Air suspension or not

[Jofang]

Our Le Voyager is 4 years old and up for replacement. It was fitted with air suspension as an optional extra from new. Whilst the suspension and self levelling both work OK the van drives like a boat and leans too much on roundabouts. I don't know if this is what to expect from a moho with air suspension as compared to a moho with standard springs. Is this a characteristic of air suspension or do metal springs give the same body roll? If this level of body roll is the same on air suspension as standard spring suspension I shall seriously consider a 6 wheeler next time. Any views much appreciated.

 

[Robert Clark]

Full air suspension, that is suspension that is fitted to all four wheels should give you a far superior ride than springs and should reduce if big totally eliminate body roll.

 

[Jofang]

The system I have is Al-ko top of the range with self levelling on 4 wheels. The self levelling is great but it can take a minute or two for the compressor to adjust the air bag pressure at the wheels, so I can't see how the system can adjust the air pressures quickly enough to restrict body roll on corners or a roundabout. I can understand that air bag assistance with coil or leaf springs instead of bump stops can restrict body roll, but mine is the full air bag system with neither coil nor leaf springs.

 

[Robert Clark]

VB have a system called Active Air which does exactly what you describe, however the changes to the suspension are instantaneous.

 

[Robert Clark]

This video shows the difference between springs / full air / active air

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[VXman]

I have no experience of VB suspension so it may well be as good as Robert says. However, most cheaper systems are just air bags that stay at the set pressure. I would think there would be less roll if they are pumped up properly. However this will result in a harder ride. I had a basic system fitted to mine purely to boost the rear to carry heavier loads in the garage. It doesn't roll more than standard... probably less.

 

[IRHP]

Are the airbags individual and isolated from each other? They should be. Some kits only have one linked air line and no way of isolating each air bag. This set up increases rolling on corners.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Already mentioned this on another thread. We have full VB with air assist as in the above video on youtube. Works extremely well and does a lot more ....https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/posts/5006937/ Would not be without it!!


Kev

 

[VXman]

Are the airbags individual and isolated from each other? They should be. Some kits only have one linked air line and no way of isolating each air bag. This set up increases rolling on corners.

Mine are linked but I don't notice roll. But to be fair I tend not to drive it like a race car.

 

[IRHP]

Mine are linked but I don't notice roll. But to be fair I tend not to drive it like a race car.

I don’t think anyone drives their motorhome like a race car but they all roll on corners, some more than others

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[SheikhLala]

I don’t think anyone drives their motorhome like a race car but they all roll on corners, some more than others

I beg to disagree!! I couldn't keep up with someone on the A12 yesterday, they came off at Colchester and weren't hanging around!! The phrase "drive it like you stole it" sprang to mind but couldn't get close enough to see the reg.

 

[TheAleMan]

I beg to disagree!! I couldn't keep up with someone on the A12 yesterday, they came off at Colchester and weren't hanging around!! The phrase "drive it like you stole it" sprang to mind but couldn't get close enough to see the reg.

Came off at Colchester..that has been nicked.

 

[Lenny HB]

I beg to disagree!! I couldn't keep up with someone on the A12 yesterday, they came off at Colchester and weren't hanging around!! The phrase "drive it like you stole it" sprang to mind but couldn't get close enough to see the reg.

Must have been a dealer. Frightening following my dealer driving my band new van down to Calais with me following in his Land Rover Sport, I had trouble keeping up with him.

 

[Lenny HB]

We have Goldschmitt full 4C air, corners and handles much better than it did with springs & less roll.
It won't actively adjust but does do gental corrections to keep the van level.

As Al-Ko own a big chunk of VB, your air is probably made by VB.

 

[Minxy]

I have no experience of VB suspension so it may well be as good as Robert says. However, most cheaper systems are just air bags that stay at the set pressure. I would think there would be less roll if they are pumped up properly. However this will result in a harder ride. I had a basic system fitted to mine purely to boost the rear to carry heavier loads in the garage. It doesn't roll more than standard... probably less.

We've had semi-air on previous and our current MH, it most definitely reduces roll and makes a heck of a difference to handling, buffeting from the wind, trucks etc.

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[Wannabee]

Fitted simple VB rear air assist on mine, separate lines and gauge to each side. no pump (use small electric battery powered which is brilliant) has made a massive difference to handling and stability.

 

[Hymerboy]

can air suspension be fitted to a tag axle ?

 

[sonar]

I don’t think anyone drives their motorhome like a race car but they all roll on corners, some more than others

Our did roll but seems the airbags we fitted have stopped that toppling over feeling.
but have made a smoother ride and firm.

 

[Adrian Mudle]

can air suspension be fitted to a tag axle ?

Yes, just cost more as 6 airbags

 

[IRHP]

Yes, just cost more as 6 airbags

4?

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[Adrian Mudle]

No 6, as you have three axles, one each side, unless you don't mean a tag axle, but twin wheels on the same axle

 

[Minxy]

No 6, as you have three axles, one each side, unless you don't mean a tag axle, but twin wheels on the same axle

Or only put it on the rear axles, ie semi-air.

 

[Adrian Mudle]

I think you would need to take advice on that, not heard of that being done on a tag axle?

 

[Winchester123]

Here it is being fitted!

 

[Lenny HB]

Or only put it on the rear axles, ie semi-air.

You can have full air on the rear referred to as 2c instead of 4c, I suppose with a tag it would be 6c.

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[Adrian Mudle]

Not sure if the "c" refers to the corners of the vehicle, semi air on a tag though I would assume would require 4 airbags.
I have 6 which I think is referred to as 4c or full air

 

[IRHP]

No 6, as you have three axles, one each side, unless you don't mean a tag axle, but twin wheels on the same axle

For full air yes but semi assist just the back 4

 

[Al n Val]

can air suspension be fitted to a tag axle ?

Yes it can

I asked Mick at SAP about air and in a roundabout way told me it would be not necessary on my Tag Comanche or Rapido i1090. I have to say the stability of both motorhomes has far exceeded my expectations so I won’t be having air fitted.

Also he said the increase in ride height was a maximum 40mm so a bit of a waste in having it fitted to clear ferry ramps, not that we’ll ever go on a ferry lol

Al

 

[Winchester123]

Mine raises the back end 115mm which is what I need to get up my drive without dragging the tail end

 

[Garry - June]

Yes it can

I asked Mick at SAP about air and in a roundabout way told me it would be not necessary on my Tag Comanche or Rapido i1090. I have to say the stability of both motorhomes has far exceeded my expectations so I won’t be having air fitted.

Also he said the increase in ride height was a maximum 40mm so a bit of a waste in having it fitted to clear ferry ramps, not that we’ll ever go on a ferry lol

Al

We have it on our tag axle... raises the rear independently between 2.5/3 inches each side, which has stopped us scrapping the rear when going to our sons house which we always did when going up his drive... infact have not grounded anywhere since... it certainly stops roll on roundabouts and also greatly helps with wind buffeting on Motorways, makes the drive much more stable ...the other benefit is it gives a certain degree of levelling when on sites..