Air suspension (1 Viewer)

[Sid40]

Hi all,

Just signed up and have a question.I.m interested in airsuspension on my Hymer exis-I. Having looked on several WEB sites, decided not to go for the DIY ones.
It seems that the majority have airsuspension on the rear axle only, but there are also ones on rear and front axle.
My question: Any experience with them and what is the benifit of having both axles done, as there is a huge price difference.
Thanks

 

[DavidG58]

Hello and welcome, I have just gone down these options for my Hymer, it makes a big difference depending on what chassis you have

 

[Bill_OR]

It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. I wanted to improve my payload so went the DIY, rear suspension only route - with good results.

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[Sid40]

Thanks Bill
A smoother ride comes first, but if there are more options like slight levelling etc, that is a plus, but not when the prce triples

 

[Sid40]

Thanks David,

How many axles have you done? I have an AL-KO chasis

 

[DavidG58]

It's the base vehicle chassis that matters most, we have a Mercedes Sprinter base vehicle, you have no option to add air suspension to the front axle

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[Sid40]

Thanks David. Does that mean the AL-KO Chasis can not have the front axle done?

 

[Bill_OR]

Air assisted suspension on the rear is a relativity straightforward job and you can go for a basic kit (without gauges and compressor) for about £400 or add gauges and compressor for about another £300 I think (e.g. www.marcleleisure.co.uk). I may be talking rubbish now but front suspension is a different kettle of fish and I'd want that done professionally! Hopefully there will be someone on MHF that has gone this route and can give you proper advice.

 

[DavidG58]

what is the base vehicle (what engine)?

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[Happy Hymer]

Hi all,
I'm blocked to reply, as my account shows I'm a read only member.I paid the £10 subscribtion via PayPal and the message says that my account will be upgraded at once.
Why is this not happening???
I'm now logged in through an other account as I can not see how to contact who is responsible for the update of the accounts

 

[DavidG58]

Hi all,
I'm blocked to reply, as my account shows I'm a read only member.I paid the £10 subscribtion via PayPal and the message says that my account will be upgraded at once.
Why is this not happening???
I'm now logged in through an other account as I can not see how to contact who is responsible for the update of the accounts

Jim (forum boss) is not shown as on line at the moment, I am sure he will sort it when he gets back

 

[Ethle the wondervan]

Air suspension was fitted to our van when we bought it. It was pumped up quite high as the previous owner said he preferred it that way. The rear suspension felt very stiff/dead to me and the back end was lifted up so much we looked like we were driving a huge wedge of cheese. I soon released most of the pressure and the van settled down and became more comfortable to drive and felt safer!
The manufacturers of the base vehicles are not daft. The standard equipment and settings are designed and tested to destruction with more severe loadings than motorhomers will ever put them through and yet we are conned into believing that a bag of wind jammed between the suspension and chassis is going to provide a magic carpet ride!
So...... I am a none believer. Anyway......ahem...... That's wot I think.

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[colinw]

Hello ethie , if you let out all the air and drive it does it drive OK ? , if you were then to put some pressure in , would that improve the ride ? .
Might as well try as you have the equipment already .

 

[Sid40]

Hi all,
It seems my status has been upgraded now and can reply again.
Thanks all for your replies.
Just some comment on Ethie's reply.I can understand what your saying, but remember that an air cushion will always beat a mechanical spring action. I also look for a system what has indepent cushion control.
There are two suppliers: AS-Airsuspension (only rear axle) or VB Air suspension ( choice of rear axle or all 4 wheels) Apart from the huge price difference what is the benifit of having all wheels done justifying the price difference

 

[Gorse Hill]

I had mine done by AS, luckily local to me but got very good feedback regarding the company, very professional outfit and as it was a new van didn't want to attempt myself think cost was about £700 buts that's on a fiat C/B not A class
When I picked the van up from dealer on driving home noticed a harsh ride and swaying when overtaking trucks (or them overtaking me) looked in air suspension and made a world of difference to the stability of the van (7mtrs) very pleased and nice panel fitted to suit cab area with the ability to alter each side, can get a little leveling done but not much plus an advantage going on ferries so you don't ground rear end
As regards

Air suspension was fitted to our van when we bought it. It was pumped up quite high as the previous owner said he preferred it that way. The rear suspension felt very stiff/dead to me and the back end was lifted up so much we looked like we were driving a huge wedge of cheese. I soon released most of the pressure and the van settled down and became more comfortable to drive and felt safer!
The manufacturers of the base vehicles are not daft. The standard equipment and settings are designed and tested to destruction with more severe loadings than motorhomers will ever put them through and yet we are conned into believing that a bag of wind jammed between the suspension and chassis is going to provide a magic carpet ride!
So...... I am a none believer. Anyway......ahem...... That's wot I think.

you need to have a min of 2 bar in the bellows to ensure they don't split and I run at 3 or 4 bar depending on load ( mine is 4250 chassis) so don't really go any where near overloading but if garage full ish will increase a little

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[Trikeman]

Hi, I fitted mine myself and it works superbly. No buffeting from HGV/Coaches when I fly by them and the ability to lower/higher is great (inc levelling) However, its on a fiat chassis. Biggest gain is on stability and roundabouts.
Worth a quick shuffty - http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/trikemans-next-project.83555/#post-987529
Regards,

Trikeman.

