Air suspension
Hi,
Anybody have any thoughts on air suspension. either semi or full for my fiat based motorhome.
Read a few articles and posts about both but full air suspension was quoted at £6k. while semi at £1.5k.
Does the full air suspension really provide much more benefit for £4.5K.
also anywhere recomend instal in north east England.
Kind Regards
Paul
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Paul
I reply not as a Motorhomer but as a caravan owner.
My tow vehicle has all round air suspension and in comparison to my previous vehicle, it is far far more comfortable both towing and when drive solo. The air suspension just irons out bumps and poor road conditions.
Obviously I cannot speak for a Motorhome as I do not have that experience but I imagine that the benefits for you with air suspension will be akin to that I have experienced - if not better.
Hope this helps in a small way.
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Hi,
Yes it does give some comfort that I am making the decision to go the air suspension.
Appreciate the time you took to comment.
Happy caravanning!
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[Deleted User User] has full VB air suspension on his Carthago, nice smooth ride, certainly compared to the normal Fiat 'heavy' chassis we had previously.
however, we now have the light chassis on this van and the ride is much smoother thwn thr heavy chassis....
is it as good as air....?
Id need a much longer test to determine that....then theres the £6k to find..
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We have air suspension assisters fitted as standard on our AS PVC.
It's possible to increase or decrease its affect by altering the air pressure in the system with a foot pump or air line.
It does seem to give a slightly smoother ride but whether it's worth the cost as an after fit is a matter of opinion.
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As above, I've had a tow car that had air suspension, and my father still has. I personally can barely, if at all, notice any difference to a non air vehicle. Maybe that's just me....
Before shelling out thousands of pounds I would want to be very convinced you will notice any improvement, can you test drive a similar vehicle to your own that the company have converted....?
Would the 6 grand be better put towards upgrading your current van...?
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the main difference between AirTop (as fitted by AS and available similarly as Dunlop/Marcle products and is for rear axle use) and a system like VB, is the ability of VB to change ride height dynamically and to provide a (push button) levelling system on pitch...
this may or may not go some way to justifying the huge difference in price....only the purchaser can decide....
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Full air is usually fitted on both axles and replaces the existing suspension. Semi air is usually only fitted to the rear suspension as an aid. If you have an AlKo chassis, it might be more expensive.
Full air suspension will give you a better ride than semi. Whether its worth the cost is a personal matter. I decided not so went for semi air on the rear. I'm happy with what I have but still have a niggle and think I should have gone for full air because I'm keeping the van longer than expected.
Be clear what you want to achieve because cheaper semi air units exist that do a great job of firming up the ride and stopping suspension sag but may not improve the ride. You may be able to achieve what you want in other ways such as softer springs, lower tyre pressure.
You are best served by talking to those who fit the various systems as they should be able to ascertain your need and the solution. Both VB and Goldschmitt have brochures that provide guidance on what you can do. I went to both firms at the NEC shows for advice.
I don't know anyone in the North East who instals.
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Really appreciate all the advice everyone.
I shall reflect on the issue over the weekend. ie I have bought 2 brand new vans in the last two years, going from 6mtrs to the current 7.4mtrs.
I best get the air suspension decision right!
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I fitted semi air suspension to my previous motorhome a swift escape built on swift chassis. It was a great improvement in vehicle handling in windy weather on motorways and gave a much better drive. Fitted it myself Dunlop system only cost around £300 from Marcle.
My present motorhome has the lower fiat camper chassis which gives a much better drive and handling so I dont think there would be much advantage to fitting it.
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Best £400 I ever spent. Doesn't make the ride any softer but does stop the rear suspension bottoming out when you hit potholes etc. Like many motorhomers my back axle is loaded almost to the limit and not helped by a motorbike on a rack on the back end. I had semi air suspension fitted to the back axle and the difference in handling was unbeleivable. No more swaying when overtaking large vehicles etc. I went for the in cab adjustable type complete with onboard compressor etc. I can easily raise the rear end a couple of inches when boarding ferries etc, and if necessary lower it a couple to help leveling on site. I got mine via Ebay and it was fitted in a morning by a very nice Polish chap just outside Loughborough.
John
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for anyone considering air suspension to combat a poor ride, I would forst suggest they check tyre pressures against the manufacturer (comtinental/Michelin) recommendations as opposed to the de rigueur 80psi 'kindly' put in by most converters....
my own van runs at 50 ish front and 60 ish rear (continental figures based on axle weights) and the servicing garage kindly put 80 all round the other day......not nice...
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Paul Chrisp, Leisure Tech North East Ltd fitted a basic airsuspension to our 7.4 Hobby, really pleased we did this the handling has been improved tremendously, plus of course no leaf spring sag.
I'll give you the details and of course anyone else who lives Northallerton to Durham.
Leisure Tech North East Ltd
nit 3 Wass Way, Durham Lane Industrial Estate, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees TS16 0RG
01642 605279
Very accommodating, gives good advice and will talk sensibly through any problem you may have.
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When talking about air suspension it's important to differentiate between rear air assist and full air suspension.
Rear air assist (costing between £400 and £850) generally offers a worthwhile improvement and quite a bit of 'bang for your buck'.
But it's not even remotely in the same area as full VB air suspension. Yes it's massively expensive but the difference it's made to the ride in our Iveco based A class is remarkable.
Only regret is not biting the bullet sooner.
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