for £260 it’s worth a punt in my opinion. I’ll let you know once fitted what their like!

[@bso63]

Nice video. Where did you buy them? After Brexit it is much too expensive for me to buy in UK. 😢

[@nickharper6436]

Yeh they are over £300 in UK. I got mine from the states via Amazon and they were £260 with tax paid!

[@nickharper6436]

Supersprings SSR-313-54 SumoSprings Solo Kits Are Replacements To Factory Bump Stops Capacity 2800 lbs. At 50 Percent Compression Do Not Exceed GVWR SumoSprings amzn.eu/d/aaePoHR

[@jamesheath7596]

I had the same problem so I put during air suspension on. Cost £250 to buy and it works well

[@ivarisaksen2151]

I'm from Norway but can't find anyone selling it here. Where can I buy this? Fits all Fiat Ducatos.

[@nickharper6436]

Hello Ivar, I got mine on Amazon UK although they came from America with tax paid. Here is the link: Supersprings SSR-313-54 SumoSprings Solo Kits Are Replacements To Factory Bump Stops Capacity 2800 lbs. At 50 Percent Compression Do Not Exceed GVWR SumoSprings amzn.eu/d/7u7QhB2

[@ivarisaksen2151]

Thanks.

[@netposerx]

I thought those springs are not supposed to be touching unless you are driving over a bump.

[@nickharper6436]

Ideally that would be the case. I’ve added double leaf springs so they are just clear now. Thanks for your comments.

[@mlhuzzy]

Great video. Hope you don't mind me asking as I'm not mechanically minded at all but I was wondering why replace the factory springs? Do you get a better ride or something? Also, what stereo do you have installed as we have the factory stereo/rear camera/satnav, which is small and rubbish. And finally, do you have a video explaining how you fitted the stereo? Apologies for all the questions :) Thanks

[@nickharper6436]

Martin thanks for the comments. So the Sumo springs replace the factory bump stops which are ok if the van isn’t fully laden all the time like a camper with all the weight of the fitment. They stop that sway you get on corners and overall just help the van handle better. The stereo was the standard fit that came with the 2021 van so can’t help on that one although it you watch this video you will see me make reference to a unit made especially for the Ducato which looks really good although expensive!

[@nickharper6436]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX7EqmedqduofaM

[@mlhuzzy]

@@nickharper6436 Thank you, Nick. appreciate your reply. I've checked my Ducato bump stops and they don't actually touch anything but are about 1mm away from touching the bit underneath them. If I were to put Sumo springs in, I'm guessing they are longer so would be constantly touching something and if this is the case, is this a problem? Thanks again.

[@nickharper6436]

No wouldn’t be a problem as they come with 2 spacers so I fitted one. It’s basically like having airbags in effect. It will also raise the back of the van by just under an inch

[@stephenfloat1260]

Think I would have used both spacers straight away

[@nickharper6436]

Yeh I did think about that Stephen but I think the sumo spring might have been too compressed.

[@daviddredge1178]

These seem very, very expensive compared to an airbag.

[@nickharper6436]

Hi David yes they have gone up in price considerably since I fitted mine in 2022. Just looked on Amazon order history and mine cost me £260. They are now £440 😳. That said they are still really good but not necessarily a cheaper option that airbags but are easier to fit than airbags so could save something on fitting if you did a diy job as opposed to getting a fitter to fit the airbags. Both are good options although I have seen on a forum of some having problems with airbags leaking etc.

[@daviddredge1178]

Thanks Nick

[@plllot9713]

17:07 the purpose of using indicators is letting others know what's your intended direction. leaving roundabout with the right indicator until it self cancels is misinforming drivers waiting to enter the roundabout that your intention is to keep going round.

[@nickharper6436]

We all make the odd mistake especially when speak to camera! Thanks for pointing it out though.

[@johnclarke6542]

They look like glorified bump stops to me, get yourself some air bags improves the ride and handling, only takes a hour and half or so to fit

[@nickharper6436]

Yep that’s basically what they are although much better than the original and give a better more stable ride. It would be interesting to compare to the airbags but I’m sure both methods make an improvement. Thanks for the comments.

[@johnclarke6542]

@@nickharper6436 few years ago whilst in France got talking to a guy from northern Ireland, he told use if the bump stop don't have clearance from the spring it's a fail with there mot so he use to cut them down, I down know what our MOT rules are, but sagging suspension does attracts the attention of the DSVA who do the weights and defects for vehicles in the UK, be careful with your rear axle weights, happy motorhoming

[@nickharper6436]

Yes I’ve heard this John. I’ve put double leaf springs on mine now as I wasn’t happy with all the weight of the vehicle being on that one point where the bump stops or airbags sit. The van is now supported more evenly across the whole rear of the vehicle and a much improved ride and handling.

[@daviddredge1178]

And cheaper too!

[@michelcalteau5231]

Ce produit est vendu trop cher sur le marché français par le réseau qui a tendance à considérer le chaland concerné, comme un pigeon à plumer ! Beaucoup de produit proviennent de Chine, donc il faut autant que possible chercher la source où se fournissent les revendeurs français ...Pour revenir à ce produit je l'ai vu proposé à un peu plus de 400 euros !! Je dis aux revendeurs de camping cars (France) d'arrêter de nous prendre pour des cons ! Je vais vous faire une confidence, je ne leur confie jamais mon camping car même pour une petite réparation...Leur incompétence n'aurait d'égal que leur cupidité !

[@nickharper6436]

Michel many thanks for the comments but unfortunately I can’t copy the text to translate it.

[@april7_]

First I was like "only one leafspring, what is this" then I realize it is just a van, not that dedicated 20cm wider Motorhome Ducato chassis! No wonder you need upgrade! Air suspension is the way to go!