 

[Sid40]

Hi Gorse Hill,
I went on AS web site and the comments from customers confirm your response.

 

[Sid40]

Thanks Trikeman, I went on your link and must say I admire you for the work done. Must have given a very nice feeling after completion.
I think I'm getting to old doing this myself, don't think my bones will agree with this anymore!!
Your comments confirm the expectation I have from airsusspension.
I only wonder if there is anyone who have it done on all 4 wheels and what their comments are

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[Bill_OR]

Trikeman - I used the same kit on my Auto-Trail (except for the pressure gauge) and, as you say, the job is fairly straightforward. The only tool I had to borrow was a torque wrench for the leaf spring clamps.
Sid40 - you do need to be able to get under the van and roll on the ground a bit - but it is a DIY job if you're up for it!

 

[Sid40]

Bill- rollong on the ground is not a problem; it's the rolling and swinging tools what gives the problem.

 

[BFM14]

I take in all that is said about the ride; which is a bonus in itself, but does it upgrade the load that an axle can take?

Thanks

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[Bill_OR]

It may well do but you need the analysis done to determine that plus the uprate certificate for the DVLA - that's what SVTech will do for you

 

[funflair]

Hi @Sid40

If you get the VB for all 4 corners you will get what they call 4 channel which means that each corner can work/control indipendently which will give you a certain amount of levelling as well as a smooth and level ride on the road. Yes it is more expensive than just sticking a couple of air bags on top on the springs but its a lot more than that and thats what you pay for.

I know @DavidG58 has his kit fitted by Mick at SAP and I believe he is happy with the work, he also fitted the level jack to our van and I have no hesitation in recommending him. http://www.sap-ltd.co.uk/

 

[Sid40]

Hi funflair, Thanks for your reply. After reading all info about this subject have decided to go for the VB Air suspension on both axles i.e all four wheels
I agree with previous comments that an air bellow on top of the springs is not the best solution although it will improve the handling of the motorhome. Having all wheels covered is in my opinion the best solution and a full control of levelling.

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[jollyrodger]

Have previously fittined an AirRide system to one of my previous vans you can / buy the kit for around £250 (Rear)and not rocket sciance to fit if you can wield a spanner.
made a whole load of difference to the ride and cornering.
The van I now have has had a Goldschmitt air system on it (Rear) capacity was upgraded in Germany and the good thing on this one you can alter pressuer + / - from the driving position

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[Judge Mental]

Hi all,
It seems my status has been upgraded now and can reply again.
Thanks all for your replies.
Just some comment on Ethie's reply.I can understand what your saying, but remember that an air cushion will always beat a mechanical spring action. I also look for a system what has indepent cushion control.
There are two suppliers: AS-Airsuspension (only rear axle) or VB Air suspension ( choice of rear axle or all 4 wheels) Apart from the huge price difference what is the benifit of having all wheels done justifying the price difference

What model and year is your van please.

Did you not specify the front goldsmitt (spelling?) spring upgrade, as most exsis buyers do and its part of one of the packs?

Air assist and full sir suspension completely different beasts, in effect and price! Full air the beees knees with a price to match. Air assist can be fitted on rear for £250 - £400. But this is just to firm up the ride or fitted by people wanting to upgrade the payload, may need to upgrade tyres as well, dependent on what chassis van on, as some upgrades are just a paper exercise? But all these modifications add weight and eat into payload?


You pays your monies for what you gets......

What's wrong with your vans ride that you want to resolve....

 

[Lenny HB]

I have an Exsis i-678 same size and weight as your van and I don't understand why you would need air suspension. The Exsis has the Al-Ko AMC light chassis and Goldsmitt springs at the front (assuming you had the extra pack with drivers door). The ride is very good much softer than other Motorhomes I have been in and very car like to drive, I don't believe you would achieve much for the outlay. Hindsight now but full air is on the option list & a lot cheaper than an after fit. Also if looking to upgrade payload you will probably need to change the tyres to 225x70 R15.

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[old-mo]

After reading all info about this subject have decided to go for the VB Air suspension on both axles i.e all four wheels

VB, Full Air .... The way to go... I have it on all wheels/Axles... Superb ride... Stability... No need to carry Ramps in most places... Tilts to one side to completely empty Tanks... Lower it down to within 3 - 4 inches of the ground... Tilt front or back... drop the back right down to make loading heavy items in the garage easier... Off road facility, Lifts vehicle right up in the air to stop grounding. (Handy on steep ramps, Ferry etc)... Auto Level for parking...

All ready fitted when I bought the van....

Would I have it fitted on a new van...

I don`t know,,,, I would like to think I could afford it, but £5 - 6K,,, is an awful lot of White Wine..

 

[Sid40]

Hi judgemental and lennyhb,

The answer on your question is in the reply from old-mo.
Also I got the demo from the NEC exhibition so no new order, but got all the extra's included in the demo.

 

[Lenny HB]

Are you running at 3850 or on the maxi chassis? as full air is about 80kg, that would really restrict payload on a 3500.