I ordered my Baja bracket after watching the VC video explaining the issue that you experienced. I am sorry to hear about your situation but I’m glad nothing bad happened.
Thanks for the video showing what happened. I ordered the Baja brackets from Van Compass a few months ago and they finally arrived. I'll be putting them on shortly.
I got my Baja brackets put in a few weeks ago. For most people, it's probably fine without it, but my van spent probably 1/2 of the life on dirt roads. I just feel a little bit safer with it installed.
@@IAmATravelAddict Just got back from Washington to get the Sprinter LED headlights and taillights installed. Having the VC 4.3 Kit made a huge difference in crazy wind that I encountered on the trip both ways. The new LED lights are a freaking difference maker.
I’ve had AGILE suspension systems in the past.. then, on later build, I went with same Van Compass system on my Sprinter.. NOW, on my latest Sprinter (STO Stealth) I am running the X King shock/suspension kit. Is it more expensive? Yes. Is it overkill? Maybe.. but when it comes to suspensions on $200k builds, I’m no longer taking my chances.
Overall would you say VC is a better product for on and off-road than the Agile Offroad RIP Kit? I definitely plan to hit washboard roads and the occasional Jeep trail. Thx
So many questions regarding the VC. We are looking at the 4.3 but also considering the 6.3. Do you feel you have enough clearance with the 4.3? Also, do you have skid plates? We are new to the STO community and learning so many things. We are hoping to make the best decision the first time. 🤪 BTW...we love you content and appreciate all you share with us. We've not only learned a lot from you but have truly enjoyed the beautiful photos you take. ❤
Thank you! As for your question, I don't want to tell you one or the other because it really depends on how you plan to use the van. For me, I was off-roading on stock suspensions for several months before I made the decision. I've decided that I would only do mild off-roading with the van. The van constantly surprises me on what it can do off-road, but I don't enjoy taking this on extreme trails because it's just not pleasant to have everything inside your van get tossed around. If I want to off-road for fun, I switch to my Jeep. This gets me to a remote and secluded spot, then acts more like a basecamp. Size, especially height is a weakness with this van when going off-road in the forest. So I didn't want to increase the height of the vehicle. Fuel economy will probably also take a small hit, and I'm already getting a pretty good workout getting in and out of the van every day, I didn't want to climb another 2 inches. I want to make it clear I'm not saying 6.3 is a bad choice, I'm sure some people enjoy taking this on Jeep trails to take on the challenge. It's just overkill for how I intended to use this van, so I got 4.3. Maybe drive your van off-road a bit and then decide what you need? And, no, I don't have skid plates. Again, because I don't really take it on extreme trails. So far I haven't found a need for it, but it is something I'm open to adding in the future.
I'm here right now. The hardest part of the fix is to remove the left over bolt, then just put the new bolt in and it should be fine. Until I get the new extra brackets, I'll have to take it easy with the van.
The stock mounting bolt is only in single shear, and to be stronger, it should be in double shear. I just went and looked at the baja mount, and that is exactly what they did. That Baja mount bracket should fix the issue for good. Imo, the issue is the increased valving on the new shock puts too much force on the bolt in the stock location during any fast, jolting bumps, such as wash board. Basically, you guys are exceeding what the vehicle manufacture ever thought anyone would do with the van. Use the new mount and that should be it.
Yup. They confirmed the bolt shear at the shop and I agree the increased stiffness is what caused it. I don't blame this on Owl Van, Agile or Mercedes. These were designed for deliveries, lol. Got the Baja brackets installed and 9000 miles later it's been fine.
The bolt itself broke, and they don't know what happened, but they said it's very rare. The fix took 2 hours. They used loctite when they installed it, so that was the hardest part, to get the leftover broken bolt out. Covered under Van Compass warranty.
@@iamclarks from the looks of things the bolt came out which is part of the install. The shock is still whole. Doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the shock but let’s see after the bolt is put back.
They're taking a look right now, seems like the bolt broke and they're trying to remove the remaining bits. Yeah, I was aware some people have bolts that needed to be tightened, but I've been monitoring to make sure no bolts were lose, and as I've mentioned in the video, they just double checked and helped me tighten everything last Wednesday when I was there. The kit I was talking about, apparently is called Baja Bracket from Van Compass. I'll add the link in the description. Until then, I just have to drive more carefully offroad.
