SumoSprings - are they legal and do they need re-cert?

[wanderingkea]

We have a 2018 (30,000km) Mercedes Sprinter based NZ built Kea Motorhome on a WOF. Not long after we purchased it we had issues with the low clearance with the rear end sagging and damaged the fibreglass on a shallow dip. (It was not overloaded.)

The manufacturer acknowledged it was a problem and the remedy we agreed on was to install bolt on load assist SumoSprings to replace the factory bump stops. This has corrected the sag issue taking it back up to unladen height. I was assured by the manufacturer that it did not need recertification and met all NZ requirements. Today when I had it serviced by an authorised Merc service agent the service manager said he did not believe it would pass a WOF and also probably needed recertification - but he wasn't 100% sure either.

So - who is correct?? Will we pass a WOF and does it need LVV recertification? There is nothing relevant I've been able to find on the LVV website or NZTA.

For reference here's the link to the international SumoSprings website - they are widely used in both Australia and the USA. www.superspringsinternational.com

Cheers
Craig

[Chris]

Hi Craig

These are in the same category as a load assist airbag and always require certification.

Regards

Chris

[wanderingkea]

Thanks Chris. Looks like I'm going back to the manufacturer (who should have known this) to remedy this with a LVV then. Incredibly frustrating.

I have to say that it's surprising the suppliers of these components in NZ are not required by law to state this when ordering or on the packaging.

I guess with the above thought - legally whose responsibility is it in this case to ensure an LVV cert is issued - bearing in mind I "know nothing as a consumer" and the installers are specialist vehicle manufacturers designing and building hundreds of motorhomes, ambulances and other specialist vehicles annually? Surely you would expect they have a very sound knowledge of LVV requirements?


Cheers