Fitted Semi Air Suspension

[gus-lopez]

Good info It is an interesting perspective that Joe Public can slap on any DIY suspension system which may adversely affect the handling of a vehicle if not set correctly.

The UK is about one of the only countries where it can be done. Most others require the kit of whatever it is to come complete with its homologation certificate, Its CoC , which then has to be fitted by an approved garage who then supply another piece of paper stating that it has been fitted correctly & by someone who is autorised .With both pieces of paper the fitment whether, air assist, towbar, bull bars,side bars, rear cycle racks, motor bike carriers, additional driving lights , fog lights,etc;etc; can then be added to the log book.
If it isn't on the log book here it isn't legal.

For those that have fitted one of these kits how easy would it be to reverse the process and re-install the factory standard rubber bungs ? or are these damaged when you take them out ?

I ask as I couldn't get mine through it's MOT here once I've added such a kit so would need to switch it back before inspection.....

That's the problem for me but has to be done yearly once 10 years old

This is for my own learning but what approval paper/stamp do you require and to whom must it be presented.

The only reason why I ask is that the VB-Air Maunfacturer supply numerous compliance certifications with its products. I will have to dig them out to clarify the exact contents and fitting caveats etc. I'll try and read them tomorrow.

All the best,

Andrew

They do but not always for the Uk as not needed. Like when you buy a 'homologated' tow bar.In the UK it does not come with itsCoC homolgation certificate ,whereas here & in other EU countries the identical towbar is supplied with it.

I think he is referring to get weights on V5 increased axle weights, and to do that you need a plating certificate by a qualified engineer.

No just to fit almost anything requires it to be approved.I.e. you cannot fit most things yourself unless you have a mate that is approved to certify it for you.

 

[Ridgeway]

@gus-lopez yes we suffer like you regarding the official way that things are to be done here however on the semi-air suspension i've decided that i'll remove it at the time of the next control, i'll be an expert at installing it in a few years...

Just had a tow bar fitted and for that i had no choice but the go the official route and even after shopping around it cost €2k but is well done, very neat and the all the tests and approvals were included although adding it to my "Permis de circulation" was another €30.

Having been out of the UK for almost 15yrs now i shudder to think of the modifications i made to my old RS2000 in the late 80's, all would have needed a ton of paperwork here..... and it has some how made me realise that all these approvals and a having a controlled system and processes is actually a good thing.

 

[Landy Andy]

For info the Glide rite semi air, and I assume other systems, of theirs are type approved, and come with a book of certification, and sections to be filled out by installer should you wish/require it to be all approved.

 

[Tinker2]

Two on Tour, I have the same system as you. Oh forgot you fitted it for me.

 

[Ridgeway]

Quick feedback on this upgrade:

1) definitely less crashing around of stuff in the van when you go over a pot hole
2) less sofa like ride, more car like
3) less bounce when the van is parked up when people go in and out via the hab step
4) more stable on pitch, again less bounce as above

Overall the back end just doesn't bounce up and down like it used to !

Great modification and well worth it.

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

 

[Buster30]

which kit did you fit

 

[Ridgeway]

EasyTop

 

[Landy Andy]

And much better when passing lorries.

 

[bungy]

Finished fitting an easytop this morning, havent been out for a drive yet, but definately more stable now.

What bar are you folks using. Instructions say 1.5-2.5 so ive set at 2 for now until ive been for a drive about

 

[Manic]

Finished fitting an easytop this morning, havent been out for a drive yet, but definately more stable now.

What bar are you folks using. Instructions say 1.5-2.5 so ive set at 2 for now until ive been for a drive about

I run mine at anything between 2&3, depending on load in my back box.
Just a matter of trying and seeing what suits you.

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

 

[bungy]

I run mine at anything between 2&3, depending on load in my back box.
Just a matter of trying and seeing what suits you.

Is that an easytop system?

 

[Manic]

Is that an easytop system?

Yes, on a 2001 Fiat Hymer B584

 

[Landy Andy]

2-2.5 normally. But have used 6 bar when needed ??

 

[Guigsy]

EasyTop on a small PVC I'm running 2-2.5 bar. For me it's not that sensitive, so anything over 1.5 seems to prevent most of the sway and it's not until about 3.5 that the ride becomes noticeably harsh.

