DuxDeluxe
LIFE MEMBER
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 bitThe 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.