7 Best Rubber Mounting Spacers For Lifted Van Conversions

Elevating a van conversion often starts with the desire for better ground clearance to reach those secluded, off-grid campsites that standard rigs simply cannot touch. Adding rubber mounting spacers is a strategic way to gain that extra inch of height, providing room for larger tires and improving the overall stance of the vehicle without breaking the bank. Choosing the right components is the difference between a smooth, reliable journey and a headache of recurring suspension issues.

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Daystar KU09057BK Universal Spacer: Best Overall

The Daystar KU09057BK stands out because it solves the most common problem in van builds: the lack of a standardized fitment. Being a universal poly spacer, it adapts to a wide variety of mounting points where specific vehicle kits might be unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Constructed from high-density polyurethane, this spacer effectively dampens road vibration and noise, which is a major bonus for those living and sleeping inside the rig. Unlike harder, brittle materials, this rubber compound won’t crack or corrode when exposed to the salt and grime common in year-round van travel.

If a project requires a straightforward, reliable lift that prioritizes vibration isolation, this is the gold standard. It is the perfect choice for the DIY builder who needs a versatile solution that fits the rig without requiring complex modifications or proprietary hardware.

Zone Offroad C9300 Body Lift Blocks: Heavy Duty

When a van build involves significant weight from cabinetry, water tanks, and batteries, the suspension hardware faces constant, high-stress loads. Zone Offroad designs these blocks specifically to handle the compression forces that come with a fully outfitted, heavy-duty van interior.

These blocks are engineered for structural integrity rather than just aesthetic height. Because they are designed to maintain their shape under extreme pressure, the van’s body panels stay properly aligned, and the connection points between the frame and the body remain secure over thousands of miles.

These are not for the lighthearted traveler who prioritizes speed over capacity. Choose these if the build is “heavy” and requires components that won’t deform, sag, or fail when navigating rough forest service roads with a full cargo load.

Performance Accessories 60032 Spacers: Budget Pick

Getting a van ready for the road often involves a tight budget, and Performance Accessories provides a path to lift the rig without an excessive investment. These spacers serve as a practical, no-frills solution for those who need a slight height increase to accommodate an upgrade in tire size.

While these are positioned as a budget-friendly option, they do not compromise on the fundamental material requirements for safe operation. They provide the necessary clearance to tuck larger rubber under the wheel wells, effectively shifting the van’s profile to handle gravel and light trail work better.

The Performance Accessories line is the right move for builders who need to allocate funds elsewhere, like solar panels or insulation. If the goal is a basic, functional lift that gets the job done reliably, these spacers offer the best value for every dollar spent.

Energy Suspension 9.4101G Mounts: Most Versatile

Energy Suspension has long been a staple in the automotive world, and their 9.4101G mounts bring that pedigree to the van conversion market. Their signature red or black polyurethane compound is famous for its durability and resistance to the environmental factors that kill standard rubber parts.

The real advantage here is the design versatility, as these mounts are frequently used to replace worn factory bushings while simultaneously adding a slight lift. This two-in-one functionality is perfect for older van models where the stock mounts have already begun to deteriorate from age and exposure.

If the van is an older platform that needs a suspension refresh, look no further than this option. It is the most sensible investment for builders who prefer to kill two birds with one stone—upgrading ride quality while gaining that vital extra inch of ground clearance.

Prothane 1-1706-BL Body Mount Kit: Full Kit Option

Attempting to piece together individual spacers can lead to inconsistent height across the vehicle, causing potential body alignment issues. The Prothane 1-1706-BL kit offers a comprehensive, holistic solution by replacing all body mounts at once with uniform, high-performance bushings.

A full kit approach ensures that the van’s weight is distributed evenly across all mounting points, preventing the “leaning” effect that often happens when mixing old, worn mounts with new, stiff ones. This translates to better handling, less body roll on highway curves, and a much more stable feeling behind the wheel.

This kit is designed for the meticulous builder who values long-term reliability over a quick fix. It is the definitive choice for those who are committing to a long-term van build and want to ensure the structural base is solid and balanced for years to come.

