VB Air Suspension

[Beltie]

Hi,

I'd be very grateful if anyone who has had VB semi-air fitted to an Alko chassis could let me know what sort of lift is achievable at the rear axle. I'm more interested in the ride height increase than any improvement in comfort, but the latter would be a bonus!

Having read the reviews, I'd be looking to get it fitted at SAP.

Thanks in advance

 

[Blue Knight]

What weight is the van when fully loaded and do you have a large overhang with a garage. Also, do you know your rear axle weight in touring order.

 

[Beltie]

The overhang is 2200 and the ground clearance at the rear is 340.
I don't know the weights yet as I haven't yet taken delivery of the 'van.
The weight is not necessarily relevant - within reason! - but if someone can give me some idea of the ride height increase at the axle, I can apply a bit of trig. to calculate the lift at the rear.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

We had AS air assist fitted to ours and it increased the rear by about 10-15mm giving a nose down stance at 1.5 bar, we were previously dead level. Our rear axle was just about on its 2000kg limit though prior to fitting.
From what AS said at the time there are several different Alko chassis/axle/arm variants so knowing what yours will do before fitting may not be possible.
Well worthwhile mod though, improved ride, weight limit increase and the option to pump it up higher for clearance, which we have needed a couple of times but never thought to measure.
Highly recommend AS at Warrington, I know you’re off to SAP. We live an hour from SAP but traveled another hour over to Warrington.

 

[Blue Knight]

The weight is not necessarily relevant - within reason!

I ran 3,520kg with 1,920kg on the rear axle and my van lifted by 22mm @ 3-bar, or 12-14mm increase at 1.5bar.

My new van is registered at 4.5T and if I were to load fully then I could achieve circa 14mm height increase @ 3-bar.

If I run my 4.5T van win 3.5T loaded then I'll gain an extra 10-12mm depending on the rear axle loading.

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[Theonlysue]

Speak to mick at SAP, he's very knowledgeable.

 

[Beltie]

Andrew,

Am I right in thinking that your van is on the Fiat chassis though and not Alko?

 

[DerryW]

I know this isn't quite what you're after, but for others who may be thinking of fitting Air Assist and have a fiat chassis here goes: -

with no air (bags deflated) = 58.5cm
with 1 bar = 59.2cm
with 2 bar = 60.1cm
with 3 bar = 61cm
with 3.5 bar (max) = 61.5cm

This is based on 16" wheels and VB Comfort Air Assist.

 

[Blue Knight]

Andrew,

Am I right in thinking that your van is on the Fiat chassis though and not Alko?

Yes, you're right but the ride height adjustment for both is not that big.

The only real big difference is the cost to fit VB to the Alko which is a more expensive exercise.