Does my motorhome need upgraded suspension?

QI have recently bought a 2012 Romahome R20, Citroën Berlingo-based motorhome. I am generally very impressed with this downsized vehicle, but I do have a concern.

We have, on several occasions, experienced grounding problems when negotiating speed bumps and some off-road parking. It would appear that the rear steadies, even though fully wound up, are coming into contact with the floor.

The ground clearance when the vehicle is parked on a flat surface is approximately eight inches. I’ve tried to contact Romahome, but have been unable to do so. Do you have any advice on this subject, as I am considering a MAD suspension-type spring assistors conversion. Paul Gardiner

AI remember road testing the Romahome R20 when it was new. Even then the large rear overhang meant that the rear springs and dampers had to work hard to control the body over the bumps.

So, if your ’van is still running on its original springs and dampers, then replacing them with some uprated MAD springs is a good call. The company offers various spring ratings for the Berlingo so I’d give it a ring and see what it suggests.

The springs are progressive, meaning that the spring rate increases as the spring is compressed – this will certainly help ground clearance.

I’d replace the dampers as a matter of course – especially with stiffer springs. Fit a decent brand of damper such as Bilstein, Koni, Sachs or KYB. If you don’t, you’ll simply get a bouncy or harsh ride on the stiffer springs.

The other thing to consider – which you could do instead of fitting the MAD springs or in conjunction with them – is to fit an air-assistance system. These work really well and have the added advantage of being able to raise and lower the rear of the vehicle at the touch of a button – so you can not only set your perfect ride height, but also tune the rear suspension to give you the perfect balance between roadholding and comfort.

MAD also sells these kits so might be able to help sort one of these.

Peter Rosenthal