air suspension

A quick firtle round has turned up some info in my Peter Russek manual for Fiat Ducato relating to dimensions to adhere to when replacing/resetting rear leaf springs. Dimensions are of course different for the various different models. Setting the springs to the recommended dimensions will result in the correct ride height range within the load capacity of the vehicle. Dimensions given are as precise as 192mm for one range of chassis and 297mm for another. Precise to the millimetre, not even rounded to the nearest 5 or 10mm

A 75mm rise in height at the back seems a lot to me and is very visible on a vehicle of 6m length. It looks wrong and it definitely feels wrong. A 3.85 tonne brick handles bad enough without making it worse.

I can only go on my own experience and observations and I will never drive this van again with the Airide pumped up because it makes the van unstable.

Next time I'm at a show I'll be tempted to ask some searching questions. :)
 
DuxDeluxe said:
With all the different wheelbases there must be a huge number of permutations.
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Yes, an enormous number of permutations with very different loading characteristics, but there are only one or two simple, easy to produce products which claim to provide a 'cure all' for all of them! o_O
 
Ethle the wondervan said:
Yes, an enormous number of permutations with very different loading characteristics, but there are only one or two simple, easy to produce products which claim to provide a 'cure all' for all of them! o_O
Click to expand...
So tell us all where you got the official ride height from then.........

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Bailey58 said:
Why don't manufacturers do it? Generally because they're producing bog standard products to sell to a mass market and not for specialist use. There will always be room for improvement whether it's re-mapping, oil additives or fitting air assist amongst many other "improvements" the after market industry would have us believe will improve our pride and joy.
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But here we have a simple product which could be mass produced for pennies and offers such outstanding benefits???
If it is so good then surely it would relieve stresses on other components which could be produced more cheaply, potentially making enormous savings for a vehicle manufacturer and yet none incorporate it.
Makes me wonder! (n)
 
DuxDeluxe said:
So tell us all where you got the official ride height from then.........
Click to expand...

The ride height is set by the suspension geometry and is dependant on the position of the leaf spring (in this case) in relation to the associated chassis member prior to tightening all of the appropriate twiddly nobs with ones tool.................... What am I doing, trying to explain this to a DUCK!!!............ It's Dithspicable!!!

I'm going for my tea!!! ............... Rasp!! ;)
 
The alko chassis is independent torsion bar suspension and not cart springs as on most vans, that Alko also market air suspension for there chassis reinforces the need for them on certain applications, i.e. ambulances/ people carriers/ buses and in my case a Motorhome,

Without question in my case the ride and handling is totally transformed from the original setup,( softer ride/much better in crosswinds/adjustable for ferries)

I haven't long retired after 50 years in the motor trade so I like to think I know a little about suspensions, Take it from me I wouldn't have spent £800 plus a days work to fit if I hadn't checked that it would be a massive improvement in the way the MH handles,
 
Ethle the wondervan said:
The ride height is set by the suspension geometry and is dependant on the position of the leaf spring (in this case) in relation to the associated chassis member prior to tightening all of the appropriate twiddly nobs with ones tool.................... What am I doing, trying to explain this to a DUCK!!!............ It's Dithspicable!!!

I'm going for my tea!!! ............... Rasp!! ;)
Click to expand...
So what you are saying is.....

.....you don't really know.

I'll leave my van as it is thanks. Complete with air suspension. As a matter of interest, which chassis do you have? Is it the 35?

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All this talk of ride height and manufacturers ride height is with respect cobblers......
I've raced cars and motorcycles and Karts and the list of permutations is endless.

Now I'm as you know new to motor homing but not vehicles. I could wax lyrical till you are all blue in the face about spring rates rebound and compression damping and a raft of other things that would simply complicate the topic but I'm not going to.

My opinion as a user of Air suspension is that it's likely the best option fitted to this here van of ours...

It greatly improves the ride quality of the vehicle. It helps take the strain and in doing do reduces the load on the other suspension components plus it's corking at helping me level the van. I need all the help I can get .

Please tell me where a manufacturer of a car or motorhome gives a ride height that applies to the massive permutation range of its vehicles ? Even if they did how on earth could we ever stick to them ?

Only on this thread have I so far read a negative comment on Air suspension.. And withou giving offence that opinion is not backed up with anything other than rubbish...
 
Charlie said:
All this talk of ride height and manufacturers ride height is with respect Shoemakers......
I've raced cars and motorcycles and Karts and the list of permutations is endless.

Now I'm as you know new to motor homing but not vehicles. I could wax lyrical till you are all blue in the face about spring rates rebound and compression damping and a raft of other things that would simply complicate the topic but I'm not going to.

My opinion as a user of Air suspension is that it's likely the best option fitted to this here van of ours...

It greatly improves the ride quality of the vehicle. It helps take the strain and in doing do reduces the load on the other suspension components plus it's corking at helping me level the van. I need all the help I can get .

Please tell me where a manufacturer of a car or motorhome gives a ride height that applies to the massive permutation range of its vehicles ? Even if they did how on earth could we ever stick to them ?

Only on this thread have I so far read a negative comment on Air suspension.. And withou giving offence that opinion is not backed up with anything other than rubbish...
Click to expand...
:clap2:
 
I am having it fitted to our Autoroller 600 on Monday, twin wheel transit, already handles much better than our previous Van, but I am hoping it will improve it in cross winds, will let you know what the difference is , for anyone interested
 
Peter Ashcroft said:
I am having it fitted to our Autoroller 600 on Monday, twin wheel transit, already handles much better than our previous Van, but I am hoping it will improve it in cross winds, will let you know what the difference is , for anyone interested
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Nah ..... they've all made up their minds. No good confusing them with facts. :D But I would be interested to hear.
 
Should have been more clear, this is next Monday the 14th! but I will report back, also having an under bench aircon unit fitted at the same time

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Fitted Dunlop system (purchased from Marcle Leisure) about 4 months ago. Ride quality much improved, stability much improved, my temperment whilst fitting much reduced, bank balance much reduced - but still think it is worth it
Fitted to my tag axle Burstner
 
Timotei said:
Fitted Dunlop system (purchased from Marcle Leisure) about 4 months ago. Ride quality much improved, stability much improved, my temperment whilst fitting much reduced, bank balance much reduced - but still think it is worth it
Fitted to my tag axle Burstner
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Hi Timotei
Did you fit it yourself?
If so, how did you manage it and did you need any special tools?
Where did you fit the gauges and compressor?
I've got a tag axle Fiat on an alko chassis.
 
Hi Gavlad
Sorry for the delay, currently in France relaxing so don't check emails so often
Had to re drill mounting holes in brackets and chassis, real ball ache.
Used mounting plate from Marcle to mount gauges on dashboard (rh side of steering wheel) compressor is in locker underneath hab batts. No special tools needed other than patience and perseverance
If you need any other info I have some pics somewhere at home, not back till end of Sept
Let me know
 
Timotei said:
Hi Gavlad
Sorry for the delay, currently in France relaxing so don't check emails so often
Had to re drill mounting holes in brackets and chassis, real ball ache.
Used mounting plate from Marcle to mount gauges on dashboard (rh side of steering wheel) compressor is in locker underneath hab batts. No special tools needed other than patience and perseverance
If you need any other info I have some pics somewhere at home, not back till end of Sept
Let me know
Click to expand...
Thanks Timotei
No rush - enjoy your hols!
 
Made a hell of a difference to our twin wheel Tranny. Used to wallow so much when I went round an island the wife used to hang onto the seat, now it's like its on rails. Big thumbs up from me for air suspension. (y)

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daveandsan said:
Made a hell of a difference to our twin wheel Tranny. Used to wallow so much when I went round an island the wife used to hang onto the seat, now it's like its on rails. Big thumbs up from me for air suspension. (y)
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It's reduced or stopped the wallowing as it is supporting the existing suspension. Supporting it as well as reducing the load on it .
With that comes increased stability better handling and improved comfort.

To suggest otherwise is completely incorrect.
 
Just had Phil out today from Rhino Installs, Dunlop bags fitted on my twin wheel transit with guages for £745, done on my drive. Excellent job done, back end looking a little higher, drives good so far but not been too far, looking forward to a good run to properly test it.
 
Peter Ashcroft said:
Just had Phil out today from Rhino Installs, Dunlop bags fitted on my twin wheel transit with guages for £745, done on my drive. Excellent job done, back end looking a little higher, drives good so far but not been too far, looking forward to a good run to properly test it.
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Phil does a good job. Nice bloke as well
 
Yep, he Also did me an alarm system and tracker install today, and is returning next week to fit an underbench type aircon system. His work is great and importantly very neat!! plus he is mobile! He did my sat system and 2 Tv's with splitter switch a while ago and its spot on. Highly recommended!! and like you say he is a really nice guy!!
 
Is Rhino a franchise or a one man firm, surely Phil can't cover the whole country? But on looking at the testimonials it seems he might.

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Bailey58 said:
Is Rhino a franchise or a one man firm, surely Phil can't cover the whole country? But on looking at the testimonials it seems he might.
Click to expand...
He travels. A lot. One man company but covers most of the country. Incredibly hard working
 
chasthedagger said:
Can anyone tell me if they have fitted an air suspension system to their motorhome, we have a hymer on an alko chassis.
Or did you have one fitted.
Prices for both would be helpful.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hi, if you can do without it do so, Had a citroen picasso with it and was nothing but trouble. Had to replace the air bags at the rear twice due to leaks.
Regards,
Lee.
 
how can i contact phil at rhino installs??
does he do water pumps too?
 
leeboy said:
Hi, if you can do without it do so, Had a citroen picasso with it and was nothing but trouble. Had to replace the air bags at the rear twice due to leaks.
Regards,
Lee.
Click to expand...

Lee its completely different to the air suspension you have on a car, I have also had a discovery with air suspension and like you had no end of problems with leaking air bags. On a car the bags replace the springs, on a motorhome the bags are different in design and aid the existing suspension.

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