Air suspension

[pandas]

Hi all, we are looking at the possibility of converting the rear suspension of our Ducato-based motorhome to what I think is called "semi air suspension", i.e. replacing the rear suspension bump stops with a pair of inflatable doughnuts on each side. AS in Warrington seem to be well regarded, but it would be much easier for us if we could find someone nearer our home - Oxfordshire/Warwickshire borders. Is anyone out there in a position to make a recommendation, please?

We had the VP semi air installed in our Hymer A Class. Really impressive, improved the ride and gave us more clearance when entering Italian ferries as we always used to ground the back.
Specialist in Bolney (near Haywards Heath) so location not ideal for you.

 

[Lucky]

I got mine fitted on the drive by Tom at TL tech. Came in at @ £450 all in as I didnt want the comprssor.

air suspension buy shop online

This is an old thread but a perennial topic so no apologises for resurrecting it and endorsing Howard's recommendation of TL Tech.

Air assist with compressor, dual guages, fully fitted, thoroughly done with no skimping on the peripherals, cost £550.

Its a one man band based in Leicester but he travels across the country.

Why pay more?

 

[Conal]

GlideRight supplied and fitted mine. I wanted them to compensate for towing a car and to raise the 2 metre back overhang for sites and ferries. To do this I will pump the airbags up to 100%. I was worried about the increase in height for the tow bar but TAS said it was fine. To be honest I have driven at 20%, 30% and 50% but I can’t feel an improvement. I didn’t have a problem before so maybe that is why?

 

[KnolePark]

At high pressure the bags are presumably more “rigid” but for us the ride feels softer like this. Is having the bags at a higher pressure and therefore with more ride height and suspension travel should the ride be softer as we feel, or should a softer ride be with low pressure in the bags?

I ask as we have the Dunlop system fitted and the ride feels softer with more pressure and ride height than when we have low pressure in the bags.

I’ve tried running at 1.5 bar all the way up to 4 bar and have settled at 3.5 bar for a fully laden van. I’d be glad for your thoughts.

 

[Landy Andy]

It’s going to be different for everyone and their vehicle. Depending on weight, tyres, suspension, and set up.

For me 7.2 mtr van used to run at 2.5 bar but now have gone up to 3 bar as have changed away from camper tyres, an improvement but can feel they are softer.

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[Peregrinator]

I had semi air fitted on my last van but the professional installer failed to mention the fact that it would leave the rear much higher than stock , thus resulting in the headlights pointing at the ground.
It definitely didn’t improve the ride either.
I think the kit was VB

Was the van empty? i.e. no bed, no cooker, no cupboards, no anything?

 

[sonar]

There are kits on eBay for £ 202.00. Inc postage. And includes a inflator pump that you can also use to inflate tyres.
but not you may have replace the fuse from the cigar socket to 15 amp .


They easy to fit the hardest part was trying to line up the first bolt on the Top plate to the top of the suspension bag
A Bit awkward. When one bolt is in the other falls into place And then the rest was easy.
a long bar on the spanner that removes the leaf spring makes getting the u bolts off easy as well.

choose carefully where your going to mount the filler / gauge.

Air Suspension KIT with Compressor for Fiat Ducato 1994-2022 - 4000kg | eBay

Fiat Ducato 1982-1994 - 1st Gen. This air kit fits to all body types and also for bothFWD and RWD. Only for rear single wheel. Fiat Ducato 1994-2006. Make/Model: FIAT Ducato. Rear Wheel Layout: Single rear wheel and Rear Double (Twin) WheelAir suspesnion kit + compressor forFiat Ducato year of...

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[iain26]

There are kits on eBay for £ 202.00. Inc postage. And includes a inflator pump that you can also use to inflate tyres.
but not you may have replace the fuse from the cigar socket to 15 amp .


They easy to fit the hardest part was trying to line up the first bolt on the Top plate to the top of the suspension bag
A Bit awkward. When one bolt is in the other falls into place And then the rest was easy.
a long bar on the spanner that removes the leaf spring makes getting the u bolts off easy as well.

choose carefully where your going to mount the filler / gauge.

Air Suspension KIT with Compressor for Fiat Ducato 1994-2022 - 4000kg | eBay

Fiat Ducato 1982-1994 - 1st Gen. This air kit fits to all body types and also for bothFWD and RWD. Only for rear single wheel. Fiat Ducato 1994-2006. Make/Model: FIAT Ducato. Rear Wheel Layout: Single rear wheel and Rear Double (Twin) WheelAir suspesnion kit + compressor forFiat Ducato year of...

www.ebay.co.uk

They look a good price.
Why did you remove the leaf spring, I though these replaced the bump stops or do you need to remove the spring for access?
They say rated at 4000kg. Does the paperwork you got clarify if this is per bag, per axle pair, or van total?

TIA

 

[sonar]

They look a good price.
Why did you remove the leaf spring, I though these replaced the bump stops or do you need to remove the spring for access?
They say rated at 400kg. Does the paperwork you got clarify if this is per bag, per axle pair, or van total?

TIA

.the air bags when fitted . The axial was then rated at 2000 kg. That’s the axial .

you don’t remove the leaf spring to do this.

this video will show and help you .

i tried to download a link but your have to search you tube for this.

