Evening all,wanting to change the suspension on my 1996 300tdi as it's old,tired,the handling is getting more and more like a barge and it hates going laning or towing the tin tent around,plus it needs a bit of welding on the suspension mounts so seems like a good time to upgrade it. Been looking at Bearmach Blue HD springs (rear +20mm, front +30mm) and standard length gas shocks, I've seen a couple of others on here with similar on/off road usage to myself are running this setup with positive results,but not seen anything regarding how well this setup works with towing a caravan so hoping someone can offer some advice regarding this setup and towing. Caravan is 19ft and 1300kg if that's any use. Also been offered a set of 16x8 steel wheels with -30mm offset and 265/75/16 AT tyres on at a very good price (currently on standard alloys and road tyres so not the best away from tarmac), am I right in thinking these will fit on with a bit of trimming but without having to adjust the steering stops/use spacers (apart from the spare?) and will sit about in line with an arch extension? Sorry for the lengthy post, but I want to be sure I'm not having a massive brainfart/missing something obvious before I splash the cash.

Many thanks, Tezz

I use mine for offroading and towing. Ive got britpart supergaz hd springs +2 and shocks and removed antiroll bars and it handles really well. Ive also got 31 x 10.50 x 15 mud terrains on 15 x 8 rims -32 offset so equivelant to 265 75 15 and i have no rubb8ng on articulation or full lock.

My caravan sits nice behind it and mine is 1600kg 26ft long never misses a beat apart from slowing on hills but tyres dont help so fitted boost pin

Hope this helps mate

Cheers for that chief,definitely a help. What bushes did you use when you changed the suspension? Tempted with polybushes but read mixed reviews regarding ride comfort and lifespan

It comes with polybushes which ive fitted but if i renewed them theyd be polybushed all the way

Sound, cheers for the info mate

Britpart springs and gas shocks are ok for britpart. Pro comp 9000 are ok too but still a budget choice

Nothing wrong with a budget choice.I get out at least once a month playing or laning and I've used Pro-Comps for years across several different marques and never had a problem with them.

I have Bearmach Blue HD springs (rear +20mm, front +30mm), with armstrong shocks, all works well, but a little soft on the read when heavily loaded, and I mean heavy.

To be fair I don't really carry a lot of weight in the barge most of the time, it's usually full of kids and they're not that heavy yet ha ha the Bearmach Blues sound good for what I'm after, thanks for the comments and opinions chaps

im running Bearmach Blue HD springs and normal gas shocks on are discovery with winch bumper and winch-it winch and we tow a 21ft caravan it is a nice ride but without caravan on the back its a bit harsh on the fillings (teeth)