JKS Manufacturing A750 0.75″ Spacers: Fine-Tuning

Sometimes the difference between a tire that rubs and one that fits perfectly is a matter of just a few millimeters. JKS Manufacturing specializes in these precision increments, providing a 0.75-inch spacer that is ideal for fine-tuning the ride height after the build is fully loaded.

Because this spacer is thin, it doesn’t require drastic changes to the existing suspension geometry or steering components. It is a subtle adjustment that keeps the center of gravity low—a critical factor for a top-heavy camper van—while giving just enough room for slightly larger, more aggressive tread tires.

Use these when the build is almost perfect but suffers from minor rubbing during tight turns. It is the “surgical” approach to suspension, intended for builders who want to optimize performance without unnecessarily over-lifting the vehicle.

TeraFlex 1951100 1″ Body Lift Spacer: Premium Choice

TeraFlex is a brand synonymous with serious off-road engineering, and their 1-inch spacer reflects a level of build quality that satisfies even the most demanding van-lifers. These are precision-machined to exacting standards, ensuring a perfect fit that rarely requires additional shimming or adjustments.

Beyond the perfect fitment, these spacers are finished to resist chemical degradation, road salt, and extreme temperature fluctuations. They are designed to be “set it and forget it” components, which is a massive benefit when traveling in remote areas where finding parts for specialized repairs is impossible.

If the budget allows for it, these premium spacers provide peace of mind that cheaper options simply cannot match. This is the choice for the traveler who spends months at a time on the road and refuses to compromise on the quality of their foundation.

How to Choose the Right Spacer Height and Material

Selecting the correct spacer height involves more than just picking the tallest option; it requires an assessment of your van’s total weight and your intended use. A 1-inch spacer is generally considered the “sweet spot” for most conversions, offering enough clearance for better tires without requiring expensive modifications to brake lines or steering linkages.

When it comes to material, polyurethane is superior to hard plastic or aluminum for most van conversions. Polyurethane offers the ideal blend of rigidity to support heavy living quarters and enough “give” to absorb road vibration. Avoid solid metal spacers unless the vehicle is being built specifically for high-speed desert racing, as they transmit every bump and rattle directly into the cabin.

Always measure the current gap between your tire and the fender at full lock to determine exactly how much lift you need. If the tire is already within a quarter-inch of the metal, a 1-inch spacer is a logical, safe step forward.

Body Lift vs. Suspension Lift: Where Spacers Fit In

Understanding the distinction between these two methods is vital for safety and handling. Body lift spacers—the focus here—sit between the frame and the body, essentially moving the shell of the van up. This allows for bigger tires but does not change the geometry of the suspension or increase the clearance of the differentials underneath.

A true suspension lift, on the other hand, replaces springs, shocks, or control arms to actually move the axles further from the frame. While suspension lifts offer better off-road performance, they are significantly more expensive and complex to install.

Spacers are a middle-ground solution that works best for the “overland lite” approach. They provide the clearance needed for mild forest service roads and improved aesthetics, but they should not be treated as a substitute for a full suspension overhaul if the intent is heavy-duty, technical off-roading.

Key Safety Checks After Installing Your Lift Spacers

Installation is only the first half of the project, as the mechanical stress on a van changes significantly once it has been lifted. The most critical step post-installation is a professional wheel alignment, as lifting the body can slightly alter the tension on steering components.

Check all mounting bolts after the first 500 miles of driving, as these components often “settle” into place, which can cause hardware to loosen slightly. Ensure that all wiring harnesses, brake lines, and cooling hoses have enough slack to account for the new height; if anything appears pulled tight, it must be rerouted or extended immediately.

Finally, remember that a lifted van has a higher center of gravity, which changes how it corners. Take some time to get a feel for the vehicle’s new handling characteristics in a controlled environment before heading out onto mountain passes or windy coastal roads.

Selecting the right rubber mounting spacers is a foundational step toward creating a reliable, adventure-ready van. By prioritizing material quality and understanding the specific geometry of the build, you ensure that the vehicle remains safe and comfortable for the long haul. Focus on the nuances of your weight requirements and intended terrain, and your rig will be far better equipped to handle the realities of nomadic life.