Big Blue gets a butt-lift

Since I have purchased the Big Blue back in 2010, it has always had a saggy-butt problem; the rear of the van lower than the front. Add to it that all the storage inside the van is in the far rear and the problem only gets worse when I am fully loaded and ready for travel. When I am towing, the sag worsens even more.

Saggy bottom is no good. Rear of van taking the brunt of the added weight when towing.

There are numerous problems with the rear of a car being lower than the front, most notably to me is the effect on fuel mileage. Other than the ability to carry my necessary cargo without worry, fuel mileage was a leading reason for the upgrade.

In the past I purchased and installed some Monroe Sensa-trac load adjusting shocks which advertises an additional 1200lbs assistance… which turned out not to be enough. However, since I am parked for an undefined period of time, I went ahead and purchased a Hellwig Helper Spring Kit advertising an additional 2000lbs ride leveling assistance, and this finally did the job.

Before adding the helper springs (left) and after (right)

Leveling out the front-to-rear ride height will allow the air to more easily flow under the van at speed. This will have a positive effect on the MPGs and will make it much easier to find some level ground at my camping sites.