Why Real Axle Weight Dictates Your Ride
Spring rating equals rear axle weight, loaded the way you actually travel.
Not GVWR on the door sticker, not "it's a 2500 so I need the 2500 kit."
The number on a CAT scale ticket is the spec for your spring.
Why the scale matters
Without an accurate scale ticket, or a very close estimate, you risk two failure modes:
- undersprung: sag, excessive body roll, bottoming out
- oversprung: harsh ride when light, reduced traction and comfort
Progressive multi leaf packs have an engineered buffer handling 500 to 800 lb swings, for example a full versus empty 30 gallon tank, fuel, and groceries, within the progressive curve.
Correct springs are not a lift
When a properly rated progressive multi leaf pack raises your van, it's not lifting it for looks.
It's returning the chassis to the ride height Mercedes or Ford designed it for, about 2 inches, just enough to get the vehicle off the bump stops and restore usable travel.
Engineering fix: get an accurate scale ticket before we order parts. Send us the number and we'll confirm the correct spring rating from there.
How do I weigh my van?
Go to a truck stop CAT scale on the way to a trip.
Load it the way you travel, full water, full fuel, everyone aboard, all your gear.
Pull onto the scale, the cashier will walk you through it. Take your ticket, photograph it.
That rear axle number is what we spec a leaf pack to. It takes a few minutes and costs about $10.
I have a Winnebago or Tiffin - isn't this information known?
YES. The below rear leaf spring pack weight are based on our experiense working on many vans with your exact weight.
But, they're a starting point. The more weight you add to your (and where that weight lives) could push up into a higher spring.
If you've added boxes, a tire carrier or bumper - see how that added weight impacts your overall vehicle weight.
| Production Build | Typical Leaf Target | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|
| Winnebago Ekko (Transit) | ≈ 5,400 lb rear pack | |
| Winnebago Ekko (Sprinter) | ≈ 7,500 lb rear pack | Heavy platform chassis; always confirm wet weight on a scale. |
| Winnebago Revel | ≈ 4,700 or 5,400 lb | Model year, battery bank type, and accessories matter more than the badge. |
| Tiffin GH1 | ≈ 4,700 lb | Treat like a Revel platform until verified on a scale. |
| Tiffin Open Trail | ≈ 7,500 lb | 3500-class chassis dynamics apply; requires heavy-duty pack spec. |
| Storyteller Mode | ≈ 5,400 lb | Beast Mode gear, exterior accessories, and rear boxes alter the baseline. |
| Custom 2500 Sprinter | Weigh it, don't guess | Build weights scatter wildly from 4,100 to 5,500+ lb on the rear axle. |
| Custom 3500 / 3500XD | Weigh it, don't guess | Often a compliance issue rather than sag; easily oversprung on moderate builds. |
Which Suspension is Right For Me?
Frequently Asked Questions
Often they left you the choice on purpose. Final weight wasn't known, or the builder certifies a finished vehicle to upfitter guidelines and doesn't want to own driveline angle risk. That flexibility is useful. Your suspension preference is different from one Revel owner to another.
Look at the arch and weigh the axle. Looks hide a pack that's already on the bump stops.