Copy and paste this into YouTube.

Installing air suspension on a Citroen Relay / Boxer / Ducato / Pro Master.

 

[Manic]

I used the easiTop kit and with that kit it you don’t need to remove the spring u bolt because it clamps to the spring

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[sonar]

I used the easiTop kit and with that kit it you don’t need to remove the spring u bolt because it clamps to the spring

Not too sure if they make that version for the fiat Ducato
.

 

[iain26]

I see it now, it’s just to replace the spring bracket.
I need a bigger kit though, I need to get my axle up to 2600kg if I can.

 

[Manic]

Not too sure if they make that version for the fiat Ducato
.

I fitted Easitop to my 2001 Fiat Ducato

 

[sonar]

I see it now, it’s just to replace the spring bracket.
I need a bigger kit though, I need to get my axle up to 2600kg if I can.

The fiat ducato uses the bump stops as part of the suspension .

called bump stop spring assisters.

I am not sure if there are bigger air bags but maybe adding an extra leaf to the existing spring may help.

contact ……Sv Tech. There friendly and be able to advise you .
search on google for the contact details.

 

[RustyRuss]

I’ve seen a system that inflates either side independently but I can’t find it on eBay/amazon now. Any body fitted one? I would like to be able to lift one side of the rear axle to aid getting the vehicle level on a campsite.
Is this feasible? Doable? Advisable?

Cheers! Russ

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[RustyRuss]

Bump

 

[IRHP]

especially expensive when you consider I have mine hooked up to a 12 volt car tyre compressor which cost me less than £10.00. You could probably inflate them with a bicycle pump!

You can buts gets a bit tough over 40 psi

 

[IRHP]

I’ve seen a system that inflates either side independently but I can’t find it on eBay/amazon now. Any body fitted one? I would like to be able to lift one side of the rear axle to aid getting the vehicle level on a campsite.
Is this feasible? Doable? Advisable?

Cheers! Russ

Yes and it should be how its done otherwise on cornering air just flows from the compressed bag to the other. It can be done with separate air lines and gauges or isolating valves.

 

[RustyRuss]

Hi IRHP do you have a system fitted? If so what type and where from?

Cheers!
Russ

 

[IanF]

You can buts gets a bit tough over 40 psi

Mine easily reaches 3 bar using again a for less than £10.0 compressor

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[Puddleduck]

IanF fitted his own and will probably be able to give pointers.

Ours was done as an "add on" at SAP in Doncaster when we had auto level and uprated front springs put on our van.

Martin says it's a much better ride

EDIT: Ian beat me to it!!!!

 

[IanF]

I fitted the Easytop system, took about 3 to 4 hours including tea breaks. Not at all difficult to fit and very much worthwhile doing
Ian

 

[IRHP]

Hi IRHP do you have a system fitted? If so what type and where from?

Cheers!
Russ

Yes. Kit for Fiat Ducato from ebay, cost about £280. No compressor but 2 separate air lines and gauges. Not sure about the type but they are Rubena air bags.

 

[RustyRuss]

Hi IRHP thanks for that, I don’t suppose you have a link for who you bought the kit from? Could you send it to me please?

TIA!

Russ

 

[Fat Albert]

RustyRuss I bought the complete kit including compressor from Slovenia on eBay timpro-si seller. It ain't cheap now after the B word. Very easy to install and compressor lives behind the drivers black step insert.

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[IRHP]

Hi IRHP thanks for that, I don’t suppose you have a link for who you bought the kit from? Could you send it to me please?

TIA!

Russ

The seller was robrob444 he is still on ebay but no kits for fiat. I'd maybe go for this one but get another valve/gauge and air line. Some kits require removal of the fixing for the leaf springs others like the easytop just fit on top of the existing bracket making it easier to fit. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26477110...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

 

[Microbubbles]

Had a set fitted to my A/S Broadway just two weeks ago. So much better ride. Cost£650 supplyed and fitted. Took around 1 hour 30 mins to complete the job.

 

[Trout bum]

Hi all, we are looking at the possibility of converting the rear suspension of our Ducato-based motorhome to what I think is called "semi air suspension", i.e. replacing the rear suspension bump stops with a pair of inflatable doughnuts on each side. AS in Warrington seem to be well regarded, but it would be much easier for us if we could find someone nearer our home - Oxfordshire/Warwickshire borders. Is anyone out there in a position to make a recommendation, please?

Bought a kit from Marcel liesure and fitted myself kit was a Dunlop one very easy to fit I also fitted the air compressor under drivers seat , air suspension makes a huge difference to the ride of the van highly recommended to fit them .

 

[Headrush]

I tried to fit the easytop system myself but one of the bump stops separated from its bolt so I couldn't remove it. Got my local garage to do the work in the end.

 

[drpeej]

Hi all, we are looking at the possibility of converting the rear suspension of our Ducato-based motorhome to what I think is called "semi air suspension", i.e. replacing the rear suspension bump stops with a pair of inflatable doughnuts on each side. AS in Warrington seem to be well regarded, but it would be much easier for us if we could find someone nearer our home - Oxfordshire/Warwickshire borders. Is anyone out there in a position to make a recommendation, please?

I got mine done by Motabars in Leamington. https://motabars.co.uk/tow-bars/

Very happy with the job

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