Installed Air Suspension (1 Viewer)

paulel

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May 8, 2015
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I have just installed air assisted suspension and new shocks to the rear of my old Hymer and what a difference! I don't just mean the obvious roundabouts and corner difference, I can actually drive in a straight line now without continuously moving the steering wheel left and right. Driving is now a pleasure instead of a chore. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about it to do it, especially if, like me, you have an older vehicle.
 

SUGGY

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Nov 23, 2011
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you will also find that you will rarely need to use levelling blocks now ,
 

MikeD

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Dec 21, 2011
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Works on newer vehicles as well. My Fiat based Ducato was also transformed. Without a doubt best money I have ever spent on the motorhome.

Pleased you are happy with yours. (y)

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paulel

paulel

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I used the Dunlop kit and yes I fitted it myself. It's very easy to fit, just very fiddly running the pipes along the chassis.

I did enquire about the kits from a couple of UK companies that are mentioned several times on this forum, one didn't even reply and the other didn't answer my questions. So I looked on Leboncoin, the French version of Gumtree, and found the new Dunlop kit for €600.

To paraphrase MikeD, I think it's the best money I've spent on any vehicle.
 
Sep 26, 2013
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I've just fitted the Dunlop one which I bought from Marcel Leisure for £371, that's for the basic kit .

Mike

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paulel

paulel

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I wish I had thought of doing that as I am a little concerned about the exposed air pipes!

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CJB

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I am wondering how difficult a job fitting is for the average DIYer.

Where is the most common place to locate the gauges and the compressor, is it the drivers cab?

Do you operate the compressor directly or from a remotely located switch?

I have images in my mind of cables and pipes everywhere!!
 
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paulel

paulel

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I am not a mechanic but I found it very easy. The kit I bought had very clear fitting instructions.

You can fit the gauges wherever you want but I fitted mine just behind the drivers seat, only because that was the easiest place to fit them within easy reach (I didn't want to take the pipes that bit further and mount them on the dash as it involved quite a bit of extra work).

My gauges also have the switch to increase or decrease the air so it's all in one place.

Regarding the pipes and cables, there are two pipe running from the suspension units to the gauges and compressor and two wires from the compressor to the battery.

As I said in an earlier post, it's very easy, just fiddly but well worth while. If I could have afforded it I would have paid someone to do it for me. Having said that, it's very rewarding doing it yourself!
 

MikeD

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I am wondering how difficult a job fitting is for the average DIYer.

Where is the most common place to locate the gauges and the compressor, is it the drivers cab?

Do you operate the compressor directly or from a remotely located switch?

I have images in my mind of cables and pipes everywhere!!

On my Fiat the air compressor is mounted under the drivers seat. The gauges and operating switch are on a plate on the dash.

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No cables or pipes on sight anywhere. Dave Newell did the installation.(y)(y)

dunlop_zps5nfkyrgj.jpg

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Sep 9, 2014
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I want one of these kits, but ...the cost!

Seems to be close to £1,000 if you're "unfortunate" enough to have an Alko chassis. Can't buy the air suspension kit without buying the compressor and guage kit too.

I can't for the life of me see why if you have a non Alko chassis you can buy the kit and decide if you want to add compressor and gauges as a nice to have option.
Or am I missing something?!
 
Jul 31, 2014
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Think yourself lucky as I have an Al-Ko tag axle and quoted £2500 by a local installer.
I too thought if I could get everything for £500 I'd consider it but it's a fair whack to shell out when it's a nice to have.
And it would be nice to have, so I'm starting to save

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Nov 13, 2013
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Hi, I have Alko chassis so not straight forward. Have had some discussion with installer and they have been in discussion with Alko. On my Laika will also need to change shock absorbers so quite an expensive job. Getting the suspension correct is a must so do get good advice.
 

Fireman Sam

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you will also find that you will rarely need to use levelling blocks now ,

I’ve got an Alko chassis and have contemplated this modification, but been put off by the price. What did you mean about rarely needing levelling blocks Suggy? Can you be selective about the amount of compressed air you pump into the suspension at either end of the MoHo?

Pardon my ignorance.
 

MikeD

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I’ve got an Alko chassis and have contemplated this modification, but been put off by the price. What did you mean about rarely needing levelling blocks Suggy? Can you be selective about the amount of compressed air you pump into the suspension at either end of the MoHo?

Pardon my ignorance.


I have air assistance only on the rear axle. More air pressure extend the bellows so I can change it from side to side or use the it to lift the ride height on the rear.

I have never measured the maximum change but I suspect around 3 inches.

So as long as I park with the front higher than the rear I can pump it up to match height and obtain level. (y):)

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paulel

paulel

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May 8, 2015
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I believe you can get air suspension on front and rear but that is VERY expensive. What we are talking about here is air assisted suspension on the rear only. It does enable you to raise or lower the rear, either together or one side only.
 

Justabloke

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The AL-KO suspension kits are vastly different to any kit for a leaf sprung vehicle, hence the vast price differences. There are AL-KO kits that can be fitted DIY, where as others you are tied in to having them fitted by your supplier.

With regards to having to change shock absorbers as well, I find that odd.

Many people buy on price alone, however you do need to take time to examine each kit carefully. Whilst some kits are fast to fit, they're not so good on the chassis as deformation can happen with some. Another difference between kits is the diameter of the air bellows, the larger the better.

When choosing an air bellow, ask how it like being bottomed out, some survive, some pinch and that's the end of it.

With regards to gauges and compressors, that should be a personal choice, and do you really need twin gauges on systems without compressors? Your not going to be out changing the pressures all the time. More crucial is your tyres, do you have a gauge on each wheel? I do know some systems where the supplier insists on a simple gauge and TAG systems they even insist on a compressor, but that tends to be more about looking after the customers system than trying to make money. Fitting a simple gauge is quite often beneficial for accurate pressures, plus it makes inflation easier if you struggle with hand co-ordination.

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paulel

paulel

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May 8, 2015
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I only changed the shock absorbers on my 1999 Hymer because they were knackered, not because I fitted air suspension. It's not something you have to do as a matter of course when fitting air suspension.
 

Justabloke

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I only changed the shock absorbers on my 1999 Hymer because they were knackered, not because I fitted air suspension. It's not something you have to do as a matter of course when fitting air suspension.
Thanks for that :)
 
Sep 10, 2012
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Justabloke, u seem to know a lot about air assist suspension for a new member!
Whats your connection?

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Sep 10, 2012
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Justabloke, "I have decades of experience"
In what?
I to have 6 decade's odd of experiance but I don't know a lot about suspension.
 

Justabloke

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I truly hate forums, as there's always someone out for a fight. I thought this forum might be different, clearly not. This is the last you'll see of me.
 

sallylillian

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Oct 29, 2011
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I truly hate forums, as there's always someone out for a fight. I thought this forum might be different, clearly not. This is the last you'll see of me.
I think the initial question was to enquire on the provenance of your experience, to decide on how much weight to place on it. So to have replied "Been 30 years in automotive engineering specialising in suspension at xyz" you would have had exaltation as an expert. There are many who post on here who sound knowledgble to those who seek understanding, but in fact know zilch!
 
Jul 31, 2014
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I think the initial question was to enquire on the provenance of your experience, to decide on how much weight to place on it. So to have replied "Been 30 years in automotive engineering specialising in suspension at xyz" you would have had exaltation as an expert. There are many who post on here who sound knowledgble to those who seek understanding, but in fact know zilch!
Cutting!

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