Raising the ride height

[Mongoose]

Hi all
First question on here and complete newbie to motorhoming so be gentle with me
I am picking up my new Bailey Autograph 79-6 in a couple of weeks but I’m slightly worried about the ride height on it as it uses an ultra low profile Alko Tech chassis and I’ve heard that it can be prone to grounding at the rear as it has a long overhang at the back.
My question is, if I had semi automatic air suspension with an on board compressor installed on the rear suspension, would it raise the ride height at all and if so roughly by how much? Could anyone with experience of air suspension and/or the Bailey Autograph 79-6 comment on this for me.
Many thanks
Howard

 

[HandyAndy]

Mine's a low profile and has a chuffing great steel box section bumper on the back, not ground it out yet and have been in plenty of strange Cornish and devon locations with it.
You're going to struggle fitting air suspension to the rear of an Alko if it has the wee little torsion bar arms instead of good old springs on an axle.

 

[138go]

Do they make air suspension for ALKO Chassis. Why do they use ultra low chassis on MHs there is no point unless it’s to get the centre of gravity lower or to save a few ££ on fitting an outside step. Noticed one on CL site and it did look very low.

Yes they do Dunlop make one .. £2900 ish

 

[HandyAndy]

Do they make air suspension for ALKO Chassis. Why do they use ultra low chassis on MHs there is no point unless it’s to get the centre of gravity lower or to save a few ££ on fitting an outside step. Noticed one on CL site and it did look very low.

Yes they do Dunlop make one .. £2900 ish

You can plate them higher weight is the main advantage I think

 

[Gerby]

I have the 79-6 and thus far (after 2 years) not (yet) grounded the rear end I have travelled around many lanes and hills in Scotland, Wales and down in Cornwall.

Haven't taken it onto any ferries yet but have heard of many others who have without issue.

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[MikeD]

They do make air assist rear suspension for the Alko suspension but it is very very expensive.

The reason I suspect it is expensive is that not many people need it so it is not bought too often.

Use it for a bit and see if you really need it

 

[Jev88]

I have an older AlKo chassis and some suppliers will tell you they can't fit air bags but you can - raw cost of parts £1500. They are technically an air assist rather than replacing bump stop etc.....

Not grounded yet apart from trying a scissor tow ball bike carrier and it allowed the bikes to sit too low. Replaced with proper Thule towball carrier and all fine.

 

[icantremember]

We have had 2 motorhomes with AlKo chassis, both fitted with rear assist air, with on board compressors, fitted by AS Air suspension in Warrington ... lovely people to deal with and great product.

The fitted price is usually around £1200.

The system can raise the rear end a little, but you would need to speak to Phil to explain that this is what you require

 

[Mongoose]

Thanks for all your replies, it’s been really useful. It’s good to hear from a fellow 79-6 owner Gerby and hear that you haven’t had an issue. I think you’re right MikeD, I’ll use it for a bit and see how it goes but really useful to know there could be a solution if I need it.

 

[MikeD]

Thanks for all your replies, it’s been really useful. It’s good to hear from a fellow 79-6 owner Gerby and hear that you haven’t had an issue. I think you’re right MikeD, I’ll use it for a bit and see how it goes but really useful to know there could be a solution if I need it.

When I bought my first motorhome I spent a small fortune on extra's. Most of which I never used much and I lost the small fortune when I sold the van.

Enjoy the van for a bit and have fun. You will soon work out what you really need.

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[Rob Turner]

Air suspension on an ALKO chassis is £2000 and will raise the back end by about 50mm

AS air suspension in Warrington
Rhino installs in Preston

These are just a couple of dealers that fit the system.

 

[HandyAndy]

I'd love to know what they attach it to on a low profile Alko.

 

[Rob Turner]

Here you go!!
There’s loads of info on the forum about this.

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[Ninjabob]

I have VB Comfort Air on my 75-2 and it was the best part of £2k. They replace the shock absorbers as part of the kit. You will not see much of an increase in ride height because I am told the shock absorbers restrict the ride height. The 79-6 has the 4250kg chassis so I suspect it will maintain it's ride height. The new version just released by Bailey is even longer 81-6.

 

[Mongoose]

When I bought my first motorhome I spent a small fortune on extra's. Most of which I never used much and I lost the small fortune when I sold the van.

Enjoy the van for a bit and have fun. You will soon work out what you really need.

Must confess I’ve added a fair few bits too. Second solar panel, second leisure battery, Gaslow system, rear parking sensors, alarm, tracker, bike rack

I have VB Comfort Air on my 75-2 and it was the best part of £2k. They replace the shock absorbers as part of the kit. You will not see much of an increase in ride height because I am told the shock absorbers restrict the ride height. The 79-6 has the 4250kg chassis so I suspect it will maintain it's ride height. The new version just released by Bailey is even longer 81-6.

Just been looking at the reviews of the 81-6 and it’s not a huge difference from the 79-6 but does ride a bit higher. More evolution than revolution I think.

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[Ninjabob]

Just been looking at the reviews of the 81-6 and it’s not a huge difference from the 79-6 but does ride a bit higher. More evolution than revolution I think.

Does it ride higher or have they just shortened the plastic skirt so you see more of the chassis?

 

[lunarman]

I'd love to know what they attach it to on a low profile Alko.

AS suspension on Bailey 740 Alko chassis

 

[Mongoose]

Does it ride higher or have they just shortened the plastic skirt so you see more of the chassis?

Good question, I’m not sure. Maybe if I do ground mine I’ll have a shorter plastic skirt too