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Hi cube weight issues; Help deciding which model to get for a camper conversion
Topic Started: Dec 8 2012, 04:22 PM (3,408 Views)
ivecocamper
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Hi All,

My first post on this forum.

We are looking to do a self build camper conversion on a LWB H3 Iveco Daily.

We have already done one self build on a VW LT so I am no stranger to that side of things. Where I need help for now is selecting the right van at the start.

We are decided that to meet our requirements the van HAS to be LWB H3.

Due to the weight of any conversion and 4 passengers with luggage etc a 3.5T van is going to go overweight so we have to have at least 4T.

We are looking for something in the 4th generation models and preferably the 3ltr.

The easy thing would be to just plump for a 65C18, as these seem to be fairly easily available. My concern with this is that the suspension may be too blooming firm and shake us to bits. If this were the case, does anyone know how easy it is to soften the suspension on a 65C and sort out the brake compensation having done so? I don't suppose it is as easy as putting 50C rear springs and brake compensator on it? Is front AND rear extra strong or mainly the rear?

Obviously the ideal is to buy a 50C18 in the first place, but these seem to be rare beasts in the LWB form.

What about the twin wheel 35C models? How simple is it to uprate one of these to say 4.5T? Might this be a better option?

Another concern is final drive ratios. Does the 65C have a lower ratio Diff than the lighter formats, and if so does it greatly affect fuel consumption?

I think that is more than enough to ask for my first post, so over to those that know! :D

Thanks

David.

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ivecoboy
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you want a 40c15 3litre engine lwb hiroof just put 5springs into rear spring €150 each side easy done carry all you want an drives great
35c15 same van as 40c15 just up rated springs
Edited by ivecoboy, Dec 11 2012, 09:53 PM.
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cieranc
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65c18, just add/remove however many spring leaves you wish.
Personally, I would carry out the build, then run it and change the suspension to suit.

Our 65c18's run 10+10 springs, 10 leafs in the main spring and a 10 leaf 'helper' spring on top of the main spring.
Going by the amount of spring buffers we go thoough, them helper springs get some use!
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ivecojoe
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Ten leaf springs plus ten helpers !!! any chance you could add a couple pictures that would be interesting....
re van I would say check out the the weight you intend to add from the build add the weight of all payload at max inc fuel and water tanks, then just add that to the unladen weight of van model you are considering....if the total is 4.75 ton gross go for a 50c15 model,you can always chip to add more ponies,where as if it ends up as 5.6 ton gross you know you have to go for 6.5 ton.
In reallity you dont want to go heavier than you need as it will be less economical on diesel and slower due to design weight it is geared to pull.Obviously dont go the other way where you are overloading seriously any vehicle with brakes not designed for that weight as the consequences with passengers other road users are not worth it.
I have owned 35/50 and 65 models and they all have benefits in there own rights so check out the weights and then pick the most suitable!re front suspension all heavier models are fitted with torsion bar suspension,it is adjustable harder or softer although this wont change the weight it is plated to carry.One I bought had the bars adjusted harder to allow for tool load that it had previously carried it was hell unladen untill I realised what had been done and reset height to normal !!obviously you need to go for c model with twin wheels as you will find more stable. regards Tractor Paul.
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cieranc
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Our gen4 65's run a ballast bar on the front, so the front axle is permanently running at its max (2 ton).
I did a road test with a bar removed and it was a right dog to drive, bouncing all over and wallowing!

So I agree, getting the T bars set right makes a big difference.
Will get you some pics Paul.
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ivecojoe
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Cheers ,appreciate that. Paul
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ivecocamper
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Thanks for the replies chaps, I am now happy that I can go for the 65C18 and downrate the springs as required after completing the build. If we have the cash I will splash out the £2.5K and get full air suspension which will then also give me self levelling, as well as reduced ride height at speed and raised on rough ground. We'll see. The air suspension I am looking at is the VB and only fits the 60/65 models.

Does anyone know how easy it is to change the final drive ratio on a 65C18 if it is a bit revvy? And is there any point as I rarely go over 60mph anyway (Too tight to speed :D ).

I would look at the lower rated C models if there is one around at the time, but there seem to be very few of them in the LWB H3.

David.
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atchoum
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Hi,

Good choice ;)

I'm in the process of doing a camper conversion on a 35S18 LWB H3.. But lucky me, I found one with air suspension and heater (Eberspacher D5) already installed!! Only thing I can tell you, is that air spring do the job quite well.. Here you go :My camper conversion if you wanna have a look

Good luck and please post some pics of your work !!
Edited by atchoum, Dec 20 2012, 03:09 PM.
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ivecojoe
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Thats a really good job,do you know what actual weight you have addaed to the van ? it would be interesting. you couldnt buy better .. tractor Paul
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atchoum
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Sorry, don't know about the weight yet. I'll have it weighted once it's finished and will let you know.. Thanks by the way ;)
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ivecocamper
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Atchoum,

A very good looking conversion to a good finish. My finish won't be as pretty. I consider myself an engineer who uses wood, certainly NOT a carpenter :)

The reason that I have steered clear of the 3.5T is that I shall be doing a 4 berth, and two beds and two travel seats alone add a lot of weight, plus by using normal grade ply you reduce costs a lot, if at the expense of a bit of extra weight. My leisure batteries alone weigh 84kg. I shall be interested to see what your finished weight is too.

I am planning on spray insulating, probably diy. Will post pictures as I go, but mainly in the main forum I use, SBMCC. http://www.sbmcc.co.uk/forum.php
I will post here too though.

Good luck and seasons greetings to all

David.
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ivecojoe
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There is a 65c18 on ebay at the moment....freezer ,but maybe of interest.
Sorry that one seems to be sold already ! if you type in just iveco c18 it will save you trawling through hundreds, cheers.
Edited by ivecojoe, Dec 23 2012, 01:33 PM.
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ivecocamper
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Thanks Paul, we are awaiting funds at the moment. My first task was to identify what to buy and how much to raise. Our current camper has about 18 months before the oldest boy's bed is too short. :D

David.
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cieranc
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Tractor Paul
Dec 16 2012, 12:06 PM
Ten leaf springs plus ten helpers !!! any chance you could add a couple pictures that would be interesting....
regards Tractor Paul.
Posted Image

Not the best picture but the lifts were all in use and this was on the floor.
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Danceman
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Hi Ivecocamper

I have done 2 Iveco 35c12 one 3rd and one 4th gen almost identical layout for both 4/5 birth config with shower/toilet kitchen and seating area + table + two independent belted seats.. Total seats 5 total beds 5 and the complete weight is 2900kg with driver and full tank fuel.. have carried 5 people in total with no problems.. but would say that would be on the border line of 3500kg.. I have also seen 35c12 carrie huge loads lots of times but would say better to be safe than sorry... I was told but not sure if its true that when change to a motor caravan by dvl a that it no longer is weight restricted like a van.. but not sure if this is true.

Best
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