What they told me is it's still rare for this to break, unless you have a lot of accessories and a heavier than stock van, and you go off-roading all the time. If that sounds like you, maybe look into the Van Compass Baja Bracket I was talking about.
not 100% sure on van setups but it looks like it’s your leaf springs fault, there should be a curve in your spring but yours look flat in the video indicating that they are either worn out or overloaded. when they are flat like that they get more up travel because they start to flex where they should be stopping, i think hitting the road made the leaf spring flex too far causing your shock to bottom out and then broke the bolt. generally with lifted vehicles you should have extended bump stops to stop this from happening.
These rear sprinter upper shock bolts are prone to loosening and shearing off especially if you’re doing lots of off road I just installed the Baja brackets along with the rear falcon shocks tomorrow I’ll tackle the front shocks it’s nobody’s fault.
they don't do installs... but its poor mercedes design with a single shear shock mount. they sell a baja bracket that turns it into a double shear mount. the upper shock bolt failures in stock setup are well documented.
An update to what happened and how it was resolved: th-cam.com/video/gU5WpiZ7mkY/w-d-xo.html
I ordered my Baja bracket after watching the VC video explaining the issue that you experienced. I am sorry to hear about your situation but I’m glad nothing bad happened.
Thank you. Yeah, I'm pretty happy this happened while I was close to home, instead of 2 states away. I'm going to go check that VC video out. Thanks!
Thanks for the video showing what happened. I ordered the Baja brackets from Van Compass a few months ago and they finally arrived. I'll be putting them on shortly.
I got my Baja brackets put in a few weeks ago. For most people, it's probably fine without it, but my van spent probably 1/2 of the life on dirt roads. I just feel a little bit safer with it installed.
@@IAmATravelAddict Can you show a video of them installed? Did you use spray paint on the holes that were made for the brackets to prevent rust?
@@kodiaksride Oh Crap, sorry, just saw this. But looks like you don't need it anymore.
@@IAmATravelAddict All good, psyched to have the Baja Bracket installed!
@@IAmATravelAddict Just got back from Washington to get the Sprinter LED headlights and taillights installed. Having the VC 4.3 Kit made a huge difference in crazy wind that I encountered on the trip both ways. The new LED lights are a freaking difference maker.
I’ve had AGILE suspension systems in the past.. then, on later build, I went with same Van Compass system on my Sprinter.. NOW, on my latest Sprinter (STO Stealth) I am running the X King shock/suspension kit. Is it more expensive? Yes. Is it overkill? Maybe.. but when it comes to suspensions on $200k builds, I’m no longer taking my chances.
Good to know there are other options out there. Thx.
Love your content, bro. 👍
Thanks! 🙏
Overall would you say VC is a better product for on and off-road than the Agile Offroad RIP Kit? I definitely plan to hit washboard roads and the occasional Jeep trail. Thx
I think you won’t go wrong with either system. Gun to my head, I’d go VC. Simply for their constant updates and customer support 👍
So many questions regarding the VC. We are looking at the 4.3 but also considering the 6.3. Do you feel you have enough clearance with the 4.3? Also, do you have skid plates? We are new to the STO community and learning so many things. We are hoping to make the best decision the first time. 🤪
BTW...we love you content and appreciate all you share with us. We've not only learned a lot from you but have truly enjoyed the beautiful photos you take. ❤
Thank you! As for your question, I don't want to tell you one or the other because it really depends on how you plan to use the van.
For me, I was off-roading on stock suspensions for several months before I made the decision. I've decided that I would only do mild off-roading with the van. The van constantly surprises me on what it can do off-road, but I don't enjoy taking this on extreme trails because it's just not pleasant to have everything inside your van get tossed around. If I want to off-road for fun, I switch to my Jeep. This gets me to a remote and secluded spot, then acts more like a basecamp. Size, especially height is a weakness with this van when going off-road in the forest. So I didn't want to increase the height of the vehicle. Fuel economy will probably also take a small hit, and I'm already getting a pretty good workout getting in and out of the van every day, I didn't want to climb another 2 inches.
I want to make it clear I'm not saying 6.3 is a bad choice, I'm sure some people enjoy taking this on Jeep trails to take on the challenge. It's just overkill for how I intended to use this van, so I got 4.3. Maybe drive your van off-road a bit and then decide what you need? And, no, I don't have skid plates. Again, because I don't really take it on extreme trails. So far I haven't found a need for it, but it is something I'm open to adding in the future.
