up-plate update important suspension changes

[@suepaulbrown9512]

Hi Sam,although Ducato based it might help someone, a lot of peaple make the mistake of going for the lightwaight model,were as the Maxi or heavyweight is all upgaded at the factory and downplated to 3.5t.so its easyier to upplate later also all the benafits of stiffer springs 16inch rims and better brakes etc the L4 Heavy, which gives you another 2 cubic metres of space and max weights of 2100kg front, and 2400kg rear.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

That's some great information thank you for sharing 😁👍

[@ExpeditionDouglas]

Keep up the good work Sam. We appreciate the help and signposting you gave us.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Hi guys hope your all well 🫶

[@antoniomonteiro6008]

Thanks for the info Sam, I'm about 90% complete on my crafter and just found out the van is 140kg overweight 😢 and wandering what to do going forward.

[@six_inabus]

You find some amazing place to walk ! Looks so peaceful ❤

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

We are split for choice mate 😊👍

[@mrt4003]

Great info. Don’t usually comment but I thought I better do my bit 😂

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thank you it all counts 😊👍

[@Trotterthecampervanbuild72]

Thanks for this Sam, very helpful information.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😊👍

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Thank you your a knowledgeable man.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Cheers 👍

[@DaveandChez.]

Sounds like the rule book is tightening mate, good to hear you've done your research, 👍

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Cheers pal

[@andrewgraham2865]

Great video again Sam - you do an absolutely cracking job and your efforts to inform van builders and owners is really, really appreciated! I’m interested because after I’d converted our van I put it on the scales and discovered it was a tad over the 3500kg plated all up weight. But, and this is the key thing, it was also on the bump stops, front and back! We decided that the way to go was with upgrading the springs so we bought and fitted the Jones twin-leaf for the rears and procured the stiffer front one from Coastal. The improvement, once the shocks were replaced as well, was very noticeable, so I’m grateful for the opportunity of watching what you did and getting a result just as you described. Of course, changing the rear springs will definitely have increased the weight by a few extra Kgs…. I would guess that all up we are around 3,800kg. If we ever get pulled over and have to be weighed then we will be in trouble as our 2016 Sprinter is plated at 3500…. I dont anticipate ever needing to go above 3800; in fact I am already thinking about ways to reduce weight!

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

It's definitely a mine field out there

[@stephenhodkinson9441]

Great information! Came to you through urban van lifes video on the subject, fantastic effort to share all this knowledge to stop people coming unstuck. I'm just debating which van to convert with the weight issue in mind, so I'll get into some more of your videos! I know it's stating the obvious but you would have to upgrade your licence to category C1 to be able to drive the vehicle after you have up-plated it, which might be a problem. (Unless you've got Grandad rights obviously). Thank you.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

totally correct, anything over 3.5 require a C1 licence glad you like the channel

[@fionamooney8648]

Thank Sam another great one

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😊👍

[@Pelt101]

Great stuff Sam…. “ I’ve spent a shit load of money on this van “ and still smiling 👍

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

SPM= Smiles per miles

[@trickydicky6788]

Geat video, very interesting. I think your Mic is still playing up. I am listening on headphones sound started in right ear only, later only in the left ear. Keep up the videos

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I was still getting used to the new mike totally operator error

[@debh-h6821]

Thanks Sam, alot of info to keep in mind. I had no idea that 2023 was going to be a pants year for this change. I wish we had known about it last year, lol... We still need to look at doing this, so early talks defo seems the way to go. Cheers, bud. 🍺

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

That's the problem no one knew 😬

[@oj8616]

Hi Sam, thanks for all your work and information on this. I have upgraded my rear suspension with 5t leaf springs. Next weekend Ill be tackling the front end. Im stuggling to find information on what exactly is required to uprate the weight to 4030 or 4230kg's. Where can I get specifics on what I need to do to get approved for the upplating? Cheers

[@DestinationDestiny-ot5pc]

Thanks Sam, very very interesting !! I was in the throes of compiling a video of me doing exactly this just to show all the steps and hurdles involved in up-plating !! Dee from the engineering company - wink,wink - provided SO much direction and help , I don't think I could have done it without their help !! Unfortunately I could only up-plate to 3940kgs max ; ( I have rhodes vans sumo kit fitted ) , but better than nothing .

