Smoother rides for ambulances
Also emergency ambulances benefit from the BILSTEIN B6 shock absorbers improved driving behaviour
BILSTEIN is one of the world ' s leading manufacturers of shock absorbers and suspension systems. For decades, the German based company has stood for engineering excellence and premium quality, supplying many of the world ' s leading vehicle manufacturers with original equipment dampers – expertise that flows directly into every BILSTEIN aftermarket product. Extensive in-house road testing, dedicated technical support and close cooperation with workshops mean BILSTEIN dampers are matched precisely to their application, from everyday passenger cars to specialist vehicles such as campers and ambulances.
Camper vans and ambulances have little in common at first glance— but one thing they share is the need for a smoother, quieter, more controlled ride. As shock absorbers play an essential role for improving the driving behaviour, BILSTEIN has the answer for both applications: The B6 Camper shock absorbers, that are available for e. g. the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a vehicle used for motorhomes and ambulances in South Africa.
The Sprinter is one of the most versatile platforms on the road— the base vehicle of choice for countless motorhome conversions and emergency service vehicles alike. What both have in common, beyond the shared chassis, is that the standard suspension simply wasn ' t built with their specific demands in mind. A commercial van chassis is designed for general use: robust and adaptable but not specifically tuned for a fully equipped motorhome loaded close to its payload limit, or for an ambulance covering ground quickly on rough and uneven roads while transporting an injured person.
BILSTEIN ' s B6 Camper shock absorber has been developed through extensive road testing under extreme conditions like high speed or on poor road surfaces. When using these special shock absorbers, the optimum grip results in increased safety in crosswinds and bends as well as a more intense driving experience due to high traction and precise handling. Also, the reduction of driving noise through better damping contributes to this just as the optimised rolling behaviour on cobblestones and at level crossings.
For ambulances and other emergency service vehicles, the comfort argument is equally compelling. Vehicles in this role often travel at speed on poor or unpaved surfaces, and the smoother the ride, the better the conditions inside for both patient and crew. The BILSTEIN B6 Camper ' s improved damping keeps the Sprinter more composed and stable, reducing physical stress on everyone on board— even on South Africa’ s dusty and bumpy roads.
Beyond comfort, the improved ride quality could also support faster patient transport. Diagnostic and monitoring equipment often can ' t be operated reliably while a vehicle is in motion, forcing crews to stop the vehicle before running diagnostics and only continuing once they are complete. With the BILSTEIN B6 Camper ' s smoother, more controlled ride, this could increasingly be done while driving – saving valuable minutes on the way to the hospital.
BILSTEIN B6 Camper Advanced: Premium driving experience
The BILSTEIN B6 Camper Advanced goes a step further: Thanks to the patented BILSTEIN DampMatic technology, the B6 Camper Advanced has automatic mechanical damping force adjustment that keeps vehicles stable at all times. It features a soft setting for cruising on coastal roads and a hard setting for evasive manoeuvres.
The patented DampMatic technology can switch purely mechanically between the two damping curves without a solenoid valve. The vehicle remains stable due to the amplitude deflection – without additional components, cables or control units. The adjustment system reacts very quickly. For example, it absorbs noise on rough asphalt and improves rolling characteristics at bridge edges or on cobblestones. The effect is also noticeable when cornering and changing lanes; when the bypass closes and the shock absorber is set to firm, passengers do not perceive this as hard, but as comfortable.
The BILSTEIN Camper shock absorbers can be installed easily and do not require registration by vehicle professionals – at a reasonable price. The installation effort is the same as for conventional shock absorbers. BILSTEIN, the shock absorber expert, supports workshops that want to prepare for camper van customers with special training materials.
Product benefits at a glance:
• Smoother ride, less suspension noise
• Enhanced safety in crosswinds and in curves due to optimum road grip
• More intense driving experience through high traction and precise handling
• Individually tuned in the BILSTEIN driving test
• No additional spring change necessary
• No registration required
The BILSTEIN B6 Camper and BILSTEIN B6 Camper Advanced are available for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models 906, 907 and 910 as well as for semi and fully integrated vehicles and panel vans based on the Fiat Ducato from model year 2006( Light & Maxi / Heavy) and all identically constructed vehicles from Citroën, Peugeot and Opel: the Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer and Opel Movano. Other variants and vehicle applications are to follow.
WORDS IN ACTION 12 JULY | AUGUST 2026