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Old 06-29-2015, 01:53 PM   #1
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2015 Interstate Ext. Coach
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Improve the ride from Sprinter Interstate

Hi all, does anyone have any ideas on how to create a better/smoother ride for the passengers in the cabin area/sofa seats of a 2015 AI lounge ext. with 4 captains chairs? The wife and our friends felt like they would have been bouncing around if it weren't for the seat belts. I would like to improve the ride so that passengers will not feel every bump in the road. I was only traveling at 65 mph and on an interstate highway so there must be some type of improvement available, anyone solved this problem before?
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Old 06-29-2015, 02:14 PM   #2
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I believe the 2016's have an airbag option that is supposed to help this.

I think there is also aftermarket shock/suspension upgrades that may be better than existing but at a pretty hefty price. In ours the front 4 seats are great and don't have a back passengers enough for an upgrade.
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Old 06-29-2015, 03:14 PM   #3
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That 2016 rear air suspension by VB Air is the best solution. A retrofit on a 2015 Interstate is about $10,000. Other than that you can try things like Koni shocks or Sumo Spring bump stops. If you don't want to upgrade to VB Airsuspension check out the Sprinter Store - they have several options.
http://sprinterstore.com/sprintersto...suspension.htm

But ultimately the Interstate is built on a heavy duty Sprinter truck chassis so getting a smooth ride is a challenge. From all have read only the VB Airsuspension truly improves the ride for rear passengers. It is the suspension used by companies that convert Sprinters into limos or ambulances.


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Old 06-29-2015, 03:25 PM   #4
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Thanks Ron CA and Boxster, do you have any idea where to find more info on the VB Airsuspension other than a google search? Do you know of anyone that has done this upgrade?
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Old 06-29-2015, 06:36 PM   #5
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I'd check with Airstream about a retrofit of a VB Airsuspension. Since they are now installing them as an option on the 2016 models they might do retrofits at the factory.


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Old 06-29-2015, 07:45 PM   #6
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A couple weeks ago I was talking with the sales guy who sold us our AI. He said the factory option price for the VB suspension was $6,000. According to what I have read about the cost of the equipment, that is a very fair price. He also told me that you lose the rear recessed storage bin as that is where the pump is located.

I asked him if he was going to get a new model in with the suspension. He doubted his bosses would order it because of the cost. I told him that he should have one there with and one without and then take customers for test rides. If the air bags work as I have heard, he should have no trouble selling that option as the $6K price tag isn't a lot to someone planning on spending north of $140K. If I were running the business, I might be more concerned about selling the model that did not have this option.

On the other hand, if you do not haul more than four people, the ride in the rear is a non-issue. The cab seats and the two seats behind them in the Lounge model all ride very comfortably.
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Old 06-29-2015, 07:45 PM   #7
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Here's some info on VB Suspension:

Your suspension specialist » VB-Airsuspension

http://www.vbairsuspension.com/en/files/262.html
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Old 06-30-2015, 08:52 AM   #8
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As of a couple months ago, AdvancedRV was still upfitting the VB Air onto other manufacturers sprinters.
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Old 05-18-2016, 11:01 PM   #9
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Hello Gentelmen, now this is my turn for looking for a good retrofitting specialist to upgrade my rear to VB. ( My boss - the wife - is jumping while I am driving and she is on the rear sofa, you know... Happy wife happy life )))

So, can anyone refer me to a place?
Thanks!
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Old 05-19-2016, 10:16 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. B View Post
Hello Gentelmen, now this is my turn for looking for a good retrofitting specialist to upgrade my rear to VB. ( My boss - the wife - is jumping while I am driving and she is on the rear sofa, you know... Happy wife happy life )))

So, can anyone refer me to a place?
Thanks!
Have you tried the list of dealers on the VB website?
http://www.vbairsuspensionusa.com/us...lers/list.html
Advanced RV used to do aftermarket installs but they're too busy for this now.
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Old 05-19-2016, 11:59 AM   #11
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Yes I contacted them couple days ago, they don't have any dealers in south states.
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Old 05-20-2016, 04:46 PM   #12
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Wonder if anybody checked into the glide Rite from sprinter upgrades.com
Looks good and is cheaper then VB.
Peter
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Old 05-20-2016, 05:43 PM   #13
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Yes Peter, I've checked the Glide Rite price of system is about 5 grand, plus the same is installation. The most important is to properly install it, and I have no idea who can do it correctly so far...
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Old 05-20-2016, 06:11 PM   #14
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One day I'll install the glide rite. Interblog doesn't see any need for it but since I like napping and she likes driving, she may never know its value.
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Old 05-20-2016, 09:21 PM   #15
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I have the air suspension on my GT and am pleased with the ride. As this is my first RV I do not have a reference. That said I really like the fact that I can fine tune our position to level when we pull into campgrounds by pushing a button.
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Old 05-21-2016, 01:14 AM   #16
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What can you say about this set, guys?
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Old 05-21-2016, 01:18 AM   #17
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Here is the description what seller says about it:
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Old 05-21-2016, 06:43 AM   #18
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Mr. B,
We have all of those items on our 2011 Interstate. They significantly improve the cornering, sway, and driving in windy conditions. They do not help the rough ride in the back. As has been said many times in other posts, full air bag suspension is the only solution for that.
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Old 05-21-2016, 08:30 AM   #19
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What can you say about this set, guys?

I had these Koni shocks installed on all four corners about 35,000 miles ago. The seemed good at first but now the van is rocking more than ever. I think they might be shot.


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Old 05-21-2016, 08:37 AM   #20
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I had these Koni shocks installed on all four corners about 35,000 miles ago. The seemed good at first but now the van is rocking more than ever. I think they might be shot.
They might just need to be readjusted.
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