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I still need to be convinced on the sumo spring I'm not a fan mate 😊👍

[@Feede.Mountain]

Thanks for infsam..

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😊👍

[@1963wattie]

Great video mate. My v5 came back today. Officially 4050kg and easy process.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

That's great news 😁👍

[@glenr7999]

Thank you for such good videos and informative content. Great work. Just wish I would have found your videos earlier. With your van being registered as a van with windows and now up-plated, what solution have you put in place for associated speed restriction?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

No speed restrictions required as it dose not carry goods

[@glenr7999]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife interesting, I have been advised by the up-plating company that I will need to get the speed restriction to 56mph enabled on the ECU. Looks like I will need to investigate.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I filled out a tacho exemption certificate When I made my application, Have you questionEd Dee why this is ?

[@glenr7999]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife This is what is quoted, but I will discuss further, hence asking for your experience. When I understand more I will keep you informed. Additional points - Any vehicle over 3,500kg that isn't registered as a motor caravan will need to fit/engage an approved speed limiter set to 56mph or 90kph. As you've got a reasonably modern vehicle this should just be a case of getting your local main dealer or ECU tuning specialist to switch this on in the vehicle's ECU. The DVLA & your insurer may ask you to provide dated proof of the fitting/engaging of the speed limiter at any time.

[@Sarah_Serg]

Great video thanks. Does up-plating to a private HGV alter the insurance adversely?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

No you give the insurance company your reg and they insure from that

[@bryandevey104]

Very interesting information sam always enjoy your vidios

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Cheers mate 👍

[@stewartkendall2635]

Top video again Sam. I’ve scrolled thru and can’t see if anyone’s asked this question. Which order would you go. Upplate first then go to change V5 to campervan or other way round. Is there an advantage in one way or the other? Cheers Stew

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

There is no difference in the way you do it, but I would say if you up plate first, you could send the engineers report that states it's a campervan that may help with the decision-making

[@andrewgraham2865]

Hi Sam. I think I’ve commented previously to you that we have converted our ex DHL 2016 313CDI into what is now Vandalou…complete with Jones twin leaf rear springs and the 4.5t front leaf (from Coastal) along with new B4 Bilstein shocks all round. Like you note in the video and given we are knocking on 3.85t it would be good to upgrade the brakes from a practical point of view! To that end I’ve been searching around for answers but (as you mentioned) there doesn’t seem to be a straightforward solution. I just wonder if your contact across the pond has come up with anything useful? In the meantime I am going to proceed with making the application to register the van as a Camper and if successful then tackle the issue of up-plating to 4030Kg. Cheers and keep up the good work! Andrew

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Hi I'm still looking into it its so expensive there is a kit out there for just shy of 2k I need to do one for less than £500 i think

[@richardockenden8669]

Great video once again, I`m not bothering with the up plating cos I recken its the atkins diet for me and the Mrs and we`ll just scrape into the 3.5 T limmit......😘 don`t watch this space with hindsight it`ll never happen..... 🙃

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Hi mate watch this space big changes are coming to the B1 category Europe have increased the vehicles you can drive up to 4.25t 😊 we always follow suit

[@Ollie_Martin]

really good video, glad i watched it as i am about to start my process of upgrading my suspensions and did not know about that front leaf spring. Did you have to put a speed limiter on your van when up plating at all, as its been mentioned i may need to for it to get approved ?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

No speed limiter as my vehicle will not be carrying goods

[@raykeogh1972]

Superb video I don't have your vans I have an Auto Trail Scout and I want that up grading. I was waiting till you finished then going to ask my question but you mentioned it BRAKES. Every year I struggle with the MOT. it fails all the time this year it cost me £2600 to get it through that was with 2 weeks off work as my motorhome is my main vehicle. So I wait in anticipation for the next move on BRAKES. Thanks for sharing Ray K UK YNWA. I gave thumbs up and subsided.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

EBC sell performance disc and pads if your braking is an issue

[@liltliltliltlilt]

