I purchased my van in 2024 to use camping and travelling. It has only the two front seats, so the back is very comfortable with a cot and gear. It came with a futon (too short for me), 12v fridge, 300 watts of solar on the roof, Coleman stove and a few other goodies. I put on a hitch to carry my bike, but it scrapes when I go over dips. Looking for solutions.
ashfordpm
The hitch scrapes? That's a geometry problem. I would start by replacing any worn-out suspension parts - front struts, rear shocks and springs, and all the bushings.
If you decide to do that, get suspension bits for the AWD model (also used on 8-seaters). Taller than the "standard" suspension and is cross compatible with all variants.
If you decide to do that, get suspension bits for the AWD model (also used on 8-seaters). Taller than the "standard" suspension and is cross compatible with all variants.
8-seater springs
Airbags
And ... There is always the journeys off road kit. I have it on my 2006 xle AWD.
Airbags
And ... There is always the journeys off road kit. I have it on my 2006 xle AWD.
Journeys Off Road
Journeys Off Road - Making custom lift kits and off road accessories for vans such as the Toyota Sienna, Chevy Astro, Ram Promaster, and many more!
www.journeysoffroad.com
I was going to suggest the lift kit, but any worn out suspension needs to be addressed before that.
Given the age, I'd guess the scraping hitch is probably a result of broken coils at the bottom of the rear springs. I recently replaced mine and was astounded by how much sag I never noticed. If you have steel 16" wheels, you can look for a set of aluminum 17" rims. Those two changes will probably give you all the clearance you need.
Check your rear coils , see if any are broken. Obviously those would need to be replaced if broken.
Otherwise, I'd do the airbags, to level up the van, as it's probably sagging as soon as you put stuff in it. Mine sags and when loaded, and it did it when new. They come with soft springs.
When look at mine empty, it looks fine, but add 400 lbs (2 chunky people) in back , which should be expected, it starts to sag, check it out and you will see this is the way.
Otherwise, I'd do the airbags, to level up the van, as it's probably sagging as soon as you put stuff in it. Mine sags and when loaded, and it did it when new. They come with soft springs.
When look at mine empty, it looks fine, but add 400 lbs (2 chunky people) in back , which should be expected, it starts to sag, check it out and you will see this is the way.
And FYI, the rear shocks and springs are super easy to replace. I replaced ours (7-Seater FWD) with KYB rear shocks 344308 and Moog 81411 springs(both with lifetime warranty) that I bought from Rockauto.
Shocks: More Information for KYB 344308
Springs: More Information for MOOG 81411
Good luck!
Shocks: More Information for KYB 344308
Springs: More Information for MOOG 81411
Good luck!
I think the issue of stability is something to be aware of but not afraid.
If OP is just using the airbags (and maybe new coils) to get the van to NOT sink down when loaded, it's really just keeping the stability the same.
If OP is just using the airbags (and maybe new coils) to get the van to NOT sink down when loaded, it's really just keeping the stability the same.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