 

[Ridgeway]

Here 2.5 on an EasyTop fitted to a Laika Luton style van but towing a trailer as well.

It made a huge difference to ours, well worth the money !!!

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

 

[Sus3v]

Crumbs! As probably one of the least technical persons reading this forum, I have a question. We have a 5.41 fiat pvc (globecar).

Does the semiair system require pumping and faffing and/or understanding of when and how to faff about; or are any of the systems “fit and forget” or “fit and simple to understand and work”? Answers in words of one syllable please - or at least short sentences ?????

 

[Ridgeway]

Crumbs! As probably one of the least technical persons reading this forum, I have a question. We have a 5.41 fiat pvc (globecar).

Does the semiair system require pumping and faffing and/or understanding of when and how to faff about; or are any of the systems “fit and forget” or “fit and simple to understand and work”? Answers in words of one syllable please - or at least short sentences ?????

No and yes

 

[Sus3v]

No and yes

Ooh that sounds promising... i shall investigate further . Thank you ??

 

[Guigsy]

Mine is a 5.4m. It's easy to fit (particularly the EasyTop system as you don't have to remove any u-bolts). It holds pressure really well, so it would be fit-and-forget... except we frequently use it to level the van on slightly wonky sites (anything more than a few degrees and we still use ramps).

 

[Sus3v]

Mine is a 5.4m. It's easy to fit (particularly the EasyTop system as you don't have to remove any u-bolts). It holds pressure really well, so it would be fit-and-forget... except we frequently use it to level the van on slightly wonky sites (anything more than a few degrees and we still use ramps).

Thank you. It is looking like a good idea

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

 

[Manic]

Crumbs! As probably one of the least technical persons reading this forum, I have a question. We have a 5.41 fiat pvc (globecar).

Does the semiair system require pumping and faffing and/or understanding of when and how to faff about; or are any of the systems “fit and forget” or “fit and simple to understand and work”? Answers in words of one syllable please - or at least short sentences ?????

Only need attention when it’s lost a bit of pressure as shown on the systems pressure gauges , no different to your tyres.
I use a small bicycle pump to top mine up with.

 

[Mad Manx]

I've just fitted a Timpro system to my Encore 255. A couple of folk have mentioned having difficulty keeping the air bags compressed to allow them to screw in easily. I solved this by connecting the air line to the fill valve on the bag, then compressing the bag before folding over the other end of the air line, this prevented the bag re-inflating. I'm very happy with the product, which cost me £330 off eBay.

 

[Two on Tour]

I've just fitted a Timpro system to my Encore 255. A couple of folk have mentioned having difficulty keeping the air bags compressed to allow them to screw in easily. I solved this by connecting the air line to the fill valve on the bag, then compressing the bag before folding over the other end of the air line, thus prevented the bag re-inflating. I'm very happy with the product, which cost me £330 off eBay.

I fitted the Timpro kit to our MH, but I used cable ties to hold the airbags compressed while fitting them.

 

[Mad Manx]

That's a good way to do it too.

 

[PeterE1947]

I have fitted the air suspension kit from Ebay and it does the job extremely well. The only problem is removing the axle "U" bolts because they are apparently a one use item so they must be replaced. Easily done though.

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

 

[Manic]

I have fitted the air suspension kit from Ebay and it does the job extremely well. The only problem is removing the axle "U" bolts because they are apparently a one use item so they must be replaced. Easily done though.

That’s the beauty of the Easitop version, it just clamps to the spring, so no need to undo the u bolts

 

[Landy Andy]

I think it’s the nuts that are single use, not the bolts.

 

[PeterE1947]

Just try obtaining the nuts only!!?

 

[Landy Andy]

Just try obtaining the nuts only!!?

My kit came with them

 

[Ridgeway]

ok this weekend I need to remove mine, as expected it failed it’s MOT today on this and the passenger headlight being a few degrees out. On a positive note the headlight would have failed it on its own so it was worth an attempt to see if they wouldn’t notice the air suspension (I know, I know). Will double check with EasyTop on hologlomation certificates but i guess I won’t even get a reply on that one…. if I do then I’ll post on here

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