While you are talking bout your audio it is only playing on the RHS Channel on my system. (works fine on all other vids for those quick commenters)

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thats strange don't know why that could be happening 🤔

[@beaulunaedvantures]

Little comment just to say thanks Sam 😁 just starting my up plate journey we are only just over 3.5 got no chance of it every being classed as a motor caravan because we didn’t want to fulfil some of the criteria. Who would you recommend to talk to please? Thanks 👍

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I would recommend van weight engineering they offer the best service I find Good luck with your build 😁👍

[@chrissayers76]

Sam. I've done the air bags, 5 tonne rear springs from Jones. I've just bought the Koni active shocks. And a 5 tonne front sprint from Jones. Will this spring be ok in the up plating process do you think.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

as long as your engineer is happy you should be good

[@bigblokeinuk8974]

Sam, love all over your videos, especially when you honestly show when things go slightly wrong - we've all been there. I am in the planning phase of my van build and I am looking at either a L4 Sprinter or a L4H3 Iveco van. Am I right in assuming that the Iveco option is rated at a max weight of 7T? If not and either of the vans I have mentioned, is it best to get the suspension components and air bags fitted before the build? Also, what actually determines the maximum weight that you can replate up to. Sorry for the naïve questions, but super new to all of this. Cheers!

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

It all comes down to the original build spec and the load carry capacity of the lowest rated part, The iveco has a couple of weight versions 3.5t, 5t and 7t

[@davidhale4830]

Thanks for the info but i thought in some circumstances it was just a paperwork excercise in some cases,I'm looking at a MAM tge 3.5t may have to have a rethink😮

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

You're correct if you want to up-plate to 3850kg it is a paperwork exercise for the vw crafter you would need to speak with engineers to see what's available for the MAN TGE

[@davidhale4830]

Thanks for the answer,I think I'm a bit clearer in my thoughts,keep up the videos, very enjoyable 😉

[@Crowtherstephen79]

I almost messaged you on insta earlier this week wondering when you might release this video

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

It was meant to be out last week but technology beat me once again 🤣🤣👍

[@malcolmnisbet5267]

Hi sam , excellent info, but would you happen ti know the front leaf spring rubbers , part numbers , as i take it 5t rubbers are differebt many thanks.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I do, as a matter of fact, they are listed in the description of the suspension upgrade videos 😊👍

[@simonrutherford5738]

I have a 2017 build but 2018 registered sprinter 316CDI. I got it new. I have just done the suspension upgrade with Bilstien struts and shocks sumo springs front and back the supposed 5 ton transverse spring (I need to check the part number now) and Jones springs extra heavy duty rear springs. I had thought about upgrading plating but as it’s registered as a motor caravan I didn’t want to loose that with it becoming a private HGV and the reduction in speed limit. I’m very interested in the brakes upgrade. Mine are absolutely diabolical. They have been from new. Even now with brembo pads and rear shoes and stainless brake hoses I still wonder if it’s going to stop !! It was so bad in standard form I got an advisory on the MOT! the brakes had just been completely serviced at that point! I have been looking to see if any of the Mercedes AMG brakes would fit but haven’t been able to establish that as yet? I can’t wait to hear what you have heard. Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

We definitely need to look at brakes 😊👍

[@campervancodgers124]

We tried the other company first and they did waste our time, (not a motohome) so by the time we went to the other it was too late for France. So we sacrificed what we took to keep her under, This is great info thanks Sam and the dog at the end ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Ted is a start gutted I ruined the audio

[@campervancodgers124]

@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife we just fast forwarded a minute to check and then all was good 👍

[@richies6898]

Great information Sam, am I right in thinking, with upgraded shocks (Koni) and double leaf springs on the back I can achieve 4030kgs, or will I still need to swap out the front spring for the previous but downgraded one? Love the content. And as always from an everyman perspective. Keep up the good work, hopefully my van will be finished over the winter........week 3 into my washroom build, just the final cladding and tambour door to fit now...... Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Yes you should be able to achieve the 4030kg but I would always contact one of the companies first it's free and they will give you an estimate on what can be achieved 😁👍

[@johnkeyworth976]

Nice one Sam. Not sprinter van man but love the content.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

