Air Suspension Installed - Very Pleased!

[Lenny HB]

Is this the Dunlop kit at Marcle Leisure?

AL-KO Single Axle Dunlop Semi-Air Kit with Compressor

Full explanation of AL-KO Air Kits below, please scroll down to see more information and instructions on measurements required. Lead time is 5-7 working days.

www.marcleleisure.co.uk

Yes that's the one they discontinued it about 7 years ago saying it was unsuitable for DIY fitting. Looks like they are doing it again.

 

[busbuddy]

I didnt bother fitting a gauge, I've just got the 2 valves at the back to inflate using my bike pump, I check pressure with my usual tyre gauge although I only use 2 pressures.....for fully loaded and quick weekend away

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Fair point but it was supplied that way and seems to do the job nicely. I don't drive it like I stole it, so a bit of pressure transfer (equalisation?) between the two bags doesn't appear to adversely affect the way it functions.

A couple of corrections to my original post. I see that max operating pressure is listed as 6 bar when loaded. Also, the individual lines from each bag are linked at a T-connector which takes a single line feed closer to the gauge unit before being split back into 2 lines again from another T-connector. One line goes to the gauge, the other to the Schraeder inflation valve.

Hi , well done. I put a scraper valve on each air line, thus control over each side. I also added a truck TPMS system, 2 off the monitor's going on the airbag valves, so can now monitored from the cab.

Mile.

 

[Two Rivers]

Semi air to an alko chassis is loads more expensive, you need to look for a green plate on the Alko chassis, normally found at the rear behind the wheels, the numbers on the plate will determine which kit will fit, This number is important

 

[Wannabee]

I also went for a simple system that was independent but without the compressor. Adjustment takes seconds with a small battery powered compressor. If you want to install the included compressor the choice is either to run heavy cables if rear mounted. Or, an airline the length of the van if front mounter in the cab somewhere. Both of which are unnecessary and more complex. Benefits as others have said were massive with much improved stability and ride. I uplated to 3850kg without problem although to be honest we were well within weight anyway.

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

 

[huck999]

Independent control is the better way to go. A simple non-return valve on each bellows line will make the system independent sample . Without them, I think that a bellow compressing on one side would also compress the bellow on the other side, effectively halving the benefit.
With gauges and a small compressor, you can also help the levelling ramps a bit or tilt the van to help empty the waste tanks and then easily reset the system when driving off.
I fitted all the gubbins of ours under the door step and just added gauges and compressor controls on the dash. Power is then taken, via a relay, from the engine battery which is under the cab floor.
Cant agree more about the improved ride and stability. Also very handy to lift the back over ramps etc.

 

[XxAnthxX]

A simple non-return valve on each bellows line will make the system independent

And impossible to release / reduce the pressure in either bag too…….Suerly?

 

[Landy Andy]

Semi air on mine, and went full system with dash mounted gauge, and controls. Compressor fitted, and adjust the pressure lots of times depending on the situation.

 

[ivorantony]

Yes that's the one they discontinued it about 7 years ago saying it was unsuitable for DIY fitting. Looks like they are doing it again.

That’s the kit I fitted to my Alko chassis Adria about 10 years back, still working fine and highly recommended,
I had no problem fitting it but have been in the motor trade all my life,

 

[Cush]

Hi , well done. I put a scraper valve on each air line, thus control over each side. I also added a truck TPMS system, 2 off the monitor's going on the airbag valves, so can now monitored from the cab.

BouncyBoatFolk dis you need to get a particular type of schrader valve to go in the airline, or are they a standard size and need no special bits to attach them together. Love the idea of a tpms on them

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

 

[monzer]

Might check you tube for any alko chasis air fitting videos. It's the kinda thing I'd like to try myself but probably a bit beyond me.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

BouncyBoatFolk dis you need to get a particular type of schrader valve to go in the airline, or are they a standard size and need no special bits to attach them together. Love the idea of a tpms on them

Hi, I had to go back to the kit supplier for an identical one to the single one sent with the original kit.
They simply insert into the 6mm pipe, and have a compression nut to hold them in place.
The TPMS was a cheapo off EBay. It took a little faffing to set up, but primaril as the concept was new to me.It's all sorted now, and quite interesting to see how much pressure is decreased in the unloaded air bag when cornering. IMHO, a very sound investment as it also keeps a check on the tyre temperature.
My schraders are located in the garage area, out of the way.I set them to 3 bar [ 42psi] and have just left them at that. The air bags do put quite an uplift on the rear end. As others have said, the improvement in ride quality and handling is very noticeable, and a worthwhile
investment.

 

[headlight]

Falcon 269 out of interest where did you fit the guage ?

 

[Falcon 269]

Falcon 269 out of interest where did you fit the guage ?

Some while ago I added an under shelf to the original one in the garage of our Adria. It's only a couple of inches deep but provides additional storage while still leaving enough headroom to fit our electric bikes into the garage. It's also proved perfect for mounting the air suspension gauge.

 

[headlight]

I'm considering fitting what you've got to my Swift Suntor.

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

 

[mick qc]

Interesting post, I have the air suspension fitted I did it myself. I have each side independent with 2 gauges because I have more weight on one side, the driver side, with two leisure batteries and the water undersung tank.
I fitted them as part of the updating to 4500kg.
I’m still in the process of trial and error as regards to how much pressure to put in each one but I’ve noticed that anywhere above 1bar the ride becomes a bit hard, or maybe it’s just my imagination

 

[Phill D]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but if you need to jack the rear end up the preferably jack undervthe rear axle beam this keeps pressure on the bag as as if the vehicle is on the road.
If you jack under the chassis it is recommended to reduce the bag pressure to around 5psi to avoid stretch / damage to the air bag.

 

[Puddleduck]

We had semi-air fitted at SAP in Doncaster. Had to take it back as there was a leak at one of the connector points but over all the ride is so much better Wish we'd had that and the self-leveling (fitted at the same time) from new.

 

[Landy Andy]

My pressure gauge and controls