Wow this was very helpful. Thanks
Just got the Van Compass Baja Brackets installed a few weeks ago. Looks like it will be a much improved setup.
Yeah, I've done close to 10,000 miles since the install and it's been solid.
Yikes. I'm gonna call Omar on Monday. He's done a ton of work on my 2020 Classic: great guy and great work from the team at Owl in NorCal!
Yup. I'll probably post an update on this soon, but I ended up getting the Baja Bracket installed with them.
Dang. I hope the fix is a simple and quick one
I'm here right now. The hardest part of the fix is to remove the left over bolt, then just put the new bolt in and it should be fine. Until I get the new extra brackets, I'll have to take it easy with the van.
I’m thinking of getting the falcon shocks . Do you have front shocks also ? did they improve the ride enough ? Are they worth it the price ?
Have you changed your rear leaf springs...stock ones aren't strong enough and you can bottom out which will slam the shock over and over.
Yes, it came with the VC 4.3 package. I have an update on this soon, long story short, they have a new Baja bracket designed to address this.
The stock mounting bolt is only in single shear, and to be stronger, it should be in double shear. I just went and looked at the baja mount, and that is exactly what they did. That Baja mount bracket should fix the issue for good.
Imo, the issue is the increased valving on the new shock puts too much force on the bolt in the stock location during any fast, jolting bumps, such as wash board.
Basically, you guys are exceeding what the vehicle manufacture ever thought anyone would do with the van.
Use the new mount and that should be it.
Yup. They confirmed the bolt shear at the shop and I agree the increased stiffness is what caused it. I don't blame this on Owl Van, Agile or Mercedes. These were designed for deliveries, lol. Got the Baja brackets installed and 9000 miles later it's been fine.
Update on the Owl Van visit? Did they say what may have happened? Easy fix?
The bolt itself broke, and they don't know what happened, but they said it's very rare. The fix took 2 hours. They used loctite when they installed it, so that was the hardest part, to get the leftover broken bolt out. Covered under Van Compass warranty.
That really looks like an install issue more than anything unfortunately. I think Kayden had a similar issue…
What do you mean by install issue? Can you elaborate? I just got the 4.3 installed by Warner on my van.
@@iamclarks from the looks of things the bolt came out which is part of the install. The shock is still whole. Doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the shock but let’s see after the bolt is put back.
They're taking a look right now, seems like the bolt broke and they're trying to remove the remaining bits. Yeah, I was aware some people have bolts that needed to be tightened, but I've been monitoring to make sure no bolts were lose, and as I've mentioned in the video, they just double checked and helped me tighten everything last Wednesday when I was there. The kit I was talking about, apparently is called Baja Bracket from Van Compass. I'll add the link in the description. Until then, I just have to drive more carefully offroad.
What they told me is it's still rare for this to break, unless you have a lot of accessories and a heavier than stock van, and you go off-roading all the time. If that sounds like you, maybe look into the Van Compass Baja Bracket I was talking about.
@@IAmATravelAddict I’d be interested in this Baja mount for the rip kit…
not 100% sure on van setups but it looks like it’s your leaf springs fault, there should be a curve in your spring but yours look flat in the video indicating that they are either worn out or overloaded. when they are flat like that they get more up travel because they start to flex where they should be stopping, i think hitting the road made the leaf spring flex too far causing your shock to bottom out and then broke the bolt. generally with lifted vehicles you should have extended bump stops to stop this from happening.
Thank you for your input. I'll look into this.
It didn’t “break off”. It was incorrectly installed. They did not torque the bolt/lock tight it. The product held up.
How so, he said VC checked his suspension bolts before heading out to the dirt… 🤔
It is van compass installation fault. That bolt should never get loose.
These rear sprinter upper shock bolts are prone to loosening and shearing off especially if you’re doing lots of off road I just installed the Baja brackets along with the rear falcon shocks tomorrow I’ll tackle the front shocks it’s nobody’s fault.
they don't do installs... but its poor mercedes design with a single shear shock mount. they sell a baja bracket that turns it into a double shear mount. the upper shock bolt failures in stock setup are well documented.
Easy fix. Enjoy your trip north.
Thank you. That's what I'm hoping for, an easy fix.