Air Suspension Installed - Very Pleased!

[Falcon 269]

After 8 years of ownership and 38,000 miles of touring, finally decided to fit a couple of air assist bags to the rear suspension of our Adria Matrix 670SC. Went with a basic kit from ebay (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26470273...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1) and fitted it myself. Took about 3 hours in total, most of which was figuring out where to install the gauge/inflation valve and the air tube routing.

Was able to fit the bags themselves without having to do more than slightly jack up on one side because of the slope of our drive. Crawling around underneath was a workout but fortunately I'm not too old or inflexible just yet.

The original bump stops came out very easily and I compressed the bags with zip ties to enable them to be slotted into position with rear axle at normal height. Aligning a couple of the bracket screw fixings into the bags was a bit fiddly but patience and practice got the job done.

We've just returned from a 500 mile tour of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors and I'm delighted with the improvement to ride and handling. Started with max permitted pressure of 0.5 bar but dropped that to 0.45 bar and then again down to 0.4 bar which offers good stability and a less jiggly ride over bad road surfaces. I also dropped the tyre pressures by 4 psi all round, down from the max recommended by Continental for their Camper tyres. The rears are now set to 75 psi and the fronts to 68 psi.

Very noticeable improvement in stability on dual-carriageways and motorways when being overtaken by big stuff. The rear-to-front corkscrew as the truck's pressure wave works along the length of our vehicle is virtually eliminated.

All in all, an excellent result for a very modest outlay. Should have done it years ago.

 

[Cush]

are the bags inflated independently of each other?

 

[Falcon 269]

Hi, no the airlines to each bag are linked through a T-connector to a single line feed into the air gauge.

Like I said, this is the most basic system as I wanted to see how it worked first rather than spend hundreds more on independent gauges, remote switching for compressors etc etc. I might carry a 12v compressor with me in future for adjustments during our travels but I'm inclined to stick with what I have for now. We're never far from an airline at a garage, after all.

I can see there might be advantages to rear end height adjustment on the fly for ferry loading and such but what I have fitted works fine for my current needs.

 

[Wack]

Hi, no the airlines to each bag are linked through a T-connector to a single line feed into the air gauge.

Like I said, this is the most basic system as I wanted to see how it worked first rather than spend hundreds more on independent gauges, remote switching for compressors etc etc. I might carry a 12v compressor with me in future for adjustments during our travels but I'm inclined to stick with what I have for now. We're never far from an airline at a garage, after all.

I can see there might be advantages to rear end height adjustment on the fly for ferry loading and such but what I have fitted works fine for my current needs.

You don't need an airline, a bicycle pump is enough to add pressure , it's a very small system

 

[Falcon 269]

Good point, thanks. I have a compressor in the workshop at home so used that to inflate and it did so in short order.

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[monzer]

I was thinking about adding something like this to my hymer.

A weekend on Edinburghs roads was bad enough but I'm due a trip to Latvia soon and have experienced their roads before

I'm on a ducato alko chassis but I notice the link you posted excludes vehicles with alko torsion bar chasis'.

Does that mean they wouldn't be suitable?

 

[Falcon 269]

That's correct, the system I fitted is for the beam axle found on the Fiat motorhome chassis. However, if you search ebay you'll find systems compatible with the Alko torsion bar chassis. I seem to recall they were quite a bit more expensive, though.

 

[daveandsan]

Hi, no the airlines to each bag are linked through a T-connector to a single line feed into the air gauge.

Like I said, this is the most basic system as I wanted to see how it worked first rather than spend hundreds more on independent gauges, remote switching for compressors etc etc. I might carry a 12v compressor with me in future for adjustments during our travels but I'm inclined to stick with what I have for now. We're never far from an airline at a garage, after all.

I can see there might be advantages to rear end height adjustment on the fly for ferry loading and such but what I have fitted works fine for my current needs.

If air can flow from one bag to the other when you are travelling then that is not right, the bags should be independent of each other.

 

[Falcon 269]

Fair point but it was supplied that way and seems to do the job nicely. I don't drive it like I stole it, so a bit of pressure transfer (equalisation?) between the two bags doesn't appear to adversely affect the way it functions.

A couple of corrections to my original post. I see that max operating pressure is listed as 6 bar when loaded. Also, the individual lines from each bag are linked at a T-connector which takes a single line feed closer to the gauge unit before being split back into 2 lines again from another T-connector. One line goes to the gauge, the other to the Schraeder inflation valve.

 

[daveandsan]

Fair point but it was supplied that way and seems to do the job nicely. I don't drive it like I stole it, so a bit of pressure transfer (equalisation?) between the two bags doesn't appear to adversely affect the way it functions.

