Installed Air Suspension (1 Viewer)

DuxDeluxe

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Jul 10, 2008
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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.
The above makes a huge amount of sense. I have standard Fiat rear suspension and fitted Dunlop air assist on a shoestring with no gauge, using the logic that it is rarely adjusted. When getting the towbar fitted by Watlings I saw a nice manifold fabricated by them and now use a cheap Aldi Air compressor for adjusting when needed. The system has never needed topping up but I have been playing with the pressure a bit
image.jpg
 
Jul 31, 2014
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The above makes a huge amount of sense. I have standard Fiat rear suspension and fitted Dunlop air assist on a shoestring with no gauge, using the logic that it is rarely adjusted. When getting the towbar fitted by Watlings I saw a nice manifold fabricated by them and now use a cheap Aldi Air compressor for adjusting when needed. The system has never needed topping up but I have been playing with the pressure a bit
View attachment 65772
Have you got the gauge fitted in the cab or in the rear locker?
 
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paulel

paulel

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I'm keeping out of this because as my wife keeps telling me, 'you know nothing Paul Ellis' (that's a Game of Thrones joke for the uninitiated).

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DuxDeluxe

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Have you got the gauge fitted in the cab or in the rear locker?
Could not see the point of putting it in the cab. I never cut the air lines when fitting it, so there was plenty of spare and simply drilled two holes for the lines ran them up into an out of the way corner of a rear locker, sealed it all up and fixed the manifold in place
 
O

Old Soldier

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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.

Hi Justabloke. If you are still around?
Sadly I find the same but don't give up so quickly, there are loads of us on here who are willing to listen and join in and help when we can.
I'm no expert in anything and don't feel I need to be to provide a valid and worthwhile contribution to the the forum. It really can be worthwhile you know...:smiley:

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grumps147

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Hi Justabloke. If you are still around?
Sadly I find the same but don't give up so quickly, there are loads of us on here who are willing to listen and join in and help when we can.
I'm no expert in anything and don't feel I need to be to provide a valid and worthwhile contribution to the the forum. It really can be worthwhile you know...:smiley:

Well said. I have amended my signature as a result of a few posts in this thread.:whistle2:
 
Sep 10, 2012
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I've been here the longest and don't know much at all. Do you expect every new member knows nothing then?
New members bringing their skills and experience to the site are great and what helps to make this such a valuable resource for those of us who no nothing.
Knowledgeable posts from those that have ‘been there and done that' are respected either because they have a track record here or usually state because I am in the trade.
With no track record and with such detailed information in the first couple of posts it was just a question and not my intention to put the bloke off just wanted to know the source of such knowledge.
 
Nov 13, 2013
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since 2011
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.
I've had a lot of conversations about fitting Air Suspension with AS and apparently the shocks on my van are not one of the ones recommended and are not on the 'list'. So I'm awaiting price of kit with shocks included.

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Mel

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Oct 6, 2012
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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!!



Dont know if this will help

Mel
 
Aug 27, 2014
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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!!

I bought the Dunlop kit from Marcle Leisure, and I found it to be fairly straightforward job to fit. I didn't bother with a fitted compressor - too expensive - and having had it fitted for a while now I'm happy with that choice, it really doesn't need adjusting very often. I did go for their single gauge with a left and right side valve, which I fitted in the drivers step of the cab, all neat enough, it doesn't get in the way and it's super-easy to check the pressures. It was an extra £70 and I think worth it.

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The hoses to the bellows are very small in diameter so are easy enough to secure unobtrusively to the bottom of the van.

The Dunlop kit seems good quality - nice heavy brackets and well plated, and I believe the bellows are a larger diameter than some.

I carry a cheapo 12v compressor in the garage which I can use for the suspension or of course the tyres. You do have to remember to tell your garage if the van is going in for any work - jack under the axle or let all the air out first, jack under the body with the bellows pressurised and it can damage them.

It was well worth fitting the kit, it really has transformed the handling of the van and in particular has made passing HGV's on the motorway a much more relaxed affair - the van stays in a straight line now!
 
Nov 4, 2011
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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.
Hi could I ask what shockers you fitted. I'm still thinking about fitting air bags!

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paulel

paulel

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May 8, 2015
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Hi manic, sorry I've only just seen your post as I've been away. I just bought generic shocks from my local garage.
 
Nov 13, 2013
488
431
Bideford, Devon
Funster No
29,004
MH
Benimar Tessora 487
Exp
since 2011
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.
Just been informed that a new kit is available for use with my ALKO chassis including different shock absorbers. Installed price with on board compressor around £1800.00
 

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