What van have you got out of intrest

[@johnkeyworth976]

For my sins, citroen relay l3h2🤣

[@ciaranokelly3693]

Interesting information Sam and many thanks for sharing. So am I right to assume that this issue only effects VW Crafter owners negatively and that the situation for Sprinter owners remains unchanged?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

No it affects both wanting to use the part I listed 😕👍

[@mohammedtasin2792]

Hi, sam who are the 2 companies can someone let me know

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Van weight engineering and SV Tech hope this helps

[@G-InThe-V]

Hi mate. Can i ask which company the other one is. SV will only go to 4030 but mines not registered as a campervan. Id like to get all the details before i purchase the keaf spring from europe Thanks for your videos in highlighting this.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

The company is called van weight engineering

[@G-InThe-V]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife cheers for that I'll check it out take care

[@UrbanVanlife]

We need to a video out telling every thing that happened . Probably not as detailed as this but it will be for the people like me who aren’t that bad with crayons. Great video mate and oh mate how frustrating was that past few months lol . We got there in the end. I still think with the changes yours should be down rated to be honest 😂😂😂 ( joking ) our spring came from Finland

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paulbanning1949]

Hi Sam i have a 1920's lookalike van, a Fleur De Lys, which I has converted into a camper van. I have engaged with an up plating company and everything has gone ok apart from the wheels, they are a cast aluminium and the up plating company want proof the wheels can take the extra weight. There is no markings on the wheels with safe working loads, do you know of anyone who could test one of the wheels and supply paperwork of a increased load. Many Thanks Paul.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Which company have you been using?

[@paulbanning1949]

Hi Sam the company was Van Weight Engineering.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

@paulbanning1949 do you know the wheel manufacturer? It would be probably cheaper to buy rated wheels to fit your vehicle

[@bernardpepper6568]

thanks Sam i lost my grandad rights at the age of 70 surrendered my licence and got the follow on one .would this licence allow me to up plate

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Good question. I'm not sure what does it say on the back of your licence

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

Got my spring from Finland, Sam have you had problems with a knock on the steering? I just had to replace my steering rack, just wondering if the oversized wheels and extra height negatively effects the rack, like the steering column needs to be extended, expensive process changing that through a garage I can tell you. Cheers

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I do have a slight knock at times that I haven't been able to trace until you suggested the steering rack I need to investigate now. Thank you 😊👍

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife Interesting you also have knock, I know of another guy who also has knock after this 5t spring mod. To be clear though it is like a clunk every 360 rotation of steering the wheel? I have zero knock after the rack was replaced and my tracking has never been better but my left tyre is now ever so slightly rubbing the paint on the sub frame on full lock, it’s like whackamo this bloody van, fix one problem and another pops up. 😩

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I know the feeling. We have had a clear run since the bad start to the year

[@petermport]

What road is the kissing gate on ?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Set Murphy just above Higham Hall if you know the area

[@petermport]

Yeah I live just the other side of the 66, Yeah I know where it is now turn left at the scholl and its about 1/2 mile before Highham hall

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

@petermport past the golf links turn off at the top of the hill 👍

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

What are the company names?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

The only company I would recommend is Van Weight Engineering 😁👍

[@toastiesvanbuild4644]

👍

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😎🫵 how you doing 😊

[@sasmicky71]

Is that the same for sprinter or is it still possible to up plate 12 sprinter

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

As long as you use the spring listed A906 321 18 03 that's a 5 tonne spring so would get you the extra 200kg on the front as long as no other parts are affected

[@sasmicky71]

Do you no of any available to buy. Thanks

[@andym1908]

Do you live in the lakes?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Yes near Cockermouth, what about yourself?

[@andym1908]

Cheshire. I was up in Distington on Wednesday working. Go to the lakes quite regularly. Staying on Fallbarrow in January.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

@andym1908 tidy we are lucky the fells are only 5 minutes away for use

[@SH-vb5ph]

Or… if you’ve been thinking about it, just buy a van with a suitable weight rating in the first place and not lose a wink of sleep over any of this…

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

You could, but where the fun in that 😁👍

[@Rob.1340]

👍🚐😎

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😁👋