Just put a shut off valve in each line.

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[Maitken1]

I fitted my own as well and it has made a huge difference to the handling and I also use a bike pump. I have been using mine to level up as well as they are independent of each other. So you can level sideways and front to back. Mine are rated to 100psi but I have 40-50psi in them. I have a 125 scooter on the back so it now brings the van back to level or higher at the back for ferry loading. Also it enables you to up plate the van to 3850KG if you also have the correct rating on the tyres. So all in all a great investment.

 

[Sue and Rick]

It is best to have two separate circuits, one for each bag.
If they are joined together if you say go round a bend and the van tilts to one side the air from one bag goes into the other side. This then lifts that side thus making the van tilt over further.
Automint in Huddersfield have a Fiat Ducato approved kit which I have fitted to mine. Works well but they recommend a minimum (I think) of 0.5 to 1.0 bar pressure to prevent the airbags distorting.

 

[dosser]

Fair point but it was supplied that way and seems to do the job nicely. I don't drive it like I stole it, so a bit of pressure transfer (equalisation?) between the two bags doesn't appear to adversely affect the way it functions.

A couple of corrections to my original post. I see that max operating pressure is listed as 6 bar when loaded. Also, the individual lines from each bag are linked at a T-connector which takes a single line feed closer to the gauge unit before being split back into 2 lines again from another T-connector. One line goes to the gauge, the other to the Schraeder inflation valve.

Fitted the same kit more than pleased with it. Have it at 2.5bar van less crashy and far more stable. Just back from Corrnwall to Scotland. Van miles better.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

I fitted my own as well and it has made a huge difference to the handling and I also use a bike pump. I have been using mine to level up as well as they are independent of each other. So you can level sideways and front to back. Mine are rated to 100psi but I have 40-50psi in them. I have a 125 scooter on the back so it now brings the van back to level or higher at the back for ferry loading. Also it enables you to up plate the van to 3850KG if you also have the correct rating on the tyres. So all in all a great investment.

Had mine fitted by LNB tow bars in Bristol and was advised not to use the bags to level side to side as it would put diagonal strain on the chassis.

 

[Falcon 269]

Following up on the comments about making each bag independent, I asked Mar-Tech - who supplied the kit - for their thoughts. This is their reply:

Hi there.
Thank you for your email.
Regarding to my comment , I'll say yes it is better option to have the independent inflation on motorhomes and campervans as they are equipped with water and waste tank which not always are equal to each other so then you can adjust the pressure on the side you need also you can keep the level when offroad.

Yes we can sell the additional bits you are required.

Best way is to contact us to discuss all the options 07715129997

Regards

I'll get in touch as suggested and report back.

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[HugoBNB]

Fitted the same kit more than pleased with it. Have it at 2.5bar van less crashy and far more stable. Just back from Corrnwall to Scotland. Van miles better.

Ditto. 2.5-bar if we have full water, and other stuff on board but we drop it down to 2-bar if we are half tank or below. Ride quality has been massively improved.

 

[Falcon 269]

So, just got off the phone after a very helpful 20 minutes chat with Martin at Mar-Tech. They supply and fit masses of their products to new Ducato and other vehicles and their linked single-gauge system is a common choice. They also offer twin-gauge independently controlled systems, and systems for Alko chassis vehicles.

He acknowledged the theoretical bit about pressure transfer between sides on a linked set-up but said that you'd really have to be overloading on one side weight-wise, or driving like a loon for it to be concern. I might have paraphrased that last bit.

Independent systems can be individually inflated to account for side-to-side loading imbalance but I can't recall ever being in a situation with our van where that was a noticeable factor.

Independent inflation control might be helpful to reduce the effect of heavy crosswinds but would require an in-cab, on-the-fly adjustment set-up and seriously, who is going to mess about tweaking their air suspension while wrestling with a 40kts crosswind on the M50? This is a motorhome, not an F1 racing car!

He said there was no harm in sensible use of the independent system to assist with levelling on a pitch. Consider the dynamic loads going through the chassis on the road and ask yourself, how likely is distort because of a little bit of suspension side twist in a static situation?

Bottom line, to up-gun my linked system to independent would cost me around £55 for another gauge and 4 mtrs of airline. However, I'm happy enough with what I've got for now, which is a big improvement over what I've managed with for the last 38k miles, so I'll leave it as is. I can always revisit after a few more trips away and more miles experience under the wheels.

 

[Aireworth]

It is best to have two separate circuits, one for each bag.
If they are joined together if you say go round a bend and the van tilts to one side the air from one bag goes into the other side. This then lifts that side thus making the van tilt over further.

But this must be self limiting very quickly. Its not as if the bag on the loaded side increases in pressure then some sort of valve is opened and the pressure moves to the other side bag. They are constantly joined, so in effect the pressure increases in both bags at the same time. (or perhaps more correctly, the pressure in the two bags is always equal, even though it varies depending on the loads applied)

 

[monzer]

I might have a look at his website if he has one. What is it about the alko chasis that makes the system need a different set up?

 

[daveandsan]

Falcon 269 this was the filling system I had on our first Motorhome, you just opened both taps to fill the air bags and then closed both taps off, that then isolated the bags from each other.

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[Lenny HB]

I'm on a ducato alko chassis but I notice the link you posted excludes vehicles with alko torsion bar chasis'.

I might have a look at his website if he has one. What is it about the alko chasis that makes the system need a different set up?

The Al-Ko is a totally different suspension set up with torsion bars in the axle and swinging arms.
No one supplies a DIY kit for an Al-Ko chassis, you used to be able to get a Dunlop kit for around £1300 but not anymore. You need to go to someone like SAP, costs around £2k for semi-air or £4k for full air on the rear.

 

[XxAnthxX]

Falcon 269

Falcon 269 this was the filling system I had on our first Motorhome, you just opened both taps to fill the air bags and then closed both taps off, that then isolated the bags from each other.

View attachment 633321

You‘ve just beat me to it daveandsan ……I was about to post

Marcle Leisure 2-Way Single Gauge Inflation

Marcles very own gauge, a popular choice for those who may need to adjust pressure from time to time without the use of an internal compressor option. This unit enables you to quickly establish the air pressures in your air springs. It also enables you to fill both springs together, thus...

www.marcleleisure.co.uk

More expensive than Mar-tech’s separate gauge and valve solution but way neater and more convenient.

 

[monzer]

The Al-Ko is a totally different suspension set up with torsion bars in the axle and swinging arms.
No one supplies a DIY kit for an Al-Ko chassis, you used to be able to get a Dunlop kit for around £1300 but not anymore. You need to go to someone like SAP, costs around £2k for semi-air or £4k for full air on the rear.

Ouch! I'll bang in another silly question while I am here... What's the difference between full and semi?

 

[XxAnthxX]

What's the difference between full and semi?

Are we still talking air suspension?

 

[monzer]

Are we still talking air suspension?

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[Lenny HB]

Ouch! I'll bang in another silly question while I am here... What's the difference between full and semi?

With semi an additional air suspension unit is added to the swinging arm, the ride height is adjusted manually.
With full air the torsion bars are replaced with lighter ones (needed to locate the swinging arm) and the ride height is constantly maintained automatically, and you can adjust the height for ferry ramps etc., at the press of a button.

If you are going to fork out for full air on the rear might as well spend at bit more on full air all round (£6½ - £7k).

 

[dunnah01]

But this must be self limiting very quickly. Its not as if the bag on the loaded side increases in pressure then some sort of valve is opened and the pressure moves to the other side bag. They are constantly joined, so in effect the pressure increases in both bags at the same time. (or perhaps more correctly, the pressure in the two bags is always equal, even though it varies depending on the loads applied)

If it was that concerning I'd just bung a schrader valve in each line for about 50p

 

[monzer]

With semi an additional air suspension unit is added to the swinging arm, the ride height is adjusted manually.
With full air the torsion bars are replaced with lighter ones (needed to locate the swinging arm) and the ride height is constantly maintained automatically, and you can adjust the height for ferry ramps etc., at the press of a button.

If you are going to fork out for full air on the rear might as well spend at bit more on full air all round (£6½ - £7k).

Cheers, nice info. Huge difference in price compared to what the OP has. Could maybe justify the semi air but still quite pricey.

 

[Falcon 269]

Thanks for the info on the Marcle gauge. Will file away as another option should I need it.

 

[monzer]

The Al-Ko is a totally different suspension set up with torsion bars in the axle and swinging arms.
No one supplies a DIY kit for an Al-Ko chassis, you used to be able to get a Dunlop kit for around £1300 but not anymore. You need to go to someone like SAP, costs around £2k for semi-air or £4k for full air on the rear.

Is this the Dunlop kit at Marcle Leisure?

AL-KO Single Axle Dunlop Semi-Air Kit with Compressor

Full explanation of AL-KO Air Kits below, please scroll down to see more information and instructions on measurements required. Lead time is 5-7 working days.

www.marcleleisure.co.uk

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