Air suspension

[Ponner]

Just got an air suspension kit for fiat ducato swift escape, good service and delivery times . The kit seemed reasonably good quality.
Advertised time for fitting was two hours . I found it difficult to fit in two days , the problem is moving around on gravel and tarmac and keeping your head up at an angle to fit bolts that have no room to fit , twenty years ago no problem but I did struggle, anyway routing the air lines and installing the gauges was quite enjoyable.
Set air pressure to 60psi/4bar went for test drive this evening. Within half mile I realised my van had been transformed no jarring jolts no swaying from side to side , roundabouts a doodle. I'm not saying it's caterham handling but such a transformation. I would recommend those who have any doubt, go for it
.

 

[Swifter]

Well worth the effort . Nice one

 

[Two on Tour]

Bloody hell, 4 bar ................ 2.5 maybe 3 if very windy on ours.

 

[Badknee]

I found it difficult to fit in two days , the problem is moving around on gravel and tarmac and keeping your head up at an angle to fit bolts that have no room to fit , twenty years ago no problem but I did struggle,

Ah, you didn’t plan ahead see. I plan to fit a set and I have already pre warned my thirty year old racing snake son that he will be going under the moho.
Glad your pleased with the job

 

[Ponner]

Do think I should reduce it to 3 bar .
I'm open to offers

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TinaLes]

Just got an air suspension kit for fiat ducato swift escape, good service and delivery times . The kit seemed reasonably good quality.
.

Which Kit & Seller did you use in the end,? there were many of them on E-bay, but not so many since the divorce.
4 Bar is too high, maybe if you read up on the instructions again, it will normally state the bellows take up to a Max 4 Tonnes load on the rear axel, and about 1.5 to 2.5 Bar is the norm.
Congratulations on getting it fitted, don't worry though, the next one you do will only take 2 hours ,they say there is no substitute for experience!
Nice one.
LES

 

[dosser]

I have mine at 2.5 bar seems OK but I guess it depends on the size of van, ours is a 6 4m pvc.

 

[cmcardle75]

I must admit I'm tempted by semi-air on the rear axle. It really does crash through any uneven road surface and the suspension limits my actual speeds on anything short of a decent A road. I don't need any extra load bearing. I've already got an insane amount of payload for a 2 person van. Not sure how much, but probably between 1000-1500kg, but it would be nice if it didn't sound an aircraft crashing whenever there's a slight bump.

 

[Badknee]

Do think I should reduce it to 3 bar .
I'm open to offers

Go for comfort and ride as to what suits you would be my suggestion.

 

[Ponner]

Yes you need to do it , so much smoother a d less roll I would say reduces overseer to understeer which at our speeds is good

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Ponner]

I feel with a bit of experimentation I will get the correct setting

 

[Ponner]

Yes I will reduce to 2.5 bar
Will report back later

 

[HugoBNB]

Yes I will reduce to 2.5 bar
Will report back later

Our 7.5m Ducato based MH is plated at 4100kg and normally runs at about 3800kg with a half tank of water and all our stuff in. We go between 2 bar if no water on board to 2.5 to 3 bar if we have full fresh water tank (extra 140kg) and my bike on the back. As others have posted, it is really important for you to find out your individual axle weights. Safe travels.

 

[Kiters74]

We had Air fitted to our rear suspension & they recommended 2 to 2.5Bar normal but upto 3.5 bar loaded on our Adria 960 cs. plated at 3850kg

 

[Antique]

I'm plated at 5 tonne.
Fitting company recommended 3.5 - 4 bar, I run 4 bar when fully loaded and very happy.

All the best

Antique

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

3 Bar, /42 psi. Works a treat. Where is the adjustment made? Can you alter each side independently?
Sorry you didn't flag up before hand you were doing the job, it may have been suggested that pre- compressing the air bags with cable ties, or fitting a valve temporarily to vacuum the bags closed would make the job a lot easier. Well done though, now enjoy that extra comfort and sure handling.
Mike.

 

[DDJC]

Mine won't accept more then 3.5 bar. I put in a tad over 2 bar and its fine. Much more stable on the road.

 

[DDJC]

I must admit I'm tempted by semi-air on the rear axle. It really does crash through any uneven road surface and the suspension limits my actual speeds on anything short of a decent A road. I don't need any extra load bearing. I've already got an insane amount of payload for a 2 person van. Not sure how much, but probably between 1000-1500kg, but it would be nice if it didn't sound an aircraft crashing whenever there's a slight bump.

You won't regret it. I had the VB system, professionally fitted, with compressor and dash mounted gauges and controls. It cost about £1200, but the difference in stability on the road is very noticeable. Best though, is that there is no more chassis crashing on the bump stops on concrete section motorways!

 

[TerryL]

Two hour fitting time is okay - if you can get the van on a ramp or at least elevated. Otherwise you're right, can be a literal pain especially if you're of a more mature age!