Question re sem- air suspension

[JB30]

Thinking of fitting Dunlop semi-air suspension to the rear axle. Seems to be a reasonable DIY job, I just can’t decide where to place the inflation gauge/valves inside the MH. I don’t really want to pay for the expensive dash mount bracket as I don’t necessarily consider it a great place for practical reasons. I am only considering the stage 2 setup with single gauge/2 tap arrangement. Any comments or suggestions regarding your setup/placement greatly appreciated .

 

[Bessy765]

Mine took under three hours to fit, I just brought the pipes to a nearside locker. You are only going to set them as you will not have the onboard compressor. prior to fitting them I took everything that was not a permanent fixture out of the van measured from the rear jacking points to the ground. Fitted them loaded the van up then inflated them to the same distance from the rear jacking points to the ground and found that gave the best result. From then on just a pressure check prior to setting off on a trip, never had to touch the pressure.

 

[ontheroadagain]

I fitted EasyTop semi-air to our previous motorhome.
Gauges were fixed to the seat base on the drivers side.

 

[Themselves]

Footwell nicely out the way and you can check the thing easily

 

[JB30]

Mine took under three hours to fit, I just brought the pipes to a nearside locker. You are only going to set them as you will not have the onboard compressor. prior to fitting them I took everything that was not a permanent fixture out of the van measured from the rear jacking points to the ground. Fitted them loaded the van up then inflated them to the same distance from the rear jacking points to the ground and found that gave the best result. From then on just a pressure check prior to setting off on a trip, never had to touch the pressure.

Really helpful, many thanks

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[JB30]

Thanks to ontheroadagain and Themselves for the replies and photos. I am a bit reluctant to fit in the footwell or handbrake areas in case of self inflicted damage (to me or the valves!) but I’ll have a look in more detail. Thanks again.

 

[JimmE]

We’ve not fitted yet, but I’m planning to fit ours in the rear toilet cassette locker, using that same valve/switch block. Right at the rear of the van so minimal tubing needed - left locker in this photo.

Footwell nicely out the way and you can check the thing easily View attachment 871900

 

[Mikeco]

I did not bother with the gauges and put the connectors under the rear bumper and use a tyre pressure gauge as required.

 

[IRHP]

Have you got a garage or rear locker?

 

[Orion]

Located the gauges and valves in the rear storage/garage as per my post #46 on this thread:

Can’t Fit Semi-Air Suspension on 2022 Ducato

Yes its the harsh ride a crashing when going over potholes or anything thicker than a match Yes its the harsh ride a crashing when going over potholes or anything thicker than a match I had semi Air fitted on my 2018 fiat lwb and to be honest it did help with straight line stability on the...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I have another new Dunlop twin gauge/valve combo as shown in that thread for 50% retail plus postage if you are interested? PM me if you are.

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[berni109]

Previous van as per ontheroadagain same kit. Vary rarely needed to adjust pressure.
Current van inside rear gas locker. Not needed to change pressure since fitted.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Garage for my valves, with some protection from my clumsiness.
Mike.

 

[busbuddy]

Mine are behind the rear bumper, fitted before I bought it, I only adjust them 4 or 5 times a year so it suits me

 

[Engineer999]

I had our gauges fitted in the gas locker of our Dethleffs 7051 Advantage. In my experience 2 gauges are essential to monitor the pressures, as running deflated will destroy the airbag. Also worth noting that if you set pressures in uk at 10 degrees ambient and then travel, for example to a warmer climate such as Spain, the system expands and the pressures decrease, requiring a top up. Without gauges this would not be immediately apparent. I relied on bicycle pump to inflate, although did try electric compressor, which was just doable but every time you disconnect you lose an accurate pressure reading as the gauges are on the input side of the isolation valves and rely on the Schroeder valves to maintain pressure. If doing this again, I would definitely use a permanently installed pump for ease of topping up/ adjustment without running leads to power compressors ( usually needing extension leads from cigarette lighter socket to rear of 7.2 m van).

 

[ianp]

Is the fitting of semi air worth the biscuit and if so in what ways please?

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[VXman]

My valve/guage is in the garage. I pumped it up once and that's it done. Can't see the point in messing around with it. Not worth the hassle of having it in the dash imo.

I have a portable electric (rechargeable battery) pump which I use for my bikes, motorhome tyres and the air suspension if needed. Again, having an onboard compressor seems an unnecessary addition imo.

Is the fitting of semi air worth the biscuit and if so in what ways please?

Mine was fitted to uprate my suspension to 4250 and to support a heavy garage containing motor scooters and 2 electric bikes.

 

[Landy Andy]

I wouldn’t be without the pump, as I alter so often. Also for those that don’t know the pump is surprisingly small. Only about 6” long and 3” wide, and not heavy.

 

[haganap]

If you check back through my posts you will see me install pics and how i done it diy, not a terribly difficult job.

Here's my gauges. At calais bored in the que..

 

[Rockpool]

Fitted them under the drivers seat gives me easy access to inflate or deflate. We didn’t fit a compressor as Carry one in the van anyway for the tyres .

 

[JB30]

Thanks everyone for replying, plenty of food for thought.