Compressor or Manual Pump For Semi Air?

[DaveFromBarrow]

As I nudge towards putting semi-air on the Apache I'm wondering if going the compressor route is worth the extra cost and weight? I can't imagine constantly tweaking the air setting thus needing a magic button. Any thoughts semi-air people?

d

 

[Phill D]

I think the same and only adjust occasionally.
So no compressor for me.
But, both lines independent of each other.

 

[TCG]

Compressor for me

 

[Guigsy]

The volume and pressure of the air in the bellows is really low. I used a dinky little bike micropump that velcro'd to a rail under the driver's seat. The valves and gauges were mounted on the side of the seat base. I could refill both sides in a couple of minutes. Only downside is that it looked decidedly dodgy when I was pumping away with something at waist height...

 

[EMS]

In our previous van we had fitted airbags for the rear axle with a single gauge to the two independent airbags and used a bicycle pump to inflate when required so more reliable as less to go wrong and no need for extra mass as we already had a bicycle pump for the bikes.
The ride was vastly improved as the suspension did not bottom out on the bump stops of our transit van.
I am going to fit the same system in our new van when we can get a service!

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[Two on Tour]

With our onboard air compressor I can add or remove air from either side independently via the dash controls while on the move if we find the weather condition change i.e. it gets windy or high cross winds or the road conditions get a bit rough.
I also let the air out, down to the recommended half to one bar pressure when our van is not in use between outings.

 

[Landy Andy]

Extra weight??

What is the extra weight. I doubt the pump weighs 1kg, maybe 500g. I wouldn’t be with out mine now. Adjust it a lot more than I thought I would.

 

[Rapphil]

Magic button useful before you board ferries or times you need more clearance .
if you have or having auto jacks fitted you are supposed to let air out before so would be a faff when touring without magic buttons.

 

[DerryW]

Compressor for me, wouldn't be without it. But I guess its a personal choice.

 

[icantremember]

We've had AS AirSuspension fitted to 3 moho's nw and always with the onboard compressor. I fid it very useful to adjust on the move for ferries and other steep ramps along with cross winds. The additional weight is minimal.

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[IRHP]

I don’t have a compressor. It is difficult to pump them up to near the max with a bike pump but I’ve only ever done that when going on a ferry. I have 2 gages in the garage with separate valves. I don’t find I have to tweak them often and if I do it’s never when I’m driving. It just seamed a lot simpler without the compressor.
I use a rechargeable pump now. It’s about the size and shape of an electric drill. Great for the bikes too.

 

[Landy Andy]

Just two mins ago, on aire, bum feels a bit high and rear steadies won’t reach ground without packers. Drop air from rear. Happy wife, job sorted, pump it back up tomorrow before leaving.

 

[Ranger]

I use a rechargeable pump now. It’s about the size and shape of an electric drill. Great for the bikes too.

Same here, it's light and quick.

 

[Speve]

Had semi on our Tracker just used a bike pump when needed but hardly ever used even that

 

[Macca1954]

Just two mins ago, on aire, bum feels a bit high and rear steadies won’t reach ground without packers. Drop air from rear. Happy wife, job sorted, pump it back up tomorrow before leaving.

So more smiles tomorrow

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[Landy Andy]

Just push the button

 

[Fat Albert]

I fitted my compressor behind the drivers step well trim. A bit of a rat's nest of original wiring plus the compressor, wiring and flexi pipes. But it works. The only ferry I been on was across from Dartmouth at low tide, from my seat raised the back end prior to negotiating the steep slope to the flat car deck. For me, it's got to be a compressor or you have lost the flexibility of a fantastic system.

 

[uzsnowdrop]

I don’t have a compressor. It is difficult to pump them up to near the max with a bike pump but I’ve only ever done that when going on a ferry. I have 2 gages in the garage with separate valves. I don’t find I have to tweak them often and if I do it’s never when I’m driving. It just seamed a lot simpler without the compressor.
I use a rechargeable pump now. It’s about the size and shape of an electric drill. Great for the bikes too.

I use a small footpump. Dead easy.

 

[Howard B]

Manual pump. Think i have only topped it up twice in the past 6 months