Air suspension

I had the 'bag' system in my last van with the independent inflation and found it handy on uneven sites because I could self level as required.

It was approx €450-500 according to previous owner. I would perhaps advise against second hand bags,not worth the potential hassle of damaged bags/airlines and compressor pumps for the sake of saving a few quid.


Just my 2 cents.

From the outset I am by no means an expert on air suspensions.
There are a number of different types available and as to their technical names I wouldn’t even try to list them.
There is a fixed bag system, which you basically remove the rubber buffer from the chassis that is over the axel and spring clamps. Here you fit an airbag which is inflated with a tyre gauge.
The next step up is a system, similar to above, but has it's own air compressor and various trimings, like a digital display, variable load sensing valves, and so on. The more trimings the greater the price.
The final system is full air suspension. The steel springs are gone, replaced with trailing arms and air bags. This would allow for auto levelling and weight redistribution in most circumstances. Again the more bells and whistles the greater the prices.
At the end of the day, set your budget and price according .
I met a guy last year who fitted the first system that I outlined, and he spent less than €150 on parts for two fixed air bags on his back axel. His rear springs and shock absorbers were shot but the fixed air bags were significantly cheaper to remove the swaying from driving.
May I ask as to why you are thinking of an air suspension?
There are quite a few advertised on donedeal and adverts.
Malcolm

Air suspension is the way to go. It has taken over the truck side to the extent that now I regularly see trucks with front axel air suspension. It is becoming more mainstream market for disablity vehicle.
From your profile, you based in Offaly, so a trip to Bradshaws in either Tullamore or Portlaoise. Those guys should be able to new system and that would give your a secondhand value.
Happy hunting,
Malcolm

This also may be a way to go, I have always fitted them to my estate cars because I carried heavy work equipment and towed a trials car on a trailer.
Monroe RV GasMagnum Shock Absorbers

I used these from this co on a PVC about 3 yrs ago still going strong.

Some difference in prices, we have the VB Semi Air CK2 system, fitted for the previous owner by a company in Midleton and he paid €1495 in 2012. I have the receipt here in front of me, it works very well and it was a neat installation with all the bells and whistles

I have drive rite system on mine. Wouldn’t be without it. Fitted compressor and gauges myself to automate it. Based near airport in Dublin. You can buy entire kit for about €500.00. I had pipe work to suspension already in place from previous manual system

I fitted Air Bags to an Alko Chassis five years ago, they made a big difference to the ground clearance of the van, especially when boarding the boat. I got them from Marcle Leisure in the UK. Steve is a gentleman to deal with, very helpful. www.marcleleisure.co.uk 01531660797 There was no problem at the CVRT. I would'nt worry about